NY A09121

Establishes a state emergency home energy assistance program benefit for households eligible for the low-income home energy assistance program (HEAP) who face utility shut-off or energy emergencies due to nonpayment.

Applicants must document they receive a regular HEAP benefit that is insufficient or unavailable and meet one of five conditions: currently without heating fuel, have less than seven days of fuel supply, had heat service disconnected, face imminent disconnection, or have arrears over 60 days or exceeding $300.

Authorizes social services districts to make one or more household payments per program year aligned with an emergency benefits matrix developed annually by the Department of Public Service, subject to federal fund availability.

Takes effect 30 days after enactment, with authorization for immediate rule and regulation adoption necessary for implementation.