NY A04956

Establishes an emergency heating energy assistance program benefit administered by the Commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance for households eligible for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

Provides emergency assistance to households threatened with utility shut-off or experiencing energy emergencies due to nonpayment of heating-related utility bills.

Requires applicants to document that their regular HEAP benefit is insufficient and that they either lack heating fuel, have less than seven days of fuel supply, have had heat service disconnected, face imminent disconnection, or have utility arrears exceeding 60 days or $300.

Allows social services districts to authorize one or more household payments per program year in amounts determined by the Department of Public Service's emergency benefits matrix, subject to federal fund availability.

Takes effect thirty days after enactment, with authority for necessary regulatory implementation before that date.