NEW YORK (PIX11) – New Yorkers who can’t afford heat in the winter may be out of luck as the government shutdown is threatening funding for the state’s Home Energy Assistance Program, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul.

She said HEAP benefits helped nearly 1 million New York City families and 70,000 Long Island households keep their homes warm during last winter. The maximum benefit households would’ve gotten was $996.

The government shutdown is expected to delay funding for the program by weeks, according to Hochul. Now, New Yorkers who would’ve had the opportunity to apply in early November are forced to wait until the middle of the month at the earliest.

Families usually get one regular HEAP benefit per season, while also possibly being eligible for an emergency HEAP benefit if they run

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