Residents in New York state can now fill out applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) after a month-long delay related to the federal government shutdown.

The application period to apply for heating assistance opened Monday , according to the state office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website.

HEAP helps low-and-moderate-income residents pay their heating bills.

The application period for the federally funded program was due to begin Nov. 3 in the National Grid service area in Upstate New York but was delayed because of the shutdown.

The application will remain open until money for the program is gone, said Justin Sayles, a spokesperson for Onondaga County.

The Onondaga County Department of Social Services suggested residents apply as soon as possible.

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