More than $325 million in funding is available to help elderly and low- and moderate-income New Yorkers heat their homes this winter. Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program, known as HEAP, were accepted beginning Nov. 14.

Eligible households can receive a one-time benefit of up to $626, depending on income, household size, and heating source. A family of four can have a household income of up to $53,076 annually, or $4,423 a month, and still qualify for help.

Last winter, more than 1.4 million households received assistance from the federally-funded program. Households in the Capital Region received $65,538, according to a release from the governor’s office.

Anyone living outside of New York City can apply for a regular Home Energy Assistance benefit online at myBenefits.ny.gov/.

The program is overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, but applications are accepted at local departments of social services.

Additionally, households may also qualify for an emergency benefit if they are at risk of getting their heat shut off or running out of fuel. Applications for emergency benefits will be accepted beginning Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017. Anyone in need of emergency assistance should contact their local department of social services.