National Grid is urging its Capital Region customers who need help paying their energy bill to apply now for federally funded assistance through The Home Energy Assistance Program and the Emergency HEAP program.

While the deadline has been extended to Aug. 31, to assist those whose finances have been impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, customers are encouraged to apply immediately as funding is limited. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

HEAP helps income-eligible families pay their energy bills and offers relief for households in a heating or heating-related energy emergency. The funds do not need to be paid back.

The level of funding varies depending on household income, household composition, and heating fuel type in relation to income. The income requirement is based on the past four weeks of household income.

For example, a family of four with a four-week gross income before deductions of up to $5,019, could be eligible for HEAP. Customers who may not have been eligible in the past are encouraged to apply.

Customers who receive HEAP funding also will be automatically enrolled in National Grid’s Energy Affordability Program, which provides monthly bill credits.

National Grid has created a one-stop location (https://www.nationalgridus.com/Upstate-NY-Home/Bill-Help/Grant-Programs) with all the information customers need to apply for the grants, including eligibility information, materials needed for the application process, links to applications for HEAP, Emergency HEAP, and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website.

National Grid also encourages its customers in the Capital Region to check their eligibility for the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program which, among other aid, covers up to 12 months of utility arrears payments for New York households in need, regardless of immigration status.