- Equal Justice Under Law
HEAP Benefits Update: 2022-2023 Cooling Assistance benefit is scheduled to open SOON!
May 2023 Affordable Housing Updates
April 28, 2023Important Information for Non-Disability SSI Appeals!
April 28, 2023The Emergency and Second Emergency HEAP benefit for 2022-2023 closed on April 28th, 2023. The 2022-2023 Cooling Assistance benefit is scheduled to open on May 1, 2023. If you or a client are eligible, you may receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for purchasing and installing an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool. When an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be provided. Only one air conditioner or fan will be provided per applicant household, not to exceed $800 with installation for a window, portable air conditioner, or fan and not to exceed $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.
NSLS’ Public Benefits Unit provides legal assistance to persons who experience problems with public benefits programs that are administered by the local Departments of Social Services, including:
- Welfare (TANF and Safety Net)
- Medicaid
- Food Stamps (SNAP)
- Child Care Assistance
- HEAP
- Emergency shelter for the homeless
- Unemployment insurance appeals and overpayments
- Other emergency assistance programs
We also assist low-income households in establishing Supplemental Needs Trusts to eliminate the Medicaid spend-down and assist homeless families to obtain rent supplements from DSS to enable families to leave the shelters or retain permanent housing. Suffolk residents west of 112 can call 631-232-2400 and east of 112 can call 631-369-1112. Nassau residents can call 516-292-8100.