Social Security Benefits for Family Members of the Retired or Disabled Beneficiaries
January 31, 2025Legal Services of Long Island Public Benefits Unit Will Now Provide Advice and Counsel or Representation to Eligible Nassau County Residents
January 31, 2025HEAP Opened on November 1st, 2024
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income people pay
the cost of heating their homes. If you are eligible, you may receive one
regular HEAP benefit per season and could also be eligible for an emergency
HEAP benefit if you are in impending danger of running out of fuel or having your utility
service shut off. This benefit is only open from November 1st through the winter or until
funding runs out. Eligible New Yorkers can get up to $1,000 to cover heating bills, $4,000 to
repair a boiler, and $8,000 for a boiler replacement. To learn more or to apply, please visit the
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website or go to your local Department of
Social Services office in Suffolk or Nassau.
The 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 in obtaining rent supplements from DSS to enable families to leave
the shelters or retain permanent housing. Nassau residents can call 516-292-8100 and Suffolk residents can
call 631-232-2400.
