Advocates Push for Automatic Enrollment in Utility Assistance Programs to Aid New York Households

Advocates in New York are pushing for legislation that aims to allow households in the state to have automatic enrollment in utility assistance.

New York lawmakers and advocates for ratepayers are calling for legislation that would create a system of “benefits matching” meant to connect households in the state with help paying their utility bills. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Automatic Enrollment in Utility Assistance Programs

State Senator Kevin Parker and Assemblymember Michaelle Solages are leading the charge for a system of “benefits matching” that would automatically allow households in the New York State to have automatic enrollment in utility assistance.

AARP New York and the Public Utility Law Project have highlighted the fact that despite being eligible, 1.1 million households in the state are not receiving the benefits they need to pay their utility bills. In total, 1.2 million households are behind on their payments, with a collective debt of $1.7 billion.

This proposal that will allow households in the state to have automatic enrollment in utility assistance comes at a time when households are grappling with the broader consequences of rising inflation, which has affected the cost of gas, groceries, and other essential items, Spectrum News reported.

As Assemblymember Solages explained, “Rising utility costs are creating hardship for families across our state.” She further emphasized that many low-income families who already receive public assistance fail to obtain home energy assistance simply because they do not complete additional paperwork.

By leveraging technology and shared data, the proposed legislation seeks allow households in the state to have automatic enrollment in utility assistance Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), ultimately saving them money on utility bills.

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Who is Eligible to Avail the Automatic Enrollment in Utility Assistance Programs?

Currently, New Yorkers who receive support under the federal Home Energy Assistance Program are automatically enrolled in their utility’s assistance program.

However, low-income utility customers who are not part of the program must navigate the enrollment process on their own.

AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel supports the legislation, stating, “This is a straightforward fix that would help over a million low-income New York households pay their utility bills.”

Finkel also highlighted the success of a similar benefits matching program in New York City, suggesting that the concept should be applied to more benefits programs statewide.

Passing the Parker-Solages bill into law would be a crucial first step in alleviating the burden faced by low-income households in New York.

By simplifying the enrollment process and leveraging technology, this legislation has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of countless New Yorkers, ensuring they receive the utility assistance they need.

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