Low income families and senior citizens can get help to pay home heating costs this winter.

Applications are being accepted for the Home Energy Assistance Program or HEAP.

HEAP provides grants to help people pay for heating costs.

Also, emergency benefits to pay for heating in a crisis, such as running out of fuel or having your electricity shut off.

"It also does cover furnace replacement and repair for low income households so anyone who might need a new furnace or furnace repairs can also apply through HEAP to have that looked at as well," says Cindy Nord, of the Department of Social Services.

Requirements have changed this year.

The program has raised the household income limit to make more families eligible.

For example, a family of four with an income of 46-thousand dollars or less is now eligible for HEAP.

Last year, New York issued more than 1 point 5 million dollars in benefits.

To check to see if you meet the requirements visit mybenefits.ny.gov.