CANTON -- The state is making $15 million in additional funding available to help eligible New Yorkers heat their homes following a spate of severe weather over the past month, said a press release from the governor’s office.

Starting Tuesday, Feb. 19, households in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off may apply for a second emergency benefit through the Home Energy Assistance Program.

In addition, the application period for both regular and emergency HEAP benefits has been extended until April 26.

Households are ordinarily only eligible to receive one regular HEAP benefit each winter, and then one emergency HEAP benefit in the event of an energy crisis, the press release said.

Beginning Feb. 19, households that have already received a regular and emergency benefit during this HEAP season will be able to apply for additional assistance if they are faced with the possibility of having a utility shut off or running out of heating fuel without the means to replenish it.

New York State's persistently cold temperatures and snowfall in recent weeks have been comparable to last winter - one of the coldest on record. The statewide demand for emergency HEAP benefits remains high, with more than 35,000 households seeking assistance so far this year.

Though temperatures remained seasonally mild to start the winter, a polar vortex plunged New York into a deep freeze in January, where temperatures in many areas of the state dipped below zero.

Additionally, several winter storm systems brought significant accumulations of snow throughout the state, including a lake-effect band that set a daily snowfall record in Buffalo late last month.

The amount a household receives from HEAP depends on their income, household size and how the home is heated.

A family of four can have a household income of up to $55,178 per year, or $4,598 per month, and still qualify for help.

A household that heats with oil could receive more than $2,200 in total assistance this winter.

Overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, HEAP is 100 percent federally funded.

Applications for emergency HEAP are accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone.

St. Lawrence HEAP contacts are St Lawrence County HEAP contacts include: Department of Social Services, St Lawrence County Department of Social Services, 6 Judson St., Canton, 315-379-2303, Monday-Friday; alternate certifier St Lawrence County CDP (Gouverneur Neighborhood Center), 1 Commerce Lane, Canton, 315-287-3370, Monday-Friday; and after hours emergency contact St Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, 315-379-2222.

New York State also provides other types of home energy support for low income families that can help them save energy, improve their home, and save money.

EmPower New York, through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, provides no-cost energy efficiency solutions to nearly 135,000 income-eligible New Yorkers who either own or rent homes.

More information is available at www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/EmPower-New-York.