More New Yorkers will qualify for state checks to help pay winter heating bills this year because the maximum income to qualify for the program is higher.

Anthony Farmer, a spokesman for the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, says a family of four may qualify for help if they make up to $3,776 per month, or more than $45,000 a year. Last year, the same family could make no more than $3,609 per month — just over $43,000 a year — to qualify.

A spokesman for Gov. David Paterson says the state is asking for more than $100 million in additional federal funding to help New Yorkers this winter.

New Yorkers can go to http://www.otda.state.ny.us/main/heap/ to find out if they are eligible, or call the toll-free Temporary Assistance Hot line at 1-800-342-3009.