New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Opens on November 2
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will open on November 2, providing financial assistance to help New Yorkers pay their heating bills amid rising utility and heating fuel costs driven by President Trump’s War in Iran and federal economic policies. In response to rising fuel costs, Governor Hochul also directed State officials to increase the HEAP benefit amount for New Yorkers who have their heating fuel delivered to their home. More than 1.5 million HEAP benefits were issued last heating season, and a similar number are expected to be issued this winter.
“While Trump and Washington Republicans keep driving up fuel and utility costs, I’m staying focused on helping New Yorkers keep more money in their pockets,” Governor Hochul said. “As the weather gets colder, my administration is ensuring New Yorkers can utilize the Home Energy Assistance Program to help heat their homes and address rising costs.”
Most households receiving HEAP get it automatically without needing to apply or take any additional action due to their enrollment in other assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Public Assistance (PA). The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) prepares these automatic payments ahead of time so that, once the program opens, the payments can be promptly and automatically issued to more than 1.1 million low- and middle-income households and older adults to help keep their homes warm this winter in the face of skyrocketing energy costs.
Households that do not automatically receive assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can begin applying on November 2. State officials estimate that hundreds of thousands of additional households are expected to apply for HEAP benefits.
The benefit amounts vary based on income, household size, heating source, and if the household includes a vulnerable member. A family of four can have a gross monthly income up to $6,852, or an annual gross income of up to $82,230, and still qualify for assistance.
In New York and nationally, heating fuel prices have been on the rise as President Trump's war in Iran drags on, with heating oil prices up 67 percent and kerosene up 50 percent compared to last year. As winter approaches, many older adults, working families, and others are left struggling to make tough budget choices.
In response, New York State has increased base HEAP benefit amounts for recipients who have their heating fuel delivered to enable them to purchase a minimum delivery of fuel, given the price increases. The benefit amount for those who heat with oil, kerosene, or propane has been increased by $90, to $990, and the amount for those who heat with wood, pellets, and coal increased by $65 to $700.
In addition, all households that pay directly for heat can also receive an extra $61 if the household’s income is at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level for the household size. They can also receive an extra $35 in assistance if the household includes anyone 60 or older, under age 6, or permanently disabled.
Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services and can be submitted online, through the mail or in person. New Yorkers can visit ny.gov/HEAP to learn more and apply. Additionally, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871. The New York State Office for the Aging also has a series of tutorials on its website to assist older adults in applying for benefits, including a video on applying for HEAP.
Eligible households can receive one Regular HEAP benefit per season and could also be eligible for an Emergency HEAP benefit if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility services shut off. Applications for the additional emergency benefits will be accepted beginning January 4, 2027.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “New Yorkers who need help paying to keep their homes heated this winter season can receive vital financial support from HEAP. This benefit is particularly valuable during a time when households are facing rising energy costs. Help is available and we encourage those in need to apply as soon as possible as HEAP benefits are available for low- and middle-income households on a first-come, first-served basis.”
New York State Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen said, “No older adult should have to worry about staying warm during the winter. For older people living on fixed incomes, rising heating costs can be a serious burden, and cold temperatures can pose added health risks. Older adults and other eligible New Yorkers should apply as soon as possible to access this vital health and safety benefit.”
New York State Department of Public Service Chair and CEO Rory M. Christian said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the Home Energy Assistance Program helps New Yorkers lower their utility bills at a time when household budgets are stretching every dollar. As the days get colder and there is a greater need for heating, this program can help offset costs of keeping homes at comfortable temperatures.”
Beyond helping to defray energy costs, HEAP will also support New Yorkers whose equipment is in need of cleaning and/or repairs. Eligible homeowners can also now apply to have their primary heating equipment inspected and cleaned through the HEAP Heating Equipment Clean and Tune benefit. Homeowners with inoperable heating equipment can also apply to have their heating equipment repaired or replaced through HEAP’s Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program. Applicants for these benefits should contact their local department of social services for more information.
Regional Breakdown of the Approximately 1.5 Million HEAP Benefits Issued During Last Year’s Heating Season
- Capital District: 64,914
- Central New York: 54,886
- Finger Lakes: 84,288
- Hudson Valley: 95,898
- Long Island: 71,406
- Mohawk Valley: 47,952
- New York City: 927,691
- North Country: 40,339
- Southern Tier: 54,480
- Western New York: 132,462
- Total: 1,574,316