ALBANY, N.Y. — New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is opening soon, offering financial help for heating bills.
HEAP will open Monday. Nov. 2. Most households receiving HEAP get it automatically because they are enrolled in other assistance programs like SNAP or Public Assistance, and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance prepares these payments ahead of time.
According to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office, more than 1.1 million low- and middle-income households and older adults are expected to get automatic payments once the program opens.
Households not automatically enrolled can start applying Nov. 2. The benefit amounts depend on income, household size, heating source, and whether 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 up to $82,230, and still qualify for assistance.
Last heating season, over $84,200 households in the Finger Lakes got HEAP benefits, according to Hochul’s Office.
Applications are accepted at local departments of social services and can be submitted online, by mail, or in person. More information and applications are available here. Older adults needing help can contact their local office for the aging or the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.
Eligible households can get one Regular HEAP benefit per season and may qualify for an Emergency HEAP benefit if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or losing utility service. Applications for emergency benefits will be accepted starting Jan. 4, 2027.
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