Brooklyn families can now apply for financial assistance with winter heating costs through New York State’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which opened for the 2026-27 season on Nov. 2.
State Sen. Kevin S. Parker, chairman of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, is encouraging eligible residents to apply early as benefits are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The program is expected to assist approximately 1.5 million New Yorkers with heating expenses this winter.
“No New Yorker should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table,” Sen. Parker said in the governor’s announcement. “As heating costs continue to rise, we must stand together as a community to ensure our seniors, working families, and most vulnerable neighbors are not left out in the cold. I urge every eligible New Yorker to apply for HEAP beginning Nov. 2 and I encourage our community organizations, local leaders, and service providers to help spread the word and connect residents with the assistance they need.”
Eligible households heating with oil, kerosene or propane can receive a base benefit of up to $990, while those using wood, pellets or coal may qualify for up to $700.
Additional assistance may be available to qualifying households with lower incomes and those with members who are 60 or older, under age 6 or permanently disabled. Depending on eligibility, total benefits can reach $1,086.
The assistance is particularly important for Brooklyn's working families and older residents as rising energy costs place additional pressure on household budgets. A family of four earning up to $82,230 annually, or $6,852 per month, may qualify.
More than 1.1 million households receiving SNAP or Public Assistance are also eligible for automatic HEAP assistance and generally do not need to submit a separate application.
New York City residents can apply online through ACCESS HRA at nyc.gov/accesshra. Additional program information is available at ny.gov/HEAP.
Older adults needing application assistance can contact the NY Connects Helpline at 1-800-342-9871 or their local office for the aging. Residents who need further guidance can also contact Parker's district office at 718-629-6401.
Emergency HEAP applications for households experiencing heating-related crises will open Jan. 4, 2027. Eligible homeowners can also seek assistance with heating system cleaning, maintenance, repairs or replacement.
Churches, tenant associations, block organizations and other neighborhood groups are encouraged to share program information to help ensure eligible Brooklyn residents are aware of the available assistance.
