New Yorkers can now apply for heating assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program as cold weather settles in across the state. The HEAP program offers up to $996 per eligible household to help offset rising winter heating costs.
This year’s application window opened a month late following the 43-day federal government shutdown, which stalled the release of federal funding. HEAP, administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, is fully funded by the federal government.
Some households will automatically receive a HEAP payment based on their participation in other public benefit programs. Those payments were prepared in advance and heat suppliers will receive them directly without any action required from the household.
“As temperatures have already begun to drop, it's disgraceful that the federal government took so long to provide federal funding for critical heating assistance for families across the state,” Hochul said in a statement. “Hardworking New Yorkers count on this assistance to help with their utility bills and keep their homes warm during the cold winter months."
Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at local social services offices. Older adults can get additional application help through local offices for the aging or by calling the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.
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 Jan. 2, 2026.
More than 1.5 million households received support through the program last year and benefits are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
New York City residents can apply for HEAP through their online Human Resources Account (HRA).
