New York Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Quick Facts

• Program scope: Helps households pay heating bills, keep utilities on, repair or replace heating equipment, and cool their homes during summer.
• Benefit tiers: Regular (basic) benefit, Emergency HEAP, Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR), Clean and Tune, and Cooling Assistance.
• Administration: Local Departments of Social Services (LDSS) and Human Resources Administration (HRA) in NYC, overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
• Funding cycles: Regular HEAP typically opens in November and closes in March or when funds are exhausted. Emergency benefits open in January; cooling assistance usually opens in May.
• Target households: Low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, and vulnerable individuals who cannot afford heating or cooling costs.

Program Overview

New York’s HEAP is one of the most comprehensive energy assistance programs in the nation. Funded by federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) dollars with state supplements, HEAP offers multiple benefit components tailored to year-round energy challenges. Regular benefits provide a credit toward utility bills or deliverable fuel purchases. Emergency HEAP prevents shutoffs or fuel run-outs. Specialized components repair furnaces, clean heating systems, and provide air conditioners for medically vulnerable households.

The program operates statewide through county social services departments. Applicants can file online (for some components), mail in applications, or visit local offices. HEAP benefits do not need to be repaid. However, you must reapply each season, and funding can run out, so timing matters.

Eligibility Requirements

Income and Categorical Eligibility

• Households must meet income limits based on household size. Limits are posted annually; for 2024–2025, a household of four can earn up to approximately $71,000 gross annually.
• Households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance (TA), or SSI Living Alone status are categorically eligible and automatically qualify for regular HEAP.
• Income includes wages, Social Security, unemployment, pensions, child support, and self-employment earnings. Documentation is required for each household member.

Energy Responsibility

• You must pay directly for heating or cooling costs or have them included in rent. If heat is included in rent, you may still qualify if rent is more than 30% of your income and you are responsible for electric bills.
• Acceptable heating sources include utility gas or electric heat, oil, propane, kerosene, wood, coal, pellets, or corn.

Citizenship and Residency

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, qualified aliens, or meet immigration requirements and reside in New York State.
• Social Security numbers are required for all household members.

Benefit Components

Regular Benefit

• Provides a one-time grant paid directly to your utility or fuel vendor. The amount depends on fuel type, household size, income, and presence of vulnerable individuals (under age six, age 60+, or disabled).
• Utility customers see a credit on their bill; deliverable fuel households receive authorizations for fuel delivery.

Emergency HEAP

• Available when you face a heating emergency such as imminent shutoff, low fuel, or lack of funds to fix heating equipment.
• Requires proof of the emergency (shutoff notice, utility termination notice, or delivery invoice showing low fuel).
• You must exhaust regular HEAP benefits first and contribute available resources above $2,500 ($3,750 for households with a vulnerable member).

Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR)

• Provides up to $4,000 for repair and $8,000 for replacement of primary heating equipment (furnace, boiler, heat pump) owned by the applicant.
• Requires an energy assessment from a licensed contractor. The program pays vendors directly.

Clean and Tune

• Covers up to $500 to clean primary heating equipment, replace filters and nozzles, and tune systems for efficiency. Available once every five years.

Cooling Assistance

• Offers a window, portable, or through-the-wall air conditioner, or fan/air purifier combo up to $800 (including installation) for households with medically documented cooling needs.
• Requires a vulnerable household member (medical condition worsened by heat, or member over 60 or under six with risk factors).

Application Process

1. Check opening dates: Visit OTDA’s website or call the HEAP hotline (800-342-3009). Mark your calendar for program openings.
2. Gather documentation: Proof of identity, Social Security numbers, residence, fuel or utility bills, income for all household members, and medical documentation for cooling or equipment benefits.
3. Apply:
   • Online: myBenefits.ny.gov allows online applications for regular HEAP in most counties.
   • Mail: Download the HEAP application, complete, and mail to your LDSS.
   • In person: Visit your LDSS or in NYC, an HRA HEAP office.
4. Interview: Some counties require interviews by phone or in person. Respond promptly.
5. Vendor agreements: Ensure your utility or fuel vendor participates in HEAP. Most major vendors do, but confirm to avoid delays.
6. Follow up: Track application status. Provide additional documents within 10 days if requested. Failure to respond results in denial.
7. Receive benefit: Approved households receive a notice and see a credit on bills or receive delivery authorization codes.

Strategies to Maximize HEAP

• Apply early: Funds are limited. Submit applications as soon as the season opens.
• Combine with energy efficiency programs: Coordinate HEAP with Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) or EmPower New York for long-term efficiency upgrades.
• Budget billing: Request utility budget billing to spread costs evenly after HEAP pays a portion.
• Stay in touch with vendors: Alert your fuel provider when HEAP authorizes deliveries to ensure timely service.
• Document medical needs: For cooling assistance, obtain a doctor’s note specifying the condition exacerbated by heat.
• Reapply annually: Benefits are not automatic. Set reminders every fall and spring for heating and cooling seasons.

Common Pitfalls

• Incomplete applications: Missing signatures or documents cause delays. Double-check before submitting.
• Not reporting changes: If income or household composition changes, inform your LDSS. Failure to do so can lead to overpayment recovery.
• Using benefits for non-primary residences: HEAP is for your main home only.
• Ignoring vendor deadlines: Fuel vendors may have scheduling limits. Call early to avoid run-outs during storms.
• Assuming emergency funds are endless: Emergency HEAP is limited. Plan ahead and maintain minimal savings for contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can renters qualify if heat is included in rent? Yes, if rent exceeds 30% of your income and you pay for electricity. Provide your lease and utility bills.

Does HEAP affect SNAP or cash assistance? No. HEAP is non-taxable and does not count as income for other benefit programs.

Can I receive multiple emergency benefits? You may receive more than one emergency grant per season if funds are available and you demonstrate ongoing emergencies, but OTDA may require budgeting steps.

Do I have to repay HEAP? No repayment is required as long as you meet eligibility and use funds for energy costs.

Is there help for energy conservation? Yes. OTDA partners with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to provide energy efficiency upgrades. Ask your LDSS for referrals.

Additional Resources

• HEAP Program Website
• HEAP Hotline: 1-800-342-3009.
• NYC HEAP: Call 212-331-3126 or visit nyc.gov/HEAP for city-specific instructions.
• Weatherization Assistance: Contact your local Weatherization subgrantee listed on OTDA’s site.
• EmPower New York: Administered by NYSERDA for energy efficiency upgrades—call 1-877-NYSMART.

New York’s HEAP provides multiple layers of protection against energy insecurity. By applying promptly, maintaining documentation, and coordinating with complementary programs, households can secure critical heating and cooling support year after year.