Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps residents with low-income pay their energy bills. Managed by Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and administered through local district agencies, HEAP provides financial help to eligible families to help cover home energy costs, especially heating during the colder months.

Since funding is limited, the type and amount of assistance you receive depends on your household and available funding.

How does New York HEAP work?

New York HEAP is a federally funded program that helps residents with low incomes pay their heating and cooling bills. This support can help reduce the risk of utility shut offs and keep your home safe and comfortable during extreme temperatures. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for one or more types of help through the program. In most cases, payments are sent directly to your utility or fuel provider.

Types of help include:

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Regular HEAP benefit: Helps pay part of your heating bill by sending money to your energy provider. The 2025–2026 season is scheduled to close on April 10, 2026.

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Cooling Assistance: May help provide an air conditioner or fan, including installation, for eligible households. Opens April 15, 2026.

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Emergency HEAP: Helps if you are in a heating emergency, like if your heat is shut off or about to be shut off.

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Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement: Helps fix or replace your furnace, boiler, or other heating equipment needed to keep your home warm.

Who can get help from HEAP?

Each New York HEAP benefit has its own eligibility rules, but they all require the following:

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At least one member of your household must be a U.S. citizen or meet eligible non-citizen requirements

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Your household income is within program limits for your household size

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You are responsible for paying your heating or cooling bills

Note: Each benefit has its own eligibility rules, and some may have extra requirements, like age or medical needs. Check benefit-specific requirements here.

How do I apply for New York HEAP?

There are several ways to apply, depending on which HEAP benefit you need:

For Regular HEAP (heating help) and Cooling Assistance benefits, you can apply:

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Online through ACCESS HRA if you live in New York City or myBenefits.ny.gov if you live outside the city

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By phone by calling your district HEAP office

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In person at your local HEAP office

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By mail by downloading and printing an application here. Once completed, mail your application to your local HEAP office. For New York City residents, mail to:

NYC DSS/HRA/HEAP

PO Box 1401

Church Street Station

New York, NY 10008

For Emergency HEAP and Heating Equipment Repair/Replacement benefits:

You can apply in person or by phone by first contacting your district HEAP office.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways you can get help applying for New York HEAP. You can:

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Contact your district HEAP office

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Call the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.

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Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you.https://benefitscheckup.org/article/how-to-find-a-benefits-enrollment-center-near-youSee if there’s one in your area.

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NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559).

What if I cannot get help from New York HEAP?

1. Talk to your utility company

Call your utility provider and explain that you are having trouble paying your energy bills. Many utility companies in New York have programs for low-income households that offer lower rates or payment plans.

2. Look for other assistance programs in New York

There are other local or state programs that may help you lower your heating and energy bills. You may be eligible for emergency assistance through Temporary Assistance, also known as Public Assistance (PA). For more information on emergency assistance through PA visit the Temporary Assistance webpage or by contacting your Local Departments of Social Services (DSS).

3. Contact a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)

These local centers help older adults and people with disabilities find programs to afford food, health care, and energy bills. You can contact a BEC in your area for guidance and support.