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Utilities and phone

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) (LIHEAP) in New York

New York's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) gives one regular heating benefit per season, and an Emergency HEAP benefit if your heat is shut off or you are about to run out of fuel.

Checked

From the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)
An older woman in a warm cardigan turns up the thermostat in her hallway

Regular HEAP is scheduled to open Nov. 2, 2026 and Emergency HEAP on Jan. 4, 2027, each running until funds run out. Households with someone 60 or older get an extra $35 on the regular benefit.

How to apply in New York

In person
Apply in person at your HEAP Local District Contact, the local office the state lists for your area; New York City and non-city residents both can. New York City residents can apply online at access.nyc.gov; everyone else uses myBenefits.
By mail
Outside New York City, mail the application to your HEAP Local District Contact. In New York City: HRA/HEAP, PO Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008.

Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.

Apply on the official site

Who may qualify in New York

Who may qualify for Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Gross monthly income limit, one person (2026–27)$3,563 a month for one person
Gross monthly income limit, two people (2026–27)$4,659 a month for two people
Other programsIf you get SNAP, Temporary Assistance or SSI, you may qualify regardless of income
Savings limit, regular benefitNo limit
Savings limit, Emergency HEAPUnder $3,750 if someone in the home is 60 or older or under 6; under $2,500 otherwise

Source: State of New York (NY.gov) (source 1)

What you may get

What Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) pays
Regular benefit base amounts (2025–26 amounts, the latest posted)$21 to $900 plus add-ons, depending on how you pay for heat and your fuel: $400 for electric or gas, $635 for wood or coal, $900 for oil, kerosene or propane
Extra for older adults$35 more if the household includes someone 60 or older, under 6, or permanently disabled; $61 more for the lowest income tier
Emergency HEAP (2025–26 amounts)$185 to $900, depending on the emergency and fuel, if your heat or the electricity that runs it is shut off or scheduled to be, or you have less than a quarter tank of oil, kerosene or propane

Source: State of New York (NY.gov) (source 1)

Dates, renewals and waiting lists

Dates and renewals
Regular HEAP opening (2026–27)Scheduled to open Nov. 2, 2026, and runs into the winter until funds run out
Emergency HEAP opening (2026–27)Scheduled to open Jan. 4, 2027

Source: State of New York (NY.gov) (source 1)

How New York is different

Where New York's rules differ from the federal rules for LIHEAP heating and cooling help.

  • Households with someone 60 or older get a $35 add-on to the regular benefit.
  • There is no savings limit for the regular benefit; Emergency HEAP allows up to $3,750 in resources if someone is 60 or older.
  • SNAP, Temporary Assistance and SSI households may qualify without an income test.

Source: State of New York (NY.gov) (source 1)

Good to know

  • In New York City, call 718-557-1399 for help with Emergency HEAP. Outside the city, call your HEAP Local District Contact.
  • You should hear whether you qualify within 30 business days after your local district gets your application.
  • The OTDA hotline is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Source: State of New York (NY.gov) (source 1)

Free help

Free help with this in New York

More help in New York

Help with heating and cooling bills in another state

Sources

  1. State of New York (NY.gov), Apply for Heating Assistance (HEAP) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.

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