HEAP Applications Now Open

(Dec. 2, 2025) Governor Hochul has announced that New Yorkers can now begin applying for heating assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to help offset the cost of heating their homes during the winter. The program can provide up to $996 to eligible households, depending on how they heat their home.

The opening of the HEAP application period was pushed back by a month, as temperatures began to drop, due to the 43-day shutdown of the federal government. The program, overseen by the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), is 100% federally funded.

Many households automatically receive a HEAP payment due to their enrollment in other programs. According to Governor Hochul’s office, OTDA prepared those automatic payments ahead of time, and these households can expect a HEAP payment to be made to their heat supplier without needing to apply or take any additional action.

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.

Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services and can be submitted online, through the mail, or in person. Additionally, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

HEAP benefit amounts vary – with a maximum of $996 – based on income, household size, heating source, and if the household contains a vulnerable member. Governor Hochul is also urging more New Yorkers to enroll in the NYS Energy Affordability Program (EAP), which provides up to $500 in annual discounts on energy bills. The state’s EAP already serves approximately 1 million households statewide, but officials estimate that approximately 1.5 million more households are eligible to receive a discount. Visit ny.gov/EAP to learn about eligibility and enrollment.

Contact: Annalyse Komoroske Denio, akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866