Home Energy Assistance Program

Cash & expenses | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)

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The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps cover heating and cooling costs and prevents utility shutoffs.

Heads Up

HEAP pays for fuel, utilities, and heating and cooling equipment repairs or replacement. Payments go directly to your utility company or energy provider. You can get HEAP even if utilities are included in your rent.HEAP has several components:
  • Regular Benefit|Applications for the 2025-2026 winter heating season are now open. Benefits are first-come, first-serve, so (https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/) apply today on ACCESS HRA (https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/default.asp?county=32#result) . Applications close April 7, 2026 or when funds run out.What: A one-time benefit that can help you pay for heating your homeWhen: Typically early fall through early spring
  • Emergency Benefit|Applications opened on January 2, 2026. Visit or call your local HEAP office (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/cooling-assistance-benefit) to apply.What: Helps you heat your home if you're in a heat- or heat-related emergency and you have already used up the regular HEAP benefit. You can also get help relocating to temporary housing if your current living situation puts your health or safety at risk.When: Winter
  • Heating Equipment Repair & Replacement Benefit|Applications opened December 11, 2025. Call DSS One (718) 557-1399 to apply. What: Helps homeowners ages 60 and older repair or replace furnace, boiler, and other essential heating equipmentWhen: Winter/spring
  • Clean and Tune Benefit|2026 applications coming soon.What: Helps homeowners get energy-efficient upgrades, including:
  • primary heating equipment cleaning
  • chimney cleaning
  • minor repairs
  • carbon monoxide detector installationWhen: Winter/spring
  • Cooling Assistance Benefit|Applications open April 15, 2026.What: Helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fanWhen: Spring/summer

    • Eligibility

    Eligibility for the Regular HEAP benefit is based on:

  • the presence of a household member who is under age 6, age 60 or older or permanently disabled
  • the primary heating source
  • income and household sizeYour household may be eligible for a Regular HEAP benefit if: 
  • A member of your household is a United States Citizen or Qualified Non-Citizen 
  • You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or 
  • You receive Temporary Assistance (TA) or 
  • You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone) 
  • Your household’s gross monthly income is at or below the current income guides for your household size based on this table:
  • Household Size|Maximum Monthly Gross Income for 2024-2025
  • 1|$3,322
  • 2|$4,345
  • 3|$5,367
  • 4|$6,390
  • 5|$7,412
  • 6|$8,434
  • 7|$8,626
  • 8|$8,818
  • 9|$9,010
  • 10|$9,201
  • 11|$9,393
  • 12|$9,585
  • 13|$9,952
  • For each additional person, add:|Add $672
  • Your household may be eligible for Emergency HEAP benefits if you can answer yes to these questions:
  • Do any of these apply to you?
  • The electricity that runs your heating system or thermostat is shut off or scheduled to be shut off.
  • Your heat has been turned off or is in danger of being turned off.
  • You are out of fuel or you have less than a quarter tank of fuel.
  • Is your heating or electric bill in your name?
  • Are your household's available resources:
  • less than $3,750 if it includes someone 60 or older, or under age 6?
  • less than $2,500 if it doesn't include someone 60 or older, or under age 6?
  • Do you meet one of these income guidelines?
  • You receive SNAP benefits, Temporary Assistance, or Code A Supplemental Security Income.
  • Your family is at or under the following gross monthly income guidelines for your household size in the table above.

    Required Documents

    To apply for HEAP, at least one household member will need a valid Social Security Number (SSN).You will also need to give documents that show:

  • the identity of the people who live with you: such as a birth certificate, driver's license, US passport, or naturalization certificate
  • where you live: such as current rent receipt or lease
  • your income: such as pay stubs
  • your fuel or utility expenses: such as a recent bill or statement from your landlord stating that utilities are included in your rent.
  • disability status: if someone in your household has a disability.

    Get Help

  • Visit the OTDA website for HEAP (https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/) to learn more about this program.
  • Call 718-557-1399 for help with HEAP.
  • Call 311 and ask for assistance with the Home Energy Assistance Program.

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