New Yorkers can finally apply for this year’s Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, benefits as the application window opened on Dec. 1 − a month later than in years past.
If you heat your home with electricity, natural gas, oil, coal, propane, wood or wood pellets, kerosene or corn, HEAP can help you heat and cool your home by providing up to $996 in benefits.
Emergency HEAP can help you heat your home if you are in a heat or heat-related emergency. The benefits are based on your income, available resources and the type of emergency. Applications for this program open Jan. 2, 2026.
Here’s what to know.
Why was the HEAP application window opening delayed this year?
Since the program is federally funded, the historic 43-day federal government shutdown that ended last month postponed the application period.
“As temperatures have already begun to drop, it’s disgraceful that the federal government took so long to provide federal funding for critical heating assistance for families across the state,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a written statement. “Hardworking New Yorkers count on this assistance to help with their utility bills and keep their homes warm during the cold winter months…”
According to Hochul, over 1.5 million New York households received regular HEAP benefits in 2024.
Who qualifies for HEAP?
Your eligibility and benefits depend on your income, household size, primary heating source and if there’s a member of your household who is under age 6, over age 60 or permanently disabled.
You may be eligible if:
Benefits for households paying directly for heat based on actual usage are paid directly to the vendor who supplies your primary source of heat. To find out which vendors participate in HEAP, visit heapoil.com and select your county of residence and the fuel type used to heat your home.
How much are this year’s benefits?
Base benefit amounts fall anywhere between $21 and $900 depending on your living situation.
Your base benefit amount will increase $61 if your household’s gross income is in the Tier 1 income range.
And if your household contains a member who is 60 or older, under age 6 or permanently disabled, your base benefit amount will increase $35.
How to apply for HEAP benefits
You can apply by visiting myBenefits.ny.gov or in person or by mail to your local district HEAP contact.
In the Rochester area, any questions should be directed to the Monroe County Department of Human Services by calling 585-753-6477 or emailing dfa2a26.sm.monroe.HEAP@dfa.state.ny.us.
Lifespan of Greater Rochester can also provide assistance by calling 585-244-8400, extension 102 as well as Catholic Charities Family and Community Services at 585-238-8620, extension 13221.
For Westchester area residents, questions should be directed to the Westchester County Department of Social Services by calling 914-995-3333.
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 2025 HEAP application window opens in New York. See if you qualify
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
