Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) main benefits are:
- Regular Benefit: Help with heating costs and prevent utility shutoffs. Eligible households can receive up to $996, depending on how they heat their home.
- Emergency Benefit: Help to heat your home if you are in a heat or heat-related emergency.
- Cooling Assistance: Eligible households may receive a free fan or air conditioner.
Starting December 1, 2025, New Yorkers can begin applying for heating assistance through the 2025-2026 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to help defray the cost of heating their homes during the winter. 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.
Benefits are first come, first served, so apply today online through ACCESS HRA. You can also apply in person at an HRA Benefits Access Center.
Households faced with a heat-related emergency, such as if your electric or natural gas heat is off or scheduled to be shut off, can apply for Emergency HEAP. Applications can be filed starting on January 2, 2026, using ACCESS HRA.
For help or to learn how to apply by mail, call 718-557-1399 or 311 and ask for help with the Home Energy Assistance Program.
Please note: The application period for the 2026 HEAP Cooling Assistance Benefit will open on April 15, 2026. Visit ACCESS HRA closer to the date for updates.
More information about this program, including eligibility, is available at the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)’s website.