The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is available to help eligible individuals heat their homes. Those who qualify can receive one regular HEAP benefit and may also be eligible for Emergency HEAP if needed.
As of January 2, 2025, the First and Second Emergency HEAP has opened. This benefit supports individuals facing a heat-related emergency, such as when electricity required for heating systems or thermostats is shut off or scheduled to be shut off, natural gas or electric heat is shut off or scheduled to be shut off, or when fuel supplies are critically low.
The regular HEAP benefit began on November 1, 2024. Eligible individuals can receive one benefit per program year. Eligibility depends on income, household size, primary heating source, and whether a household member is under age six, aged 60 or older, or has a permanent disability. Households may also qualify if a member is a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, meets current income guidelines for household size, receives SNAP benefits, Temporary Assistance (TA), or Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
HEAP assists with various heating sources including electricity, natural gas, oil, coal, propane, wood/wood pellets, kerosene, and corn.
Regular HEAP Benefit Amounts for 2024-2025 vary based on living situations:
- $21 for households in government-subsidized housing with heat included in rent.
- $45 or $50 for households with heating costs included in rent.
- $900 for households using oil, kerosene, or propane making direct payments to vendors.
- $635 for those using wood pellets, coal, corn making direct payments.
- $400 for households using electricity or natural gas paying vendors directly based on usage.
Monthly income limits apply depending on household size; starting at $3,322 for one person up to $9,952 for thirteen people with an additional $672 per extra person.
Eligible households can also access the Clean and Tune Benefit which provides energy efficiency services like cleaning primary heating equipment and minor repairs to ensure safe operation.
For questions about HEAP programs contact your local district at 716-661-8200 or the OTDA Hotline at 1-800-342-3009. Further assistance is available through the Office for Aging Services and NY Connects via email at ccnyc@chqgov.com or by phone at 716-753-4582.
Alerts Sign-up