Keeping a home warm can prove expensive, and New York State’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) comes into play with benefits of up to $1,000 for its qualifying residents, especially this winter. Let us take a look at the basics so you can see if you meet the requirements.
Who is eligible for the HEAP benefit?
HEAP is meant for assisting low-income households to pay their heating bills. The following are eligibility requirements:
- Income: Your household gross monthly income must be within or below specified limits. For example, the 2024-2025 limits for a one-person household would be less than $3,322 a month, while for a household of four, it is less than $6,390 per month.
- Citizenship: One member of your household must be either a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
- Vulnerability: These include households with individuals under six years of age, people aged 60 years or old, and permanently disabled persons who may be eligible for benefits.
- Receipt of other benefits: If your household receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance (TA), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), that may automatically qualify you.
What types of heating are covered by HEAP?
HEAP Benefits can be applied to various heating sources according to your household needs. Types of heating covered are:
- Natural gas
- Electricity
- Oil
- Propane
- Wood and wood pellets
- Kerosene
- Coal
- Corn
This guarantees the breadth of types with which heating may be done and, ultimately, assistance during the cold months.
How much assistance can you receive
Assistance varies based on your heating source and household needs. For the 2024-2025 program year:
- Oil, Kerosene, and Propane: Eligible households shall be entitled to a base benefit of $900, plus possible further amounts for vulnerable members or those in Tier I income range.
- Wood, pellets, coal, and other deliverable fuels: A $635 base benefit is available with additional amounts that may also be applied.
- Electricity or natural gas: Households making direct payments based on their actual use may qualify for $400 base benefit plus any relevant add-ons.
These benefits are usually paid directly to your heating fuel vendor or utility company on your behalf.
How to apply for HEAP benefits
Applying for HEAP is easy. You can apply through these methods:
- Online: If you live outside of New York City, you can apply through myBenefits. But, if you live in New York City, you can apply via ACCESS HRA.
- By hand or mail: A paper application can be submitted to your local department of social services. Applications are available for downloading at the OTDA website.
Bear in mind that you are only entitled to one regular HEAP benefit in any given program year, so apply as soon as you are able to do so.
Additional assistance through emergency HEAP benefits
If you’re facing a heating emergency—such as a utility shutoff or running out of fuel—you might be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits. These benefits are available to assist with heating emergencies and are subject to specific eligibility criteria, including income guidelines and available resources.
