Helping New Yorkers Keep the Heat On

In October 2023, Governor Hochul announced $360 million for home heating aid to assist New Yorkers during cold weather months. More than 1.7 million HEAP benefits were issued last winter totaling more than $434 million. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligible homeowners and renters may apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which can provide up to $976 depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,838 or an annual gross income of $70,059 and still qualify for benefits — an increase from the previous year's threshold.

When HEAP season is open, you can apply for a Regular HEAP Benefit:

Online:

• New York City residents — access.nyc.gov
• Outside of New York City — myBenefits.ny.gov

In person:

You may apply in person at your HEAP Local District Contact.

In writing:

You can download and print the HEAP Application, or call your HEAP Local District Contact to request an application be mailed to your home. The completed HEAP Application may be mailed to:

• Your HEAP Local District Contact, for those who live outside of New York City, or
• NYC DSS/HRA/HEAP, PO Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008, for NYC residents.

You may also drop off the completed HEAP Application at your HEAP Local District Contact

Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements to receive a regular HEAP benefit, which vary by income and household size, and be in active collections or otherwise facing disconnection or termination of service. Applicants must also be the utility customer of record or pay a utility directly.

Emergency HEAP Benefits

Starting January 2, 2024, HEAP will also provide a one-time emergency benefit to eligible households that are facing a heating emergency.

You may be eligible for an emergency HEAP benefit if:

• Your electricity is necessary for your heating system or thermostat to work and is either shut-off or scheduled to be shut off or
• Your electric or natural gas heat is off or scheduled to be shut-off or
• You are out of fuel, or you have less than one quarter tank of fuel oil, kerosene or propane or have less than a ten (10) day supply of wood, wood pellets, corn, or other deliverable heat source.

and

• Your household's gross monthly income is at or below the current income guides for your household size as posted in the table below or
• 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 and
• The heating and/or electric bill is in your name and
• Your household's available resources are:
  • less than $2,500 if no member of your household is age 60 or older or age 6; or
  • less than $3,750 if any member of your household is age 60 or older, or under age 6.
    

You can apply for a HEAP Emergency benefit when it is open:

By Phone:
You may call your HEAP Local District Contact for assistance.

New York City residents may call 718-557-1399 for assistance.

In person:
You may apply in person at your HEAP Local District Contact.

Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement Benefit

Help is also now available to assist eligible homeowners if their primary heating equipment is unsafe or not operating and their furnace or boiler must be repaired or replaced. Benefit amounts through the HEAP Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program are based on the actual cost incurred to repair or replace the essential heating equipment -up to $4,000 for a repair and $8,000 for a replacement.

You can apply for a Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefit when it is open:

In person:
You may call your HEAP Local District Contact to apply for Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) benefits. An eligibility interview is required for all HERR applications but may be completed with applicants in person or by telephone. Your local district contact will decide if you meet all the eligibility conditions, including the income and resource requirements. The district will provide more information on how to submit the application and required documentation.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection is also offering tips for consumers to deal with home heating prices this winter season.

• Apply for HEAP. Apply for HEAP. Beginning November 1, applications will be accepted for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) which can provide up to $976 to eligible homeowners and renters depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. To qualify for heating assistance from HEAP, a family of four must have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,485, or an annual gross income of $65,829.
• Take immediate action to be more energy efficient. NYSERDA offers energy saving tips for residents and homeowners, as well as businesses that can lower energy usage. NYSERDA also offers a range of home energy efficiency programs that can help save energy and reduce costs over time. Income-eligible customers may qualify for reduced cost or free energy upgrades to their homes through EmPower New York and Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® programs. Homeowners should also check with their local gas and electric utility companies to access discounted products and services that can help them lower their energy costs all year long.
• Receive a customized list of energy-related assistance in the State. New York Energy Advisor can help income-eligible New Yorkers managers locate programs that help them spend less on energy and create healthier and more comfortable spaces. With the New York Energy Advisor, consumers answer simple questions and get connected with energy-saving offers in New York State. Sponsored by NYSERDA and utilities, qualified New Yorkers can get help paying utility bills, receive special offers on heating assistance, and more.
• Sign up for Community Solar. Community Solar allows New Yorkers, including renters, co-op and condo owners, and businesses to save money every month on their electric bills. Consumers can subscribe to a Community Solar project where available and start receiving credits on their electric bill for the clean energy produced by a solar farm. Find more information on how to sign up for a Community Solar project here.
• Get a free energy audit. Homeowners across New York are eligible for a free home energy assessment through NYSERDA's Residential Energy Audit Program. Home energy assessments are available both in-person and using remote technologies. Trained and qualified contractors who provide energy assessment services can help homeowners decide which energy improvements are worth investing in, install the improvements, and assist in connecting homeowners with NYSERDA's low-interest financing programs.
• Join a Clean Heating and Cooling Campaign. Participating in a campaign eases the process of replacing a community member's current heating or cooling system with clean heating or cooling technology by connecting members with pre-qualified contractors and outlining potential incentives, tax breaks, financing, and payment options. Experienced contractors can give a home or business owner a holistic assessment to determine if their home or business space will also benefit from weatherproofing upgrades that can further increase comfort and reduce energy bills. Visit NYSERDA to see if your community is participating in a Clean Heating and Cooling Campaign.
• Know your rights and protections. The New York State Home Energy Fair Practices Act has comprehensive protections for residential customers regarding their utility services. These rights include the option to pay bills in installments, a cap on late fees, sufficient notice prior to shut-off of services, and protections for those on a fixed income or with medical conditions. Learn about these from the Department of Public Service at AskPSC.
• Consider bill payment options. When getting in touch with your utility provider, inquire about billing options that allow for deferred payments or "budget billing" options that balance out bills that are higher in one season and lower in another. This can structure your payments and make it easier to navigate costs.
• Better understand the energy management of your building. Put Energy to Work provides a deeper understanding of tools and programs for businesses that help in energy management for commercial and industrial buildings and includes resources that can increase profitability, create a competitive advantage, and achieve greater resiliency.

Another available resource is New York’s Energy Affordability Policy (EAP) that requires the state's major electric and natural gas utilities to provide monthly bill discounts to income eligible customers. To address higher energy costs this winter, the New York Public Service Commission increased the budget for the EAP program by $129 million to $367 million, which means 95,000 more low-income families will be able to receive benefits, which vary by utility. The program expansion will result in more targeted bill discounts.

To enroll in the utility bill discount program, customers should contact their individual utility:

• Con Edison Customers: Con Ed
• Orange & Rockland Customers: O&R
• National Grid Customers: National Grid
• National Fuel Gas Customers: NFG
• NYSEG Customers: NYSEG
• Rochester Gas & Electric Customers: RGE
• PSEG-LI Customers: PSEG
• Central Hudson Customers: CH

Weatherization Assistance Program

The NYS Weatherization Assistance Program, which is administered by NYS Homes and Community Renewal, is the largest residential energy conservation program in the country. The program assists income-eligible homeowners and renters in New York by reducing heating and cooling costs through energy-conservation measures, while also addressing health and safety issues in their homes.

Weatherization Workshops

The New York Power Authority, through its Environmental Justice Community Energy Education programming, conducts weatherization workshops for low-income homeowners and renters. Workshop participants learn about simple ways to lower their heating and cooling costs, including low-cost changes they can make in their homes to help prepare for winter and summer energy needs. These interactive sessions are taught by NYPA’s expert staff, in partnership with community based organizations, including places of worship and neighborhood organizations.

After each workshop, NYPA distributes free weatherization kits that contain tools to implement many of the weatherization measures discussed during the workshop. Workshops and materials are translated into different languages to ensure weatherization messages are appropriately communicated to audience members that may speak different languages. NYPA’s Environmental Justice education programs are designed to provide energy literacy and awareness for historically disadvantaged communities. Eligible entities include organizations that serve residents who live within proximity of NYPA facilities.

Workshops are held near NYPA facilities in the North Country, Western New York, Central New York, the Capital Region, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Long Island. Watch a video with a sampling of energy saving tips. Contact NYPA’s Environmental Justice Team at [email protected] to host an energy literacy program or to find out about upcoming workshops.

Help spread the word about how New Yorkers can keep the heat on this winter by using these social media graphics.

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