Apply for Heating and Cooling Assistance (HEAP)

Please Note: The 2022-2023 Regular HEAP benefit closed on March 31, 2023.

What is HEAP?
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income people pay the cost of heating their homes.

How does it work?
If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per season and could also be eligible for an emergency HEAP benefit if you are in impending danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off.

Are HEAP benefits available year-round?
No, the application period normally begins in early to mid-November and continues into the winter, until funding for the program runs out.

Does it matter what my home’s heating source is?
HEAP may be able to help you if you heat your home with:

• Electricity
• Natural Gas
• Oil
• Coal
• Propane
• Wood/Wood Pellets
• Kerosene
• Corn

Who is eligible to receive HEAP?
You may be eligible if:

• You and the members of your household are U.S. citizens, U.S. non-citizen nationals or qualified non-citizens; and
• You provide a valid Social Security number for each household member; and
• You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance or Supplemental Security Income; or
• Your monthly household income is at or below the HEAP income guidelines.
• You may be eligible for HEAP, even if you:
  • Own your home
  • Pay for heat as part of your rent
  • Have money in the bank, stocks, bonds or other resources

Learn more about current monthly income limits.

What is the Clean and Tune Benefit?
The HEAP Clean and Tune benefit opened October 3, 2022. Eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment, but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper and efficient operation of the heating equipment. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $500. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.

Your household may be eligible a Heating Equipment Tune-up benefit if:

• You are the homeowner
• Your household’s gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted on the following table
• Your primary heating equipment is more than 12 months old
• Your primary heating equipment or chimney has not been cleaned within the last 12 months
• You do not have a service contract with your vendor that includes clean and tune services

Your household eligibility requirements include filing an application with your local department of social services, providing all necessary documentation, and the household must reside in an eligible living situation.

Review additional requirements to determine if you’re eligible to apply.

Problem with your heating equipment?
You may call your HEAP Local District Contact to apply for Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefits. The in-person interview and application requirement is temporarily suspended. The district will provide more information on how to submit the application and required documentation.

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: Both New York City residents and non-New York City residents can apply in person at your HEAP Local District Contact.

In writing / by mail: If you live outside New York City, print and mail the completed HEAP application to your HEAP Local District Contact. New York City residents can mail their application to: HRA/HEAP, PO Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008

Please note: The above processes are for Regular HEAP benefits only. If you are facing an emergency situation outside the regular HEAP season, both New York City and non-New York City residents can apply for Emergency HEAP Benefits at your HEAP Local District Contact. If you are eligible, a HEAP emergency benefit may be issued in addition to your regular HEAP benefit.

Ready to apply? Have with you:

• Proof of residency with one of the following:
  • Rent receipt with address
  • Copy of lease with address
  • Water, sewer or tax bill
  • Homeowner’s insurance policy
  • Mortgage payment receipt
  • Deed
  • Utility bill
  • A current fuel or utility bill, or a statement from your landlord that your heat and/or utilities are included in your rent.
  • Recent pay stubs to provide proof of total current monthly income for all household members.
  • For each person in your household you will need one of the following:
    • Photo ID
    • Driver’s license
    • Birth certificate or baptismal certificate
    • School records
    • Passport
    • Paperwork documenting a disability for anyone in your household

Notes:

• Remember to sign your name on page 5 of the HEAP application.
• If you qualify for HEAP you will be notified no later than 30 business days from the date the local district received your HEAP application.

You can apply for cooling assistance to buy and install an air conditioner or a fan for your home. Your household is allowed one or the other, and the price cannot be more than $800 with installation for a portable air conditioner, or fan, and not to exceed $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit. Like HEAP funding, cooling assistance funds are limited and are distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.

You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien with a documented medical condition that is aggravated by heat. You must also meet certain income guidelines. Review additional requirements to determine if you’re eligible to apply.

The 2022-2023 HEAP Cooling Assistance benefit opened May 1, 2023.

While the HEAP Cooling Assistance benefit is open you can apply:

Online:
New York City residents - access.nyc.gov

By Phone:
You may call your HEAP Local District Contact and ask them to mail you an application.

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