Apply for HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) in New York: 2026 Guide

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps New York households pay their heating bills — and for many seniors on a fixed income, it can mean the difference between a manageable winter and a difficult one. Here’s how HEAP works, the current status of this year’s benefit season, and exactly how to apply the moment applications reopen.

What Is HEAP and Who Is It For?

HEAP is a New York State program, run by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), that helps eligible households pay for home heating costs — whether you heat with electricity, natural gas, propane, oil, coal, wood or wood pellets, kerosene, or corn. It’s designed specifically for low- and moderate-income households, with extra consideration given to households that include someone under age 6, age 60 or older, or permanently disabled (NY OTDA HEAP Program Page).

Is HEAP Currently Open for Applications?

HEAP runs on a seasonal schedule, and the 2025-2026 Regular HEAP season opened December 1, 2025 and closed April 10, 2026, once its funding allocation for the season was exhausted. Emergency HEAP (for households facing a utility shutoff or an active fuel crisis) ran from January 2, 2026 through April 24, 2026. The Cooling Assistance component, which helps with air conditioning costs, ran from mid-April through early-to-mid June 2026, depending on your utility provider (OTDA 2025-2026 HEAP Directive). If you’re reading this outside that window, this season’s Regular and Emergency HEAP benefits have already closed — but HEAP reopens every year, typically starting December 1, so mark your calendar for the next cycle.

How Much Can HEAP Pay Toward My Heating Bill?

Benefit amounts depend on your income, household size, heating source, and whether your household includes a vulnerable member. For the 2025-2026 season, benefits generally ranged as follows, depending on how you pay for heat:

• Households in subsidized housing or a group home with heat included in rent: around $21
• Households with heating costs built into their rent: around $45-$50
• Households paying an oil, kerosene, or propane vendor directly: up to roughly $900, plus possible add-ons
• Households heating primarily with wood, wood pellets, coal, or corn: up to roughly $635, plus possible add-ons
• Households paying an electric or natural gas utility based on usage: up to roughly $400, plus possible add-ons

Add-ons of $35-$61 can apply if your household includes a vulnerable member or falls into the lowest income tier (Central Hudson HEAP Benefit Summary). You can typically receive one Regular HEAP benefit per season, plus a separate Emergency HEAP benefit if you qualify.

What Are the Income Guidelines?

There is no asset or resource test for Regular HEAP — eligibility is based on gross monthly income and household size. For the 2025-2026 season, example maximum gross monthly income guidelines included:

• 1 person: up to approximately $3,473/month
• 2 people: up to approximately $4,542/month
• 4 people: up to approximately $6,680/month

Income limits increase with each additional household member. You may also qualify automatically if you already receive SNAP benefits, Temporary Assistance, or Supplemental Security Income (Code A / living alone) (NY OTDA HEAP Program Page). These limits are updated each program year, so always confirm the current figures when the next season opens.

How Do I Apply for HEAP?

• Outside New York City: apply online through MyBenefits.ny.gov
• Inside New York City: apply online through ACCESS HRA
• By phone: contact the OTDA HEAP Hotline at 1-800-342-3009, or NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871 if you’re an older adult who needs extra help applying
• By mail, fax, or in person: paper applications are also accepted at your local district office

If you already receive Cash Assistance or SNAP and meet program requirements, you may not need to reapply each year — check with your local district to confirm.

What You Should Do Now

• Mark your calendar for December 1, when the next Regular HEAP season is expected to open.
• Gather your documents now — proof of income, a copy of your heating bill, and your Social Security number — so you’re ready to apply as soon as the season opens.
• If you’re facing an active heating emergency (shutoff notice, no fuel), contact your local district immediately; Emergency HEAP has separate, tighter timing.
• Ask about automatic qualification if you already receive SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or SSI — it may simplify your application.
• Talk to a licensed Medicare advisor if you’re 65 or older — many of the same income-qualifying programs that help you access HEAP can also connect you to Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help with prescription drug costs, which can meaningfully reduce your overall monthly expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does HEAP open for the next season?

Regular HEAP has historically opened on December 1 each year and typically runs through early-to-mid April, or until funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. Exact dates can shift slightly from year to year, so check otda.ny.gov/programs/heap for the current schedule.

Do I need to reapply for HEAP every year?

In most cases, yes, unless you already receive Cash Assistance or SNAP and continue to meet all HEAP requirements, in which case you may be enrolled automatically.

Is there an asset limit for HEAP?

No, Regular HEAP has no resource or asset test — eligibility is based on income, household size, and heating source. (Emergency HEAP does have a resource limit tied to household savings.)