New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program will open Nov. 2, offering help with winter heating bills and increased benefits for eligible households that use oil, kerosene, propane and other delivered fuels, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.
The base benefit for households heating with oil, kerosene or propane will increase by $90 to $990. For households using wood, pellets or coal, the base benefit will rise by $65 to $700, according to the governor’s office.
Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on household income, household size, heating source and whether the household includes an older adult, young child or person with a permanent disability. A family of four with gross monthly income of up to $6,852 can qualify.
More than 1.1 million households are expected to receive benefits automatically through their enrollment in other assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and public assistance, according to the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Those households do not need to submit an application or take additional action.
Other eligible households can apply beginning Nov. 2 online, by mail or in person through their local department of social services. Information and application instructions are available at ny.gov/HEAP.
Households that pay directly for heat can receive an additional $61 if their income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. An additional $35 is available if the household includes someone age 60 or older, a child younger than 6 or a person with a permanent disability.
The state issued more than 1.5 million HEAP benefits last heating season, including 71,406 on Long Island, according to figures released by the governor’s office. Officials expect to issue a similar number statewide this winter.
Eligible households can receive one regular HEAP benefit per season. They may also qualify for emergency assistance if they face running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. Applications for emergency benefits will open Jan. 4, 2027.
State officials urged eligible residents to apply promptly because benefits are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Separate HEAP programs are already accepting applications from eligible homeowners who need their primary heating equipment inspected and cleaned, or who need inoperable equipment repaired or replaced. Homeowners should contact their local department of social services for details.
Older adults who need help applying can contact their local office for the aging or the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.
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