What is HEAP?
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps people with low to no income pay the cost of heating their homes.
How does HEAP work?
HEAP may be able to help you if you heat your home with:
- Electricity
- Natural Gas
- Oil
- Coal
- Propane
- Wood/Wood Pellets
- Kerosene
- Corn
If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off. Regular benefits for households that pay directly for heat based on actual usage are paid directly to the vendor that supplies the household’s primary source of heat.
How do you know if you’re eligible for HEAP?
You must apply for participation in HEAP. Eligibility and benefits are based on you income, household size, the primary heating source, and the presence of a household member who is under age 6, age 60 or older or permanently disabled.
Your household may be eligible for a Regular benefit if:
- You and your household members are United States Citizens or qualified aliens 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 or
- You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone)
You can check your eligibility by clicking here: https://mybenefits.ny.gov/screening/LocationSelection_input.nysmybw
How do you apply for HEAP?
You can apply for HEAP in any of the following ways:
- Online at this website: https://mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin
- In person: When the HEAP Regular benefit is open you may apply in person at your HEAP Local District Contact. You can find that contact here: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/
- In writing: When the HEAP Regular benefit is open, print and mail the completed HEAP application, which can be found at this link: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/applications/3421.pdf