Winter is coming, and some New York City homeowners who are eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) may qualify for up to $8,000 to replace their outdated heaters. The Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) program provides benefits to help households repair or replace their primary heating equipment.
The 2026-2027 benefit cycle opened on October 1, 2026 and the benefit will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants until funding runs out. Here’s what you need to know about the application process.
What does HERR cover, and how much can you get?
The HERR benefit helps homeowners repair or replace essential heating equipment, such as furnaces and boilers, which are necessary for keeping homes warm. HERR is only given to eligible applicants once every ten years.
Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost to repair or replace your furnace, boiler, and/or other essential heating equipment, up to:
- $4,000 for repairs
- $8,000 for replacement
It’s important to know that repairs and replacements must be approved by your HEAP Local District Contact before work begins. Payment is made directly to the approved vendor after all work is completed, not to homeowners.
I’m a homeowner, am I eligible for HERR?
If you own and live in your home, you must:
- Be age 60 or older
- Meet HEAP income requirements (see the chart below)
- Complete an eligibility interview at your county’s designated location, either in person or by phone
| 2026-2027 HEAP Monthly Income Limits | |
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
| 1 | $3,563 |
| 2 | $4,659 |
| 3 | $5,756 |
| 4 | $6,852 |
| 5 | $7,948 |
| 6 | $9,045 |
| 7 | $9,250 |
| 8 | $9,456 |
| 9 | $9,662 |
| 10 | $9,867 |
| 11 | $10,073 |
| 12 | $10,278 |
| 13 | $10,515 |
| Each additional | Add $710 |
2026-2027 HEAP Monthly Income Limits. Source: New York State
How to apply
You must download and fill out a HEAP application form to apply for a HERR benefit. If you can’t download the application, you can find a Benefits Access Center here and start your application in person.
Next, you can return the completed application form at a HEAP office:
HRA Benefits Access Center – Lower Manhattan
109 E. 16 Street, 8 Floor
New York, NY 10003
Or you can fax it fax to: (917) 639-2900
Or, mail to:
Home Energy Assistance Program/HEAP
P.O. Box 1401
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10008
If you have any questions related to eligibility, the application process, or required documents, you can call the Human Resources Administration at (718) 557-1399 at normal business hours, except on City holidays. Help is available in most languages.
Where can I find a HEAP participating vendor?
You can find a list of HEAP participating vendors here.
For HERR applicants, select your county of residence, “Furnace Repair” as the fuel type, and press “Go.”
Photo source: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
If HEAP is unable to assist me, how should I apply for emergency assistance?
The Emergency HEAP benefit provides assistance to help you heat your home if you are facing a heating or heat-related emergency. The 2026-2027 Emergency HEAP benefit is scheduled to open January 4, 2027.
If you are experiencing an emergency, contact your local HEAP District Office or your local Departments of Social Services (DSS) for assistance. Online applications are not available for Emergency HEAP benefits.
Does the public charge rule apply to HERR?
HERR is one part of the HEAP program, which requires applying households to have at least one household member who is a U.S. citizen or certain qualified non-citizens. The public charge rule does not apply to U.S. citizens (including the U.S.-born children of immigrants), to people applying for a green card via certain humanitarian protections, or to people who already have a green card and are renewing it.
If you think public charge rules apply to you, you can speak with a trusted legal provider before taking any public benefits or city services. You can call the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs to connect with one for free at 1-800-354-0365. Interpretation is available. You can read more about getting help while dealing with public charge concerns here.
