Managing your energy and heating bills can be challenging, especially during colder months when heating costs skyrocket. Fortunately, programs like the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help New York residents. This program provides financial relief to eligible households by offering direct assistance with heating costs.
This guide will walk you through how the program works, who qualifies, and how to apply for this program which wil keep your home warm and your energy costs manageable.
What is the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) assists low-income New Yorkers in managing their home heating and cooling expenses. Eligible households can receive financial support for heating costs during winter and cooling assistance during summer. This guide focuses on the heating assistance benefits available through HEAP.
The heating assistance benefit provides one regular benefit per season to eligible applicants, with an additional emergency benefit available for those at risk of losing utility service. The program does not operate year-round, as applications typically open in early to mid-November and run through the winter until funds are exhausted. For the 2024 to 2025 season, the regular HEAP benefit became available on November 1, 2024.
HEAP will credit your utility bill
Regular HEAP helps families with their heating costs. If your household pays for heat based on how much you use, HEAP sends the benefit directly to the company that provides your main source of heat, like your gas or electric company. The benefit will appear as a one-time credit on your utility bill automatically.
The base benefit amounts depend on a household’s heating arrangement and primary heating source. Households in government-subsidized housing or group homes with heat included in their rent receive $21. Those whose rent includes heating costs are eligible for $45 or $50. Those using electricity or natural gas as their primary heating source and paying the heating or utility company based on actual usage qualify for $400 plus add-ons.
If a household’s gross income falls within the Tier I income range — defined as gross income at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level for their household size — or if at least one adult member receives ongoing assistance through Temporary Assistance (TA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the base benefit increases by $61. An extra $35 is added if the household includes a vulnerable individual, such as someone aged 60 or older, under age 6, or permanently disabled.
Are you eligible for HEAP?
You may be eligible for the Regular HEAP benefit if the following conditions are met:
- At least one member of your household is a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
- 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 if you are currently receiving one of the following benefits: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance (TA), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with a Code A designation (Living Alone).
HEAP is only available for citizens and people with some form of permitted visa status since it is a federal program. You are eligible if you are a legal permanent resident, a refugee, an asylee, if you are paroled into the U.S. for at least one year, if your deportation order has been withheld or if you have been granted conditional entry.
You are not eligible if you are an asylum seeker or if your status is undocumented. Mixed status households can get HEAP assistance if an eligible household member applies.
How to apply for HEAP
New York City residents should visit access.nyc.gov. Residents outside New York City should visit myBenefits.ny.gov. People can also apply at their local HEAP District Office.
If you want to apply by mail, download and print the HEAP Application, or contact your local HEAP District Office to request an application by mail.
Once completed, mail your application to the appropriate address:
- For residents outside New York City: Send it to your local HEAP District Office.
- For New York City residents: Send it to NYC DSS/HRA/HEAP, PO Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008.
Documents needed for the HEAP application
To apply for HEAP, you’ll need to provide specific documentation to verify your eligibility. Here’s what you’ll need to include with your application:
- Proof of residence
You need to provide documentation that shows your current residence. Acceptable documents include a current rent receipt with the names and addresses of both the tenant and landlord, a lease agreement, a statement from your landlord, or bills such as water, sewage, or tax. Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies, utility bills, or mortgage payment receipts that include your address are also acceptable.
- Proof of utility expense
If you pay for your own heating, submit a current utility or fuel bill to demonstrate this arrangement. If your heating costs are included in your rent, you must provide a current rent receipt or lease explicitly stating that heat is included, or a statement from your landlord confirming this.
- Proof of income
You will need documents to verify your household income. This can include pay stubs for the most recent four weeks, business records for the past three months, or a federal tax return if you are self-employed or have rental income. Other acceptable income documentation includes child support or alimony orders, interest or dividend statements, and award letters for benefits such as Social Security, pensions, veterans’ benefits, worker’s compensation, disability, or unemployment insurance.
- Proof of identity
Each applicant must prove their identity. A valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license, photo ID, U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate, is required. Alternative documents, such as adoption papers, school records, or a hospital or doctor’s record, can also suffice. If you cannot provide one of these, two forms of identification, such as a birth certificate and a validated Social Security card, are acceptable.
- Proof of social security number
You must provide a valid Social Security Number for every member of your household who has one.
- Proof of vulnerability (if applicable)
For households with vulnerable members, such as children under six, adults aged 60 or older, or individuals with disabilities, additional documentation is necessary. This may include a birth certificate, baptismal certificate, Social Security Administration award letter, passport, or driver’s license. A statement confirming eligibility for benefits related to these conditions is also acceptable.
All documents should be current and must accurately reflect your household’s situation. Ensuring completeness and accuracy in your application will help avoid delays in processing.
Emergency HEAP Benefit
The Emergency HEAP Benefit provides assistance to help you heat your home if you are facing a heating or heat-related emergency. Emergency benefits for the 2024 to 2025 season are set to open on January 2, 2025.
You may qualify for an Emergency HEAP benefit if your electricity must be essential for your heating system or thermostat and either is already shut off or scheduled for disconnection. Similarly, if your electric or natural gas heat is off or scheduled to be shut off, you may be eligible.
For income or benefit requirements, your household’s gross monthly income must fall at or below the current income guidelines for your household size, as outlined in the above table. Alternatively, you may qualify if you are a recipient of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance (TA), or Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Living Alone.
Additional requirements include having the heating or electric bill in your name and meeting resource thresholds. Your household’s available resources must be less than $2,500, or less than $3,750 if any household member is age 60 or older or under age 6.
How to apply for Emergency HEAP
If you are experiencing an emergency, contact your local HEAP District Office for assistance. Online applications are not available for Emergency HEAP benefits.
HEAP is a vital resource for low-income households across New York, ensuring everyone can maintain a safe and comfortable home environment without facing insurmountable utility costs. By understanding your eligibility, gathering the correct documentation, and following the outlined steps, you can secure the assistance you need for manageable energy bills all year long.
