The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance today announced that applications for home heating assistance will be accepted beginning on Wednesday, November 1, throughout the state. The Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, can provide up to $976 this winter to help low- and middle-income households and older adults keep their homes warm and cope with high energy costs.

“HEAP provides valuable financial assistance that will help hundreds of thousands of our most vulnerable New Yorkers pay their energy bills,” Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Acting Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. “I encourage all eligible households to apply to help reduce the costs they incur to keep their homes warm throughout the heating season.”

The program, overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, is federally funded. Eligible households can receive one Regular benefit per season and could also be eligible for an Emergency benefit if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. Applications for emergency benefits will be accepted beginning January 2, 2024.

Eligible homeowners and renters may receive up to $976 in heating assistance, depending on their income, household size, how they heat their home, and if the household contains a vulnerable member. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,838, or an annual gross income of $70,059 and still qualify for benefits.

Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services and can be submitted online, through the mail or in person. Additionally, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.