ALBANY, N.Y. (December 4, 2025) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that residents can now apply for heating assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), with eligible households able to receive up to $996 to help cover winter heating costs.
The federally funded program, administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), provides one regular HEAP benefit per season. Many households enrolled in other assistance programs will automatically receive payments sent directly to their heat supplier without needing to apply.
Emergency HEAP benefits, available if households face running out of fuel or utility shutoff, will open for applications starting Jan. 2, 2026.
Benefit amounts vary by income, household size, heating source and presence of vulnerable members, with a maximum of $996. A family of four with gross monthly income up to $6,680 — or $80,165 annually — remains eligible.
Applications are accepted online, by mail or in person at local departments of social services. Older adults can get help through local offices for the aging or the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.
More than 1.5 million households received regular HEAP benefits last year, with aid distributed first-come, first-served.
Hochul also urged more New Yorkers to enroll in the state Energy Affordability Program (EAP), which offers up to $500 in annual bill discounts. About one million households currently participate, but officials estimate another 1.5 million are eligible. Details are available at ny.gov/EAP.
“HEAP is a lifeline for thousands of low- and moderate-income households across New York State struggling to cover the cost of heating their homes in the cold winter months as they face rising housing, food, and energy costs,” OTDA Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. “I encourage all eligible households to apply for this vital assistance as soon as possible.”
State Sen. Kevin Parker called HEAP “more than a benefit; it is a lifeline that keeps our homes warm, our loved ones safe, and our communities strong,” adding that no family or senior should have to choose between heat and food.
Assemblymember Didi Barrett thanked Hochul “for her leadership in fighting for this funding — which was delayed by the federal government shutdown — and for planning ahead so we can now swiftly get HEAP benefits out the door to those who need them.”
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.