Benefits · Emergency Aid
How to apply for NY HEAP — Home Energy Assistance Program (Regular + Emergency + Cooling)
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) — administers the federal LIHEAP-funded HEAP through 58 county Departments of Social Services (NYC HRA for the 5 boroughs)
Who it's for
NY HEAP has three components: (1) REGULAR Heating Benefit — annual heating bill assistance; (2) EMERGENCY Benefit — for households in danger of utility shut-off or running out of fuel; (3) COOLING Assistance — buy/install air conditioner or fan, opens annually around April 15. Eligibility tied to income (typically ~60% of state median income) and household size. Seniors age 60+ and households with a disabled member or child under 6 get priority. Apply at mybenefits.ny.gov, through the local county DSS, or NYC HRA (212-331-3126 in NYC). Open application windows: Regular HEAP November-April; Emergency HEAP January-April; Cooling April-August.
Application windows are seasonal — Regular and Emergency HEAP close in spring; Cooling opens around April 15. Seniors 60+ get priority processing.
What you'll need
- Proof of all household income
- Recent heating bill (or rent receipt if heat is included)
- Proof of NY residency
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Photo identification
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 800-342-3009
Renewals
annual application per program year
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.