How to apply for NY HEAP — Home Energy Assistance Program (Regular + Emergency + Cooling) in New York

Who it's for

NY HEAP has several parts: (1) REGULAR Heating Benefit — one payment per program year toward heating costs; (2) EMERGENCY Benefit — for households facing a utility shut-off or running out of fuel; (3) COOLING Assistance — an air conditioner or fan for eligible households, offered in the spring and summer (the 2025-2026 cooling benefit closed June 5, 2026); plus Clean and Tune and heating-equipment repair or replacement benefits. Eligibility is based on income (about 60% of state median income), household size, and heat source. Benefits are higher for households with a member age 60 or older, under age 6, or permanently disabled. Regular HEAP for 2026-2027 is scheduled to open November 2, 2026, and Emergency HEAP January 4, 2027. Apply at mybenefits.ny.gov or through your county Department of Social Services; in New York City, call the DSS OneNumber at 718-557-1399.

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

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about NY HEAP — Home Energy Assistance Program (Regular + Emergency + Cooling). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of all household income, recent heating bill (or rent receipt if heat is included), proof of NY residency — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Check that the HEAP part you need is open. Regular and Emergency HEAP open during the heating season, and Cooling runs in the spring and summer.
2. Gather your documents: proof of all household income, a recent heating bill or rent receipt if heat is included, proof of New York residency, Social Security numbers for all household members, and photo identification.
3. Apply online or apply by phone at 800-342-3009. If you live in New York City, call 718-557-1399.
4. Choose the HEAP benefit that fits your situation: Regular for help with heating costs, Emergency if you are facing a shut-off or running out of fuel, or Cooling if it is available and you need cooling equipment.
5. Complete the application and provide the required documents. Make sure the household details, income, and heat source information are correct.
6. Ask the agency if you have questions about seasonal deadlines or what benefit may fit your household. Households with a member age 60 or older can get higher benefits and a higher emergency resource limit.

What to expect: After you apply, the local HEAP office reviews your application and documents. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate if needed. If more information is needed, the office may contact you. HEAP requires a new application each program year, and the application windows are seasonal, so watch for opening and closing dates for Regular, Emergency, and Cooling benefits.

Renewals

annual application per program year