NEW YORK (WBNG) — Applications for New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) open Monday, Nov. 2, to help residents manage winter heating costs.
The state program provides eligible households with a financial benefit to offset home heating expenses, with amounts determined by eligibility factors.
NYSEG Communications Manager Michael Baggerman explained that assistance levels are calculated based on several elements.
“You factor in household income; you factor in the number of people in your house; what source of energy do you use to heat your house? Are you using natural gas? Are you using electric baseboard heating? Are you using another type of source?” Baggerman said.
The 2026-2027 Regular HEAP season runs through the winter, while the Emergency HEAP benefit is scheduled to open Jan. 4, 2027.
According to the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, HEAP may be able to help if homes are heated with:
ElectricityNatural GasOilCoalPropaneWood/Wood PelletsKeroseneCorn
“Two big ways that customers can apply: they can visit mybenefits.ny.gov, or they can apply through their local Department of Social Services website.”
Visit otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/ for more details on HEAP.
Copyright 2026 WBNG. All rights reserved.