NEW YORK (PIX11) – New Yorkers, have you yet to turn on your heat despite temperatures dropping below 60 degrees at night?
If the cost is what’s stopping you, New York state offers assistance through its Home Energy Assistance Program. The program gives some residents over $900 to help heat their homes during the winter, according to the state’s website.
Heating is expected to be more expensive in New York this winter, according to a report from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. The average natural gas bill is expected to go from $867 to $936 this year, while electricity prices will increase from $1,093 to $1,205.
Here’s everything you need to know about HEAP:
What type of heating does HEAP help with?
These heat sources fall under HEAP eligibility guidelines:
How much money could I get?
HEAP will give people between $21 to over $900, depending on their household’s circumstances. The type of heating your home uses will determine how much you’ll get from HEAP.
This is how much people got from HEAP in 2024-2025:
Government subsidized housing tenants with heat included in rent: $21
Residents with heating included in rent: $45-$50
Residents who heat homes with oil, kerosene or propane: $900+
Residents who heat homes with wood/wood pellets, coal or corn: $635+
Residents who heat homes with electricity or natural gas: $400+
Who is eligible?
Residents could be eligible for HEAP benefits if:
They’re U.S. citizens, U.S. non-citizen nationals or qualified non-citizens
Each member of their household has a Social Security Number
They receive SNAP, temporary assistance or SSI
Their income per month doesn’t exceed these guidelines set by the state:
Increases by +$1,022 and $1,023 for each additional household member up to 13, then +$672 after that
More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State
When do applications open?
HEAP applications usually open between early to mid-November and won’t close until funding for the program runs out. Those who live in New York City can apply when applications open by clicking here.
For New Yorkers outside the city, check here.
Click here for more information on HEAP.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.
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