Stay warm and pay less, up to $500 heating assistance in NY: find out how to apply for it

In New York, the state offers assistance to low-income households to ensure access to heating during the colder months through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). The program also provides aid in summer for purchasing air conditioning units. During winter, HEAP recipients can access emergency benefits if they are “in imminent danger of running out of fuel or losing utility service,” according to the state.

Aside from emergency benefits to ensure homes can keep the heat on, the HEAP Clean and Tune benefit distributes funds so that households can improve energy efficency. Some of the services covered include “the cleaning of primary heating equipment, [...] chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper and efficient operation of the heating equipment.” Each household can receieve up to $500 depending on the cost of the service or services they opt for.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must provide a Social Security Number for each household member. Automatic eligibility applies to those receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance, or Supplemental Security Income. Others must qualify based on household income. Those limits can be found on the state’s website as they change year to year.

The state also emphasizes that homeowners and renters who pay for their heating bill as a part of their rent might still be eligible.

How to apply for HEAP

For those looking to complete their application online, there are two avenues, one for those who live in New York City, and other for the state’s residents who live outside of the Big Apple.

If applying in person is easier, you will need to visit your HEAP Local District Contact.

Lastly, for those looking to do so by mail, you will need to print out the application and mail it to the correct authority. If you live in New York City, it should be sent to HRA/HEAP, PO Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008. Anywhere else in the state, you should address it to your HEAP Local District Contact.