ALBANY, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York State will provide more than $328 million in heating assistance to families this winter through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
Eligible families can receive up to $741 from HEAP, whether they own or rent their home. Eligibility requirements are based on income in relation to household size and how the applicant heats their home.
You can find out if you qualify for HEAP on the program's website.
Applications are being accepted through county departments of social services both via phone or in person. The program also provides one-time emergency benefits. Households can apply for emergency benefits starting on January 4.
Last winter season, Western New York households receiving HEAP services were outnumbered only by New York City. Below is a region-by-region breakdown of the number of households receiving HEAP services:
- Western New York: 128,340
- Finger Lakes: 91,736
- Southern Tier: 51,008
- Central New York: 58,625
- Mohawk Valley: 44,961
- North Country: 35,369
- Capital Region: 65,879
- Mid-Hudson: 97,350
- New York City: 965,335
- Long Island: 69,634
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, utility companies are currently barred by the state from disconnecting a customer's utilities due to lack of payment. Companies are required to offer deferred payment agreements instead.
Anyone interested in applying for regular heating assistance or other benefits can do so through New York's myBenefits website.
