New York HEAP Heating Assistance Opens: Regular Benefits Through April 16, 2027, Income Cap of $82,000 for a Family of Four
New York's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) opened applications for regular benefits on November 2, and the regular benefit is scheduled to remain open through April 16, 2027. HEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible households with heating costs. Governor Kathy Hochul's office announced this season's schedule on October 16.
A family of four earning up to $82,000 may qualify for HEAP. Eligibility and benefit levels depend on household income and size, the primary heating source, and whether the household includes a child under 6, someone 60 or older, or someone who is permanently disabled. Some New Yorkers receive benefits automatically, while others must apply. More than 1.5 million HEAP benefits were issued during the previous heating season, and a similar number is expected this winter.
Emergency HEAP benefits are scheduled to open on January 4, 2027, with the number of available benefits varying by season depending on funding. Households that receive HEAP are automatically enrolled in the Energy Affordability Program, which provides an additional credit on the monthly bill.
The governor also directed state officials to increase benefits for eligible households that rely on delivered heating fuels. Hochul said heating oil prices have increased 67 percent and kerosene prices have risen 50 percent, and benefits for households heating with oil, kerosene or other delivered fuels will be raised this season.
HEAP is administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Residents can apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov or in person at their local Department of Social Services, and can get information from OTDA's HEAP pages or by calling 1-800-342-3009.
New York State HEAP official page
(Source: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance)
Source: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 冬季住宅区（资料图）。Ximonic（Simo Räsänen）摄，CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Homes in winter (file photo). Photo by Ximonic (Simo Räsänen), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
