Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Thank you for visiting the HEAP program webpage. We care about supporting you and want to assist with your Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) needs.

Please note: HEAP applications may take up to 30 business days to process, plus up to 10 business days if documentation is required. Weekends and holidays are not business days. Once approved, payments are issued directly to your heating vendor by OTDA, and it may take up to four weeks for your account to be credited.

Please understand submitting multiple applications does not speed up processing and may actually cause delays. Please submit only one application and allow the full processing time.

If you are experiencing a heating emergency—such as having a threat of losing heat/electricity, fuel, or a shut-off notice—please speak with a representative, either by phone or in-person. For all other inquiries, we kindly ask that you allow the full processing time before calling for updates. This helps us serve everyone more efficiently. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Anyone interested in the Heap Components below, can find out more information on the requirements for each of the programs by utilizing the My Benefits link

Regular Heap Component

Effective 12/1/25, applications for Regular HEAP will be accepted.  The Regular HEAP benefit is scheduled to operate through April 7, 2026, or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

  • To save time, please visit myBenefits.ny.gov where you can create an account to apply for HEAP, SNAP, and Public/Cash Assistance.  You can also report changes, recertify benefits, and obtain your current budget information. myBenefits
  • We can serve you best when you submit required documents electronically using the NYDocSubmit mobile application. NYDocSubmit | OTDA

Emergency Heap Component

Effective 1/2/26 this component is now open, and it is scheduled to operate through 4/7/26, or until funding is exhausted; whichever occurs first. If you are an individual who incurs a heating/electricity cost with a vendor, the account is in your name, and you are in threat of losing heat/electricity (or have lost heat/electricity)  you can contact the agency at 607-737-5368 to complete a screening worksheet. If you are found eligible for this component; an Emergency Heap benefit can prevent the loss of or restore your heat/electricity.

Clean & Tune Component

This component was not included as a part of the 2026-2027 Heap Season. There are no other programs to assist with this service currently.

HERR Component

Effective 12/11/25, this component is now open under limited criteria. It is open to homeowners 60 years of age or older, who reside in their owned home at the time of application, and are in need of heating equipment repair or replacement. Qualified applicants can apply for this assistance under the HERR program using the (LDSS-3421) HEAP application. Homeowners who do not meet the age criteria for the HERR Component, but are still in need of heating equipment repair or replacement, can apply for this assistance under the Temporary Assistance program using the (LDSS-2921) application and selecting Emergency Assistance.

Cooling Component

HEAP Cooling Component - CLOSED
 
 If you are an individual who needs help with cooling assistance, have received a Regular Heap benefit greater than $21 during the most recent Heap Season, live in government subsidized housing and  received a Regular Heap benefit equal to $21 during the most recent Heap season, or are in receipt of Temporary Assistance or SNAP, you may be eligible to receive an air conditioner (or fan) if you meet the following criteria: Are 60 years or older, have a child under six in the household, or have a medical condition worsened by heat and reside in an eligible living situation, do not have a working air conditioner as determined by a vendor, and have not received a Heap funded air conditioner in the past five years.

Helpful tip: 

  • To save time, please visit myBenefits.ny.gov where you can create an account to apply for HEAP, SNAP, and Public/Cash Assistance.  You can also report changes, recertify benefits, and obtain your current budget information. myBenefits
  • We can serve you best when you submit required documents electronically using the NYDocSubmit mobile application. NYDocSubmit | OTDA

 

If you need to speak with one of our representatives, you may call and leave a message on the HEAP line at 607-737-5368.