New Yorkers Can Get Up to $996 in Heating Assistance

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is now open for applications to help low- and middle-income residents and seniors with heating costs.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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With high energy prices and a struggling economy, the New York state government is offering financial assistance to qualifying residents through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Eligible New Yorkers can receive up to $996 in regular HEAP benefits to help cover heating costs this winter. The program also offers emergency HEAP benefits, but the deadline to apply for those is coming up on April 7, 2026. Governor Hochul is also encouraging residents to enroll in the state's Energy Affordability Program (EAP), which provides up to $500 in annual discounts on energy bills.

Why it matters

Many New Yorkers are facing financial hardship due to high inflation and rising energy costs. The HEAP and EAP programs provide critical assistance to low- and middle-income families and seniors who are struggling to afford their heating bills this winter.

The details

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) opened for the 2025-2026 winter season, though the opening was delayed by a month. Eligible New Yorkers, including low- and middle-income residents and seniors, can apply to receive up to $996 in regular HEAP benefits to help cover heating costs. Last year, the program assisted 1.5 million New York households with regular HEAP benefits. Emergency HEAP benefit applications started accepting on January 2, 2026, but the deadline to apply for those is April 7, 2026. The funds for emergency benefits are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) opened for the 2025-2026 winter season.
  • Emergency HEAP benefit applications started accepting on January 2, 2026.
  • The deadline to apply for emergency HEAP benefits is April 7, 2026.

The players

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

A New York state program that provides financial assistance to low- and middle-income residents and seniors to help cover heating costs.

Energy Affordability Program (EAP)

A New York state program that provides up to $500 in annual discounts on energy bills for eligible households.

Governor Kathy Hochul

The current governor of New York who is encouraging residents to apply for the EAP program.

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What they’re saying

“One million New York households are already enrolled in the program, but another 1.5 million households are eligible to receive a discount but need to apply.”

— Governor Kathy Hochul (ny.gov/EAP)

What’s next

The deadline to apply for emergency HEAP benefits is April 7, 2026, so eligible New Yorkers should apply as soon as possible before the limited funds are exhausted.

The takeaway

The HEAP and EAP programs provide critical financial assistance to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers and seniors afford their heating costs during the winter months. With high energy prices and a struggling economy, these programs are a lifeline for many families struggling to make ends meet.