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Money for heat and utility expenses

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA), NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)

How it works

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps cover heating and cooling costs and prevent utility shutoffs.

HEAP pays for fuel, utilities, and heating and cooling equipment repairs or replacement. Payments go directly to your utility company or energy provider. You can get HEAP even if utilities are included in your rent.

The HEAP program has several parts:

Regular Benefit Applications for the 2026-2027 winter heating season are not open yet.

What: A one-time benefit for income-eligible households to help cover heating costs

When: Typically early fall through early spring

How to apply: Log in or create an account on ACCESS HRA
Emergency Benefit Applications for 2026-2027 emergency assistance are not open yet.

What: Helps you heat your home if you’re in a heat- or heat-related emergency and you have already used up the regular HEAP benefit. You can also get help relocating to temporary housing if your current living situation puts your health or safety at risk.

When: Winter

How to apply: Visit or call your local HEAP office to apply
Heating Equipment Repair & Replacement (HERR) Benefit The 2026-2027 HERR benefit opened October 1, 2026.

What: Helps income-eligible homeowners of all ages repair or replace furnace, boiler, and other essential heating equipment

When: Winter and spring

How to apply: Call the DSS One helpline (718-557-1399)
Clean and Tune Benefit The 2026-2027 Clean and Tune benefit opened October 1, 2026.

What: Income-eligible homeowners can get one heating tune-up in preparation for winter — may include minor repairs, chimney cleaning, or installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats

When: Fall and winter

How to apply: Call the DSS One helpline (718-557-1399)
Cooling Assistance Benefit Applications for the 2026 summer cooling benefit are now closed.

What: Helps income-eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan

When: Spring and summer

How to apply: Log in or create an account on ACCESS HRA

 


Get help

Visit the website

Visit the OTDA website for HEAP to learn more about this program.

Call 311

Ask for help with the Home Energy Assistance Program.

Call HEAP

Call 718-557-1399 for help with HEAP.


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Last Updated October 2, 2026

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