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Cash & Expenses

Money for heat and utility expenses

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) | NYC Human Resources Administration

1. How it Works

HEAP helps eligible households meet their home energy needs in the winter season. The money can pay for fuel, your utility source, equipment and/or repairs. The City pays the costs either directly to the company (heating benefit and/or utility benefit) or to the household (utility benefit only).

  • The HEAP benefit opens November 2, 2020. The deadline to submit applications is March 15, 2021.
  • The Emergency HEAP benefit opens January 4, 2021 and closes March 15, 2021 or until funds run out.
  • You may still be able to receive benefits even if your utilities are included in your rent.
  • Emergency benefits are available if your heat has been turned off or is in danger of being turned off.
  • Requires proof of address, social security number, income, and your utility bills (if you pay utilities).

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2. Determine Your Eligibility

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2. Determine your eligibility

To be eligible, you should be able to answer yes to these questions:

  • Do you have a child under six years old, an adult over 60 years old, or anyone with a permanent disability living with you?
  • Are you and the people you live with US citizens or legal immigrants?
  • Do you meet one of the following income guidelines?
    • You receive SNAP benefits, Temporary Assistance, or Code A Supplemental Security Income.
    • Your family is at or under the following income guidelines.

Family Size

Income in a month

1

$2,610

2

$3,413

3

$4,216

4

$5,019

5

$5,822

6

$6,625

7

$6,775

8

$6,926

9

$7,077

10

$7,227

11

$7,378

12

$7,755

For each additional person, add:

$560

If you need emergency HEAP benefits, you should also be able to answer yes to these questions:

  • Is your heat shut off or about to be shut off, or is your fuel tank a quarter full or less?
  • Is the heating and/or electric bill in your name?
  • Are your household’s available resources:
    • less than $3,000 if there is a member age 60 or older, or
    • less than $2,000 if there is no member age 60 or older?

Take a short survey to see if you might be eligible for this or 30 other programs.

Am I Eligible?

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3. What You Need to Include

3. What you need to include

It’s important to include the right documents when you apply. Your documents show whether the program is right for you.

This page can help you choose the right documents for your application.

Proof of who you are

For each person applying, any one document:

  • Driver’s License
  • Photo ID
  • US Passport or Naturalization Certificate
  • Adoption Papers, Hospital or Doctor’s Records
  • School Records

Or for each person applying, any two documents:

  • Birth Certificate or Baptismal certificate
  • Validated Social Security Card
  • Statement from another person

Proof of where you live

Proof of your income

Proof of your expenses

Proof of citizenship/immigration status

Proof of your resources

Proof of your disability status

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4. How to Apply

4. How to apply

Here are your options.

Apply by mail

Applications should be mailed to:
New York City Home Energy Assistance Program
P.O. Box 1401, Church Street Station
New York, NY, 10008

Download the form

Apply by phone

Apply in person

Come back to it later.
We can send you a link to this page to help you get back to it when you’re ready.

More ways to get help with this program

Visit the website

Visit the HEAP website for more information.

Call 311

Ask for assistance with the Home Energy Assistance Program.

Call HEAP

Call the HEAP Infoline at 800-692-0557 if you have questions about HEAP or 212-331-3126 for operator assistance.

Call the Heat Line at 212-331-3150 if you have trouble paying your heat bill or are home-bound and need assistance with HEAP.

Visit a HEAP Office

Visit a HEAP office to get help in person.

Last Updated Tuesday, November 24th, 10:39am

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