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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 prevents 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.

HEAP has several components:

Regular Benefit Applications for the 2025-2026 winter heating season are now closed.

What: A one-time benefit that can help you pay for heating your home

When: Typically early fall through early spring
Emergency Benefit Applications are open. Visit or call your local HEAP office to apply.

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
Heating Equipment Repair & Replacement (HERR) Benefit Applications for the 2025-2026 HERR benefit are now closed.

What: Helps homeowners ages 60 and older repair or replace furnace, boiler, and other essential heating equipment

When: Winter and spring
Cooling Assistance Benefit Applications for the summer cooling benefit are now open. Apply today on ACCESS HRA — benefits are first-come, first-serve.

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

When: Spring and summer

 


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 April 15, 2026

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