New York HEAP: when it opens, income limits and how to apply

When New York HEAP opens

The state says the Regular benefit usually opens in early to mid-November and runs until the money runs out. For 2026-2027, the city's HRA lists Nov. 2, 2026. A household can get one Regular benefit per season. Last season, the Regular benefit closed April 10, 2026, and Emergency HEAP closed April 24, 2026. The opening date for 2026-2027 Emergency HEAP was not posted on the pages we read.

Who can get HEAP

The state lists these rules: household members must be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals or qualified non-citizens, and each one needs a valid Social Security number. The household must also get SNAP, Temporary Assistance or SSI, or have gross monthly income at or below the HEAP limit. You may qualify even if you own your home, pay for heat in your rent or have savings.

How much HEAP paid in 2025-2026

The base Regular benefit depended on how you heat and pay:

• $900 plus add-ons for oil, kerosene or propane paid to the vendor.
• $635 plus add-ons for wood, pellets, coal, corn or other delivered fuel.
• $400 plus add-ons for electric or natural gas heat paid on actual use.
• $45 or $50 when heat is part of the rent, and $21 in subsidized housing or a group home with heat included.

The base could rise by $61 for the lowest income tier. It could rise by $35 when someone in the home is 60 or older, under 6 or permanently disabled. The 2026-2027 amounts were not posted on the pages we read.

How to apply

Outside New York City, apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov, in person or by mail with your HEAP local district contact. In New York City, apply online through ACCESS HRA, in person at a HEAP office, or by mail to HRA/HEAP, P.O. Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008. The city's fax is 917-639-2900 and its phone is 718-557-1399. Bring proof of where you live, a current fuel or utility bill, recent pay stubs and ID for each person. If you are eligible, you will be told no later than 30 business days after the local district gets your application.

Emergency HEAP, repairs and Clean and Tune

Emergency HEAP helps when your heat is off or about to be shut off, or you have less than a quarter tank of oil, kerosene or propane. The household's available resources must be under $2,500, or under $3,750 if someone is 60 or older or under 6. In 2025-2026, it paid up to $900 for oil, kerosene or propane. HERR helps homeowners repair a furnace or boiler, up to $4,000, or replace it, up to $8,000, once every ten years. Clean and Tune pays up to $500 to clean heating equipment.

Frequently asked questions

When does HEAP open for 2026-2027?

New York City's HRA says the Regular HEAP benefit is scheduled to open Nov. 2, 2026. HERR and Clean and Tune opened Oct. 1, 2026.

Who do I call about HEAP?

Call your HEAP local district contact, or the OTDA hotline at 1-800-342-3009, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In New York City, call 718-557-1399.

Can I get HEAP if heat is included in my rent?

Yes, if you meet the other rules. In 2025-2026, the benefit was $45 or $50 for households with heat included in the rent.