Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced that funding is available to help low- and middle-income households and older adults lower their energy costs and keep their homes warm during cold winter months. Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, which can provide up to $996 to eligible households, are currently open to New Yorkers. More than 1.7 million HEAP benefits were issued last winter, putting more than $397 million dollars back in the pockets of families across the state.

In the 2023-24 season, 16,501 Chautauqua County residents and 9,484 Cattaraugus County residents received HEAP benefits

“New Yorkers should not have to choose between heating their home or putting food on the table, and we’re offering critical financial assistance to protect vulnerable New York households as the weather gets colder,” Hochul said. “The Home Energy Assistance Program puts money back in the pockets of New Yorkers — helping households stay warm through the winter and providing much-needed financial relief. I urge all eligible New Yorkers to apply today.”

Through HEAP, a federally funded program, New Yorkers caring for vulnerable family members including those who are under the age of 6, individuals aged 60 and above or residents who are permanently disabled, are eligible to receive up to $996 in heating assistance. HEAP benefits are also available to eligible homeowners and renters depending on their income levels, household size and operative heating systems. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $6,390, or an annual gross income of $76,681, and still qualify for benefits, marking a significant increase from last year’s maximum of a monthly gross income of $5,838, and an annual gross income of $70,059.

Eligible households can receive one HEAP benefit per season and could also be eligible for up to two Emergency HEAP benefits if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. Applications for HEAP benefits are now being accepted, while applications for Emergency HEAP benefits will open on January 2, 2025.

Eligible New Yorkers can apply at ny.gov/heat. Applications for assistance are also accepted at local departments of social services and can be submitted through the mail or in person. To apply in person in Chautauqua County, call 716-661-8103 and a paper application can be mailed to you or you can request a phone interview. In Dunkirk, call 716-363-3544.

Additionally, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “HEAP provides essential financial assistance that will help hundreds of thousands of low and moderate-income households in New York pay their energy bills this winter. We are grateful for Governor Hochul’s continued support of this vital economic assistance program. HEAP is a lifeline for low-income working families and older adults on a fixed income and also provides financial support to ensure those in emergency situations can keep the heat on and keep their homes warm during the cold winter months. I encourage all eligible households to apply for this assistance.”

New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen said, “The Home Energy Assistance Program highlights New York’s commitment to helping those in need, particularly older adults on a fixed income. I encourage all those eligible to apply and older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications to contact their local office for the aging or contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871. Additionally, you may be eligible for more financial benefits through programs such as the Medicare Savings Program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.”