Emergency HEAP in New York State
The Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a vital resource for low-income households in New York State who are facing an energy crisis. Administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), this program provides financial assistance to eligible residents who are at risk of losing heat during the cold-weather months due to shutoff notices, fuel shortages, or heating system failures.
Emergency HEAP is part of the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and is intended to prevent potentially life-threatening conditions during winter. Assistance may come in the form of utility reconnection, fuel delivery, or support for unsafe or inoperable heating systems. The benefit typically becomes available in early January and runs until the allocated funds are exhausted, which can happen as early as March or April.
The program serves homeowners and renters alike, provided they meet the income and emergency eligibility criteria. Applying promptly at the first sign of an energy emergency is strongly recommended to ensure support before service interruption or extreme weather hits.
Who Is Eligible for Emergency HEAP?
To qualify for Emergency HEAP in New York State, households must meet specific income and emergency criteria. Here are the key eligibility requirements:
- You must be a resident of New York State.
- You are responsible for paying heating costs, either directly to a vendor or as part of rent.
- You are experiencing a heat-related emergency. This could include having less than a quarter tank of heating oil or propane, less than a 10-day supply of other fuels, a shutoff notice from your utility company, or your service has already been disconnected.
- Your gross monthly household income is at or below the HEAP income guidelines. For example, a household of four must earn approximately $5,838/month or less in gross income for the 2024–2025 season.
- You may also be eligible if someone in the household receives Temporary Assistance (TA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other public assistance.
Households with elderly, disabled, or medically vulnerable members may receive priority processing. If your household uses electricity to run the heating system (such as a furnace blower), you may be eligible even if electricity is not your primary heat source.
Types of Emergencies Covered
Emergency HEAP is designed to assist with various energy-related crises. These include:
- Utility shutoff notices for natural gas or electricity
- Electric or gas service already disconnected
- Insufficient heating fuel supply (oil, propane, kerosene, wood, pellets, coal)
- Inoperable or unsafe heating equipment requiring immediate repair or replacement
- Use of electricity as a secondary source for heating system operation
Emergency assistance may be used to prevent disconnection, restore service, or obtain a delivery of fuel. In cases involving unsafe equipment, you may also qualify for the Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement (HERR) component of HEAP.
Benefit Amounts (2024–2025 Season)
The amount of assistance provided depends on the type of emergency and the household’s primary heating source. Here are some of the common benefit amounts available:
| Emergency Type | Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|
| Electric heat-related emergency | $185 |
| Electric or natural gas shutoff | $400–$585 |
| Fuel oil or propane shortage | $900 |
| Wood, pellets, coal, or other fuels | $635 |
In certain cases, households may qualify for more than one Emergency HEAP benefit within the same season. For example, a household may receive assistance for both a utility shutoff and a separate fuel shortage if they occur at different times. However, this is dependent on the availability of program funds.
How to Apply for Emergency HEAP
There are three primary ways to apply for Emergency HEAP in New York:
- Online: Apply at www.mybenefits.ny.gov. This is the quickest and most convenient method for many households.
- In Person: Visit your county’s Department of Social Services (DSS). You can find contact details for your local office using the DSS office directory.
- By Phone: Call your local HEAP office. New York City residents can call the Human Resources Administration HEAP Infoline at 718-557-1399.
Emergency HEAP opens on January 2, 2025, and operates until funds are depleted. Applicants are encouraged to act quickly once an emergency is identified.
Required Documents
To avoid delays, prepare the following documents when applying:
- Photo ID for the head of household
- Proof of identity for all household members (e.g., birth certificates, benefit cards)
- Recent utility bills, fuel delivery slips, or a shutoff notice
- Proof of income for the last 30 days (e.g., pay stubs, Social Security benefits, unemployment)
- Proof of residence (e.g., lease agreement, mortgage statement, utility bill)
- Documentation of the emergency (e.g., repair invoice, tank reading, disconnection notice)
More Information
For full program details, current income limits, or updates on emergency benefits, visit the official OTDA program page or contact your local HEAP office:
Emergency HEAP can provide critical support to protect your household from unsafe or unlivable conditions during the cold months. If you or someone you know is facing an energy emergency, apply as early as possible and stay safe this winter.