New York HEAP 2026: The Four Home Energy Benefits
In New York, LIHEAP is called HEAP, the Home Energy Assistance Program, and it is unusually broad: four separate benefits, each opening and closing on its own schedule.
Quick answer
To apply for LIHEAP in New York: New York runs LIHEAP as the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Apply online at myBenefits. Applying is free through the official agency.
How LIHEAP works in New York
New York runs LIHEAP as HEAP (the Home Energy Assistance Program), administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance through your local district social services office. You can apply online — myBenefits.ny.gov outside New York City, ACCESS HRA within the city — or in person and by mail. See the state’s Apply for HEAP page.
New York is unusually structured, with four distinct HEAP benefits that each open and close on their own dates: a Regular heating benefit, an Emergency benefit for shut-offs or low fuel, a summer Cooling Assistance benefit to buy and install an air conditioner, and a Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement benefit.
What LIHEAP is, who is eligible, and what it can pay toward are federal — those are covered in how to apply for LIHEAP. What is state-specific is the program’s name, who runs it, and where you apply.
What this program helps with
LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, and can help in an energy emergency such as a shut-off notice or being low on fuel. Some areas also offer weatherization to make a home more energy efficient.
Who may qualify
Eligibility is based on household income and size, and the rules and income limits vary by state. Many states also automatically qualify households that already receive SNAP, TANF, or certain other benefits. Funding is limited and the program has seasonal open and close dates, so apply early. Confirm the current income limits and dates on the official state site. We do not list dollar figures here because the official limits are set by your state and can change each season – always confirm the current numbers on the official site below.
How to apply in New York
New York runs LIHEAP as the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov or through your local district. You can usually start online, by phone, or in person, and a local office finalizes your application.
Documents you may need
Have ready: photo ID, Social Security numbers for the household, proof of income for everyone in the home, a recent energy or utility bill, and any shut-off or past-due notice. Bring copies and keep your originals.
What to expect after you apply
Applications are processed in the order received while funds last, so applying early in the season helps. If approved, the benefit is usually paid directly to your utility company or fuel provider and credited to your account. If you have a heating or cooling emergency, ask about crisis assistance, which is handled faster.
Official website / application link
New York OTDA HEAP. Applying is free through the official agency – never pay a third party.
Related guides on GlobalBenefits.org
- Back to the energy assistance (LIHEAP) hub
- National LIHEAP guide
- New York SNAP / food stamps
- New York Medicaid
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be behind on my bill to get LIHEAP?
No – regular LIHEAP helps with ongoing energy costs, while crisis assistance is for emergencies like a shut-off. You can apply before you fall behind.
Can renters apply?
Yes. Both renters and homeowners can apply as long as they are responsible for their home energy costs.
Last reviewed July 24, 2026 by the GlobalBenefits editorial team. GlobalBenefits is not a government agency; income limits, amounts, dates, and phone numbers are set by the official agencies above and can change – always confirm there before applying. See our corrections policy.
LIHEAP in other priority states: California · Texas · Florida · Pennsylvania.