The New York HEAP program is not currently accepting applications, and it’s important to know that before you try to apply. As of this update, every component of the 2025-2026 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) season has closed: Regular HEAP closed April 10, 2026, Emergency HEAP closed April 24, 2026, and even the Cooling Assistance Component, which runs later in the year, closed on June 5, 2026. The 2026-2027 HEAP season is expected to open in November 2026, though the 2025-2026 season itself was delayed by about a month due to the federal government shutdown, opening December 1, 2025 instead of its originally planned November 3, 2025 start. We’ll be updating this article monthly as the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) confirms the exact 2026-2027 opening date.
This guide covers exactly where things stand right now, who typically qualifies for HEAP based on the most recent confirmed income guidelines, how much households received under the 2025-2026 season as a reference point, and what to do to be ready the moment the next season opens. Every figure here comes directly from OTDA and New York State’s official HEAP resources, not secondhand estimates.
New York HEAP Program 2026-2027 Key Highlights
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Current status | All 2025-2026 HEAP components are closed |
| Regular HEAP (2025-2026) | Opened Dec. 1, 2025, closed April 10, 2026 |
| Emergency HEAP (2025-2026) | Opened Jan. 2, 2026, closed April 24, 2026 |
| Cooling Assistance (2025-2026) | Opened April 15, 2026, closed June 5, 2026 |
| Heating equipment repair/replacement | Did not open this season |
| Clean and tune benefit | Did not open this season |
| Next season (2026-2027) expected opening | November 2026 (unconfirmed exact date) |
| Regular HEAP benefit range | Roughly $400 to $900, plus a $61 Tier 1 enhancement |
| Maximum benefit cited | Up to $996, depending on income, household size, and heating source |
| Emergency HEAP benefit range | $185 to $900, depending on heat source and emergency type |
| 2026 cooling policy change | Automatic age-based eligibility lowered from 60 to 55 |
| Where to apply when open | myBenefits.ny.gov or your local HEAP district office |
Is HEAP Currently Open in New York?
No. As of this update, every component of the 2025-2026 HEAP season has closed. The Regular HEAP benefit, which helps eligible households pay heating costs, closed on April 10, 2026. The Emergency HEAP benefit, for households facing an imminent heat-related crisis, closed on April 24, 2026, with no second emergency benefit opening this season. The Cooling Assistance Component, which provides air conditioners or fans to eligible households with heat-sensitive medical conditions, closed more recently, on June 5, 2026. Two other components, the heating equipment repair and replacement benefit and the clean and tune benefit, did not open at all during the 2025-2026 season. If you’re searching for how to apply for HEAP right now, the honest answer is that you’ll need to wait for the next season to open.
When Will the 2026-2027 HEAP Season Open?
Based on current guidance from local New York county social services departments, the 2026-2027 HEAP season is expected to open in November 2026, consistent with the program’s typical yearly pattern. However, this date is not yet officially confirmed by OTDA at the state level, and it’s worth remembering that the 2025-2026 season itself was pushed back roughly a month, from an originally planned November 3, 2025 start to an actual December 1, 2025 opening, because of a federal government shutdown at the time. Given that history, treat “November 2026” as a reasonable planning estimate rather than a guaranteed date, and check OTDA’s official HEAP page as autumn approaches for the confirmed opening.
What Is the New York HEAP Program?
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded, state-administered program that helps income-eligible New York households pay for home heating costs and heat-related electric needs. It’s a seasonal program, meaning it doesn’t operate year-round, applications open sometime in the fall and continue until the following spring or until program funding for that component runs out, whichever comes first. HEAP is administered locally through county social services departments and New York City’s system, under statewide guidance from OTDA.
Who Typically Qualifies for HEAP in New York?
While exact income guidelines are reissued each season, the general eligibility framework has remained consistent, and it’s reasonable to expect similar structure for 2026-2027. Based on the most recently confirmed 2025-2026 guidelines, a household may qualify for the Regular HEAP benefit if:
- A household member is a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
- The household’s gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for its household size, or
- The household receives SNAP (food stamps), or
- The household receives Temporary Assistance, or
- The household receives Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI living alone)
What Were the 2025-2026 Income Guidelines? (Most Recent Reference Point)
New York’s HEAP program uses a two-tier income system, Tier I (lower income, generally receiving the enhanced benefit) and Tier II (higher income, receiving the base benefit). Based on the confirmed 2025-2026 monthly income guidelines:
| Household Size | Tier I Monthly Income | Tier II Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0 – $1,695 | $1,696 – $3,473 |
| 2 | $0 – $2,291 | $2,292 – $4,542 |
| 3 | $0 – $2,887 | $2,888 – $5,611 |
| 4 | $0 – $3,482 | $3,483 – $6,680 |
| 5 | $0 – $4,078 | $4,079 – $7,749 |
| 6 | $0 – $4,674 | $4,675 – $8,818 |
| Each additional member | Add $595 | Add up to $687 |
These figures are typically adjusted each season based on the State Median Income, so treat this table as your best current reference rather than an assumption that 2026-2027 numbers will be identical.
How Much Could You Receive From HEAP?
Based on the 2025-2026 season, benefit amounts varied by income tier, household composition, and heating source:
Regular HEAP benefits (2025-2026 reference):
- Typical range: roughly $400 to $900 for households that pay for heat directly
- Households whose heat is included in rent: roughly $21 to $50
- Tier 1 enhancement: an additional $61 added to the base benefit for households in the lower income tier
- A household with a member under age 6, age 60 or older, or permanently disabled may qualify for an increased benefit amount
- One household may receive only one Regular HEAP benefit per program year
Emergency HEAP benefits (2025-2026 reference):
| Type of Emergency | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| Heat-related domestic (electric needed to run heating equipment) | $185 |
| Natural gas heat only | $400 |
| Natural gas combined with heat-related domestic | $585 |
| Electric heat combined with heat-related domestic | $585 |
| Non-utility heating fuel (oil, kerosene, propane) | $900 |
| Non-utility heating fuel (wood, pellets, coal, corn) | $635 |
What Changed With the Cooling Assistance Component in 2026?
One genuine policy update worth knowing about: for the 2026 cooling cycle, New York lowered the automatic age-based qualification threshold from 60 to 55 for the medical/age eligibility track. This means households with a member age 55 or older who has a heat-sensitive medical condition may now qualify for cooling assistance even if their income would otherwise be too high to qualify through SNAP-based automatic eligibility. If a full air conditioner installation isn’t feasible for a specific residence, a fan is provided instead. Renters in New York City do not need landlord permission to apply, though the HEAP-contracted installer will still need building access to complete an installation.
How Do You Apply for HEAP When the Season Opens?
Once the next season opens, expected around November 2026, you can apply through:
- myBenefits.ny.gov, the state’s official online benefits portal, recommended specifically because it helps avoid lost or delayed mail associated with paper applications
- Your local HEAP district contact, typically your county department of social services
- By phone, calling the statewide HEAP information line at (800) 342-3009
- In New York City, calling 718-557-1399 for Emergency HEAP-specific assistance
- Paper applications, which are still accepted by mail or in-person drop-off at your local office
What Should You Do While Waiting for the Next Season?
- Gather your documentation now, proof of income, household size, and your current heating vendor information, so you’re ready to apply as soon as the season opens
- Check whether you’re already active on SNAP or Temporary Assistance, since some households in these programs may have HEAP paid automatically without needing a separate application
- Watch for a renewal notice by mail if you received HEAP last season, and mail it back promptly once the new season opens
- Bookmark OTDA’s official HEAP page to catch the exact 2026-2027 opening date as soon as it’s confirmed
- If you’re facing an urgent heating emergency right now, contact your local district office directly, since some emergency housing or utility assistance resources outside HEAP specifically may still be available even while HEAP itself is closed
Official Resources & Status Check Links
| Resource | Purpose | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| NY.gov – Apply for Heating Assistance (HEAP) | Official overview, eligibility, and season status | ny.gov/services/apply-heating-assistance-heap |
| OTDA – HEAP Program Page | Official state program page, eligibility tables, and updates | otda.ny.gov/programs/heap |
| myBenefits.ny.gov | Online application portal for HEAP and other benefits | mybenefits.ny.gov |
| HEAP Statewide Information Line | General questions and application help | (800) 342-3009 |
| NYC Emergency HEAP Line | Emergency HEAP assistance for NYC residents | 718-557-1399 |
FAQs
Is HEAP open right now in New York?
No, all components of the 2025-2026 HEAP season have closed, including Regular (April 10, 2026), Emergency (April 24, 2026), and Cooling Assistance (June 5, 2026).
When will HEAP open again?
The 2026-2027 season is expected to open around November 2026, though this exact date is not yet officially confirmed and could shift, as it did for the 2025-2026 season.
Who qualifies for HEAP in New York?
Generally, U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens whose household gross income falls within the current guidelines for their household size, or who already receive SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or Code A SSI.
How much money can I get from HEAP?
Based on the most recent 2025-2026 season, Regular HEAP benefits typically ranged from about $400 to $900, with emergency benefits ranging from $185 to $900 depending on the type of heating emergency.
Can I apply for HEAP more than once per season?
No, a household may receive only one Regular HEAP benefit per program year, though a separate Emergency HEAP benefit may also be available if you meet those specific criteria.
What changed with HEAP cooling assistance in 2026?
New York lowered the automatic age-based eligibility threshold for the cooling program’s medical/age track from 60 to 55.
How do I apply for HEAP once it reopens?
Through myBenefits.ny.gov, by contacting your local HEAP district office, by calling the statewide line at (800) 342-3009, or by paper application.
Do I need to reapply if I received HEAP last season?
You may receive a renewal notice by mail; if so, submit it promptly once the new season opens rather than waiting to file a completely new application.
Does having savings or assets disqualify me from HEAP?
Generally no, HEAP eligibility for Regular benefits is primarily based on income guidelines, not savings, stocks, bonds, or other resources.
What should I do if I have a heating emergency right now, while HEAP is closed?
Contact your local district social services office directly, since some emergency housing or utility assistance resources outside the standard HEAP season may still be available.
Conclusion
The New York HEAP program is fully closed for the 2025-2026 season as of this update, with Regular, Emergency, and Cooling Assistance benefits all past their respective deadlines, and the next season not expected to open until roughly November 2026. Rather than searching for a way to apply that doesn’t currently exist, the most useful thing eligible households can do right now is confirm their expected household income tier against the most recent guidelines, gather documentation early, and watch OTDA’s official HEAP page for the confirmed 2026-2027 opening date. Given that last season’s start was delayed by external events, treat any specific November date as a planning estimate until New York State officially confirms it.
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