Money for heat and utility expenses

Home Energy Assistance Program | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)

Short Summary

HEAP helps eligible households meet the cost of heating their homes.

Who it may help

Eligibility for the Regular HEAP benefit is based on:

  • the presence of a household member who is under age 6, age 60 or older or permanently disabled
  • the primary heating source
  • income and household size

Your household may be eligible for aRegular HEAP benefit if:

  • A member of your household is a United States Citizen or Qualified Non-Citizen
  • You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or
  • You receive Temporary Assistance (TA) or
  • You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone)
  • Your households gross monthly income is at or below the current income guides for your household size based on this table:
  • If your household size is 1, your yearly income must be at or below $3,322.
  • If your household size is 2, your yearly income must be at or below $4,345.
  • If your household size is 3, your yearly income must be at or below $5,367.
  • If your household size is 4, your yearly income must be at or below $6,390.
  • If your household size is 5, your yearly income must be at or below $7,412.
  • If your household size is 6, your yearly income must be at or below $8,434.
  • If your household size is 7, your yearly income must be at or below $8,626.
  • If your household size is 8, your yearly income must be at or below $8,818.
  • If your household size is 9, your yearly income must be at or below $9,010.
  • If your household size is 10, your yearly income must be at or below $9,201.
  • If your household size is 11, your yearly income must be at or below $9,393.
  • If your household size is 12, your yearly income must be at or below $9,585.
  • If your household size is 13, your yearly income must be at or below $9,952.
  • For each additional person, add:, add Add $672 to the limit.

Your household may be eligible for Emergency HEAP benefits if you can answer yes to these questions:

  1. Do any of these apply to you?
    • The electricity that runs your heating system or thermostat is shut off or scheduled to be shut off.
    • Your heat has been turned off or is in danger of being turned off.
    • You are out of fuel or you have less than a quarter tank of fuel.
  2. Is your heating or electric bill in your name?
  3. Are your household's available resources:
    • less than $3,750 if it includes someone 60 or older, or under age 6?
    • less than $2,500 if it doesn't include someone 60 or older, or under age 6?
  4. Do you meet one of these income guidelines?
    • You receive SNAP benefits, Temporary Assistance, or Code A Supplemental Security Income.
    • Your family is at or under the following gross monthly income guidelines for your household size in the table above.

What you may need

To apply for HEAP, at least one household member will need a valid Social Security Number (SSN).

You will also need to give documents that show:

  • the identity of the people who live with you: such as a birth certificate, driver's license, US passport, or naturalization certificate
  • where you live: such as current rent receipt or lease
  • your income: such as pay stubs
  • your fuel or utility expenses: such as a recent bill or statement from your landlord stating that utilities are included in your rent.
  • disability status: if someone in your household has a disability.

Have a question?