HEAP Emergency Benefit

Notice

Emergency HEAP benefits will be available beginning January 2, 2026.

Description

The HEAP Emergency Benefit component assists low-income New Yorkers facing a heat or heat-related energy emergency and who do not have resources available to resolve the emergency.

Emergency HEAP benefits are based on income, available resources, household size, primary fuel type, and the type of emergency. A household may be eligible to receive:

  • One emergency heating benefit for their main source of heat
  • One emergency heat-related benefit for electricity if it is necessary to operate the thermostat

Eligibility

You may be eligible for an Emergency Benefit if any of the following apply:

  • Your electricity is necessary for your heating system and is either shut off or scheduled to be shut off.
  • Your electric or natural gas heat is off or scheduled to be shut off.
  • You are out of fuel, have less than one-quarter tank of fuel oil, kerosene, or propane, or have less than a ten-day supply of wood, wood pellets, corn, or other deliverable heat source.
  • Your essential applicant-owned heating equipment is inoperable.

In addition, the following criteria must be met:

  • Your income is at or below the current income guidelines, or you receive Family Assistance, Safety Net Assistance, Food Stamps, or Code A Supplemental Security Income.
  • The heating and/or electric bill is in your name.
  • Your available resources are:
    • Less than $2,500 if no household member is age 60 or older.
    • Less than $3,750 if any household member is age 60 or older.

To be eligible for HEAP emergency benefits, the household's gross monthly income must not exceed the current income guidelines. Additionally, the household must be in an emergency situation, defined as: