The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for utility and heating bills. 

HEAP is a seasonal program. You must re-apply each year and meet the qualifications to receive a HEAP benefit.

If you are homebound, you may request a home visit to apply for HEAP. A person is considered to be homebound if, due to physical or mental illness, they are unable to leave their home without assistance or escort.

HEAP recipients can use HEAP approval letters as documentation to support the Energy Affordability Program offered by some utility companies and Verizon Lifeline.

Learn more about the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

The 2022-2023 Regular HEAP application period opened on November 1, 2022. 

Applications will close on March 31, 2023 or when the funds run out, whichever happens first.

If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year to help you pay for heating your home.

Learn more about the Regular HEAP benefit.

The Emergency HEAP benefit application period opened on January 3, 2023. 

Applications will close on March 31, 2023 or when funds run out, whichever happens first.

If you are eligible, the Emergency HEAP Benefit can help you heat your home if you are in a heat or heat related emergency.

Learn more about the Emergency HEAP benefit.

The quickest way to apply for HEAP benefits is online. You can use the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA Mobile App from anywhere and at any time to apply for HEAP benefits.

You can also request a paper application by phone or download and print one from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) website. 

If you are homebound, you can request a home visit to apply for HEAP. A person is considered to be homebound if, due to physical or mental illness, they are unable to leave their home without assistance or escort.

Online

Visit ACCESS HRA to apply online.

Download the HEAP Application form.

By Phone

Paper applications and other application assistance, including home visit requests, are available by phone.

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
  • Business Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM; Wednesday 8 AM - 7 PM
  • Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours, except on City holidays. Automated assistance is also available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish. Most languages are available through a staff person.

You can submit your HEAP application, along with copies of supporting documents, online, by mail, or in person. Mailed applications should include copies of supporting documents. Do not send original documents. Use the ACCESS HRA Mobile App to submit your required documents.

You can use the ACCESS HRA Mobile App to submit the required documents, however you must still submit the application by mail or in person.

Online

Visit the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA Mobile App from anywhere and at any time to apply for HEAP benefits. 

By Mail

HEAP
PO Box 1401
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10008

In Person and Drop-off Locations

You can drop off your application and supporting documents at any HRA Benefits Access Center.

 Find a Benefits Access Center.

You can get help to complete your application at certain HRA Benefits Center. You can also get help to complete or drop off your application at outreach sites.

The Human Resources Administration has 30 business days from the date your application is received to make a decision on your application. A notice is mailed to you when a decision is made on your application.

You can check the status of your HEAP application online or by phone.

Online

Visit the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA Mobile App from anywhere and at any time and log into your ACCESS HRA account.

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
  • Business Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM; Wednesday 8 AM - 7 PM
  • Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours, except on City holidays. Automated assistance is also available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish. Most languages are available through a staff person.

If you have received an electric, gas, or heating disconnect notice, you may be eligible for emergency financial assistance.

Assistance is available year-round and is separate from the seasonal HEAP benefits.

Resources are also available for qualified households that have a low supply of heating fuel or a broken boiler or furnace.

You can get more information and assistance online or by phone.

Online

Learn more about emergency assistance.

By Phone

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
  • Business Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM; Wednesday 8 AM - 7 PM
  • Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours, except on City holidays. Automated assistance is also available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish. Most languages are available through a staff person.

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