Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
In an effort to help income eligible individuals cope with higher fuel bills of winter, NYS participates in the Federal funded “Home Energy Assistance Program”, commonly known as HEAP. When you are approved, HEAP will make a lump-sum payment directly to your energy supplier on your behalf. This payment is known as a grant and will appear as a credit on your fuel account. Payments may take up to 90 days to be credited to your account.
Benefits:
Grants are ordinarily limited to one per household, per heating season. The grant amount is based on your fuel type, household size, and household income during the four weeks prior to your application.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for a HEAP grant, you must meet income guidelines and residence requirements, and you must pay for heating energy directly to a fuel company or as part of your rent.
There are certain living situations, which do not qualify for HEAP. The following do NOT qualify:
- Tenants of government subsidized housing where heat is included in the rent.
- Individuals paying room and or room and board in a private residence.
- Residents of care facilities, dormitories, and board in a private residence.
- Those who do not have heating responsibilities.
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,473 |
| 2 | $4,542 |
| 3 | $5,611 |
Call the Office for the Aging 315 867-1195 if you need income limits for a household over 3.
Application:
The HEAP application asks for enough information to determine your eligibility and grant amount. You must give basic information such as your name, address, and telephone number. You must provide copies of photo ID or birth certificate, social security cards and income for everyone in your household. All information is treated as highly confidential and in accordance with the New York State Personal Privacy Protection Law which took effect on September 1, 1984.
Documentation:
When applying for HEAP you will need to provide identification and proof of gross income for everyone who lives in your home. Depending on circumstances, you may use birth certificates, a marriage license, driver’s license, rental receipts and copies of current pays stubs or pension statements. We cannot use bank statements for proof of monthly income.
- Social security/Disability/SSI
- Pension/Veteran’s Benefit
- Dividends (from stocks, bonds)
- Alimony/Support (or court order)
- Payroll, Worker’s Compensation, Unemployment Insurance Benefit
- Rentals (received from tenants/roomers/real property)
- Interest (up-dated on pass books, savings, checking, CDs, etc.)
Emergency HEAP:
Opens January 2, 2025 - April 7, 2026. In certain low fuel or shut-off notice situations, emergency grants are available and are processed immediately to prevent a utility shut off or to guarantee a fuel delivery. For these situations, if you are age 60 or older, please call OFA at 315-867-1195. For those under the age of 60, please call DSS @ 315-867-1220.
Furnace Repair/Replacement for those 60 and over:
If you are a homeowner, the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefit is ONLY AVAILABLE UNDER PUBLIC ASSISTANCE application. Please contact the Public Assistance HEAP office at 315 867-1220. This is also only available during the heating season. 11/3/25 - 4/7/26
Cooling Assistance 4/15/2026 - 6/22/2026
If you are eligible for HEAP, you may qualify to receive one Cooling Assistance benefit of an air conditioner or box fan. Please call 315 867-1195 for more information.
Online Application at myBenefits:
Program Description:
The HEAP program provides funds to lower-income households for heating and cooling costs. The social Services Department processes applications for individuals under the age of 60 and Office of the Aging processes senior (age 60 & over) applications
Eligibility Criteria:
Must meet income guidelines set annually and be willing to fully disclose finances.
Referral Procedure:
Contact the Herkimer County Department of Social Services at 315-867-1220
FAQs:
Q. Do applicants need to apply each year?
A. yes
Q. How often is a HEAP benefit received?
A. The benefit is an annual benefit