Energy Assistance Programs
Bill Relief Program Phase 2
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York State Public Service Commission has approved a one-time bill credit for residential and small business customers with a past-due balance for service through May 1, 2022.
Only customers who did not receive a bill-relief credit in 2022 are eligible for a bill-relief credit in 2023.
Residential customers are eligible to receive a one-time bill relief credit of up to $1,250 that will be applied automatically toward a past-due balance from bills for service through May 1, 2022.
Small business customers are eligible to receive a one-time bill relief credit of up to $1,250 that will be applied automatically toward a past-due balance from bills for service through May 1, 2022, if they:
- Did not exceed 7,267 ccf during the previous 12 months
You are responsible for bills after May 1, 2022
If you qualify, your bill credit will be processed automatically, and you do not need to take any action. You will be notified with a bill message when the one-time credit is applied to your bill.
Qualifying customers can expect to see one-time bill credits over the coming weeks. If you were enrolled in the Energy Affordability Program by December 31, 2022, or received benefits under New York State’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) or the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Regular Arrears Supplement (RAS) in the prior heating season and previously received a bill credit, you will not receive an additional credit in 2023.
Note for non-EAP residential customers whose gas service remains off due to shutoff in 2022 for non-payment: To receive the one-time Phase 2 bill credit of up to $1,250 for past due amounts billed through May 1, 2022, you must call National Fuel Monday-Friday 7am to 6pm at 1‑800‑365‑3234 to have gas service turned back on through June 30, 2023. You may be eligible for additional assistance on any remaining account balance owing after the bill relief credit is applied.
Statewide Low-Income Program (SLIP)
The SLIP/EAP provides monthly bill discounts on gas delivery charges. The discount amount is based on the amount of the HEAP grant received. In addition, the account will be enrolled on the balanced billing program to help make winter bills more affordable.
Residential customers may be eligible to enroll in SLIP and receive a discount on their energy bills if they, or another person in their household, receives financial assistance from certain government or tribal programs. To view the list of eligible programs and access the application form please click here. To fill out the form and submit electronically, please log in to your National Fuel online account from the home page. Once logged in, the form is located under the link for ‘Forms & Document Upload’. If you do not have an online account, please click here to create an account.
Find your tier-based credit below, beginning on the next month’s gas bill*:
| Tier | SLIP Tier Description | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HEAP grant less than or equal to $500 | $3 |
| 2.1 | HEAP grant is equal to $535 | $3 |
| 2.2 | HEAP grant is equal to $541 | $13.60 |
| 3 | HEAP grant is equal to $576 | $22.40 |
| 4 | DSS Direct Voucher enrolled customers | $10.40 |
*SLIP credits may not exceed your delivery charges. Any excess will carry over to the next month’s gas bill. Recipients of emergency HEAP will receive the Tier 1 discount.
What if I have not received a HEAP benefit?
Residential customers who have not received a HEAP payment within the last 15 months may be eligible to enroll in SLIP, also referred to as our Energy Affordability Program (EAP) if they, or another person in their household, receives financial assistance from certain government or tribal programs. This provides a $3.00 monthly bill discount on your gas delivery charges and the account will be enrolled on the balanced billing program.
Qualifying governmental assistance programs for utility bill discount or Energy Affordability Programs:
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
- Lifeline Telephone Service Program (Lifeline)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Veterans Disability or Survivors Pension
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (if living on tribal lands)
- Head Start (if living on tribal lands)
- Tribal TANF (if living on tribal lands)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (if living on tribal lands)
- Utility Guarantee / Direct Vendor programs
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Safety Net Assistance
To mail or fax Application please click here. To fill out the form and submit electronically, please log in to your National Fuel online account from the home page. Once logged in, the form is located under the link for ‘Forms & Document Upload’. If you do not have an online account, please click here to create an account.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
If you need help paying your heating bills, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help. This federally funded program provides assistance to eligible customers. HEAP opened on November 1, 2022 and is based on the last four weeks of your income.
Grant amounts vary and will be provided only while HEAP funding remains available. The maximum Regular HEAP grant for customers that use natural gas to heat their home is $576. A family of four earning $65,820 or less may qualify for assistance this year. Apply early because funds are very limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. See the chart below to see if you qualify.
HOW TO APPLY
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,852 |
| 2 | $3,730 |
| 3 | $4,608 |
| 4 | $5,485 |
| 5 | $6,363 |
| 6 | $7,241 |
| 7 | $7,405 |
| 8 | $7,570 |
| 9 | $7,734 |
| 10 | $7,899 |
| 11 | $8,064 |
| 12 | $8,228 |
| 13 | $8,778 |
| 14+ | Add $590 per person |
Emergency Benefits
The 2022-2023 Emergency Benefit opened on January 3, 2023.
If you have a current termination notice, you may be eligible for an emergency benefit in the amount of $400. Please call or visit your local county office to apply.
Customers should be prepared with their case number (if applicable), social security number, utility account number, household income, and household resource amounts.
Effective February 27, 2023, a second Emergency benefit in the amount of $400 is available to eligible households.
For more information, please call 1-877-443-2743.