Home Energy Assistance Program
Federal Government Shutdown- HEAP Update
Due to the federal government shutdown and the resulting lack of federal funding, the launch of applications for the 2025–2026 Regular HEAP benefit has been postponed until further notice.
If you’re having difficulty paying your National Fuel bill, have received a termination notice, or have already had your gas service disconnected and cannot pay the amount required to restore service or avoid disconnection, please contact our Call Center at 1-800-365-3234, available Monday through Friday, 7 AM – 6 PM.
Directive Regarding EAP Enrollment
All residential customers currently enrolled in utility Energy Affordability Programs (EAPs) are protected from disenrollment through November 30, 2026.
This pause is being implemented in response to the federal government shutdown, which delayed Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funding and disrupted the normal eligibility verification process.
Important Information for Energy Affordability Program (EAP) Participants
What this means for you:
- You will not lose your benefits. All customers currently enrolled in EAP are protected from being removed until November 30, 2026.
- If you were recently removed, you’ll be added back. Anyone who was taken out of the program on or after October 1, 2025, will be re-enrolled.
- You have more time to show eligibility. The period to prove eligibility through programs like HEAP has been extended from 15 months to 18 months.
- Your discounts continue. You’ll keep receiving monthly bill discounts and other supports, even if federal programs are delayed. This is especially important during the winter season when heating costs are highest.
Home Energy Assistance Program
If you need help paying your heating bills, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) may be able to assist. This federally funded program provides support to eligible customers based on their income from the last four weeks.
Please note: the opening of HEAP has been delayed until further notice, pending federal funding.
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 $496. A family of four earning $80,165 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 | $3,473 |
| 2 | $4,542 |
| 3 | $5,611 |
| 4 | $6,680 |
| 5 | $7,749 |
| 6 | $8,818 |
| 7 | $9,018 |
| 8 | $9,218 |
| 9 | $9,419 |
| 10 | $9,619 |
| 11 | $9,820 |
| 12 | $10,020 |
| 13 | $10,221 |
| 14+ | Add $687 per person |
When a HEAP grant is received you will also be enrolled into the Statewide Low Income Program (SLIP)/Energy Affordability Program (EAP) which 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.
| Tier | SLIP Tier Description | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HEAP grant less than or equal to $400 | $2.40 |
| 2.1 | HEAP grant is equal to $435 | $2.40 |
| 2.2 | HEAP grant is equal to $461 | $17.17 |
| 3 | HEAP grant is equal to $496 | $30.36 |
| 4 | DSS Direct Voucher enrolled customers | $17.99 |
Emergency Benefits
Emergency HEAP benefits are currently unavailable, and it is unknown when they will be offered this season. The opening of HEAP has been delayed until further notice. Please check back regularly for updates.
If you received a regular HEAP benefit AND currently have a shut off notice, you may call or visit your county office to apply for a $400 emergency HEAP benefit.
Callers should be prepared with their case number, Social Security number, utility account number, household income and resources (bank account balance, etc.).
For additional information, please call 1-877-443-2743.
Making Energy Affordable for Everyone: NYS Energy Affordability Program
Residential customers who aren’t HEAP income eligible may still be able 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. For more information about self-certification and how to apply, please click the link below.
Learn More