Home Energy Assistance Program
Home Energy Assistance Program
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 will open on November 1st, 2024, 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 $496. A family of four earning $76,681 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 | $3,322 |
| 2 | $4,345 |
| 3 | $5,367 |
| 4 | $6,390 |
| 5 | $7,412 |
| 6 | $8,434 |
| 7 | $8,626 |
| 8 | $8,818 |
| 9 | $9,010 |
| 10 | $9,201 |
| 11 | $9,393 |
| 12 | $9,585 |
| 13 | $9,952 |
| 14+ | Add $672 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 | Regular and/or Emergency HEAP payment is less than or equal to $400; non-heating Customers; HEAP renter benefit; Lifeline* | $2.40 |
| 2.1 | Regular HEAP payment is $435 (vulnerable/young child household member "add-on" benefit) | $2.40 |
| 2.2 | Regular HEAP payment $461 (very low income "add-on" benefit) | $16.48 |
| 3 | Regular HEAP payment $496 (received both HEAP "add-on" benefits) | $28.09 |
| 4 | DSS Direct Voucher/Guarantee/TANF/SNA Customers | $14.15 |
Emergency Benefits
Beginning January 2nd, 2025, 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 resource amounts (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