How to Apply for HEAP Cooling and Heating Benefits
Learn where to apply for HEAP heating and cooling help, what papers to gather, and when funds run out.
HEAP, New York's Home Energy Assistance Program, accepts heating applications through myBenefits.ny.gov, in person, or by mail or phone by county. In New York City, households seek cooling help online through ACCESS HRA, by phone, or in person at an HRA Benefits Center. Regular HEAP helps income-eligible households pay heating costs.
Households may receive one Regular benefit each season and may separately seek Emergency help for shutoff or empty fuel.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 04, 2026.
Apply for heating help
The State of New York lists heating application options for 2025-2026 as online, in person at a local district office, or by mail or phone depending on county. Check your county office first to learn which path it uses. In an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul, the state notes up to $996 in 2025-2026 heating help, with amounts based on income, household size, heating source, and vulnerable-member status.
Emergency applications for that season began Jan. 2, 2026.
- Pick your path: myBenefits.ny.gov, district office, mail, or phone.
- Submit one Regular application per household for the season.
- If heat is shut off or fuel runs out, ask about Emergency HEAP.
What papers do you need for heating?
Bring proof of residency for your household. Bring recent pay stubs for all household members. Bring photo ID for each household member.
Missing papers slow review, so gather them before you start. Benefit size varies with household facts, not only fuel type. The program is 100 percent federally funded and overseen by OTDA.
How does cooling help work?
Cooling help covers purchase and installation of an air conditioner or fan for one benefit per household. According to City of New York NYC311, 2025-2026 cooling caps and rules set $800 for window, portable, or fan installs and $1,000 for an existing wall-sleeve unit, with no added cash benefit. In New York City, you can apply online anytime ACCESS HRA allows, by phone through an HRA agent, or in person at an HRA Benefits Center.
The process includes document upload and choice of two participating install vendors. Cooling often needs medical papers showing extreme heat worsens a household medical condition. According to Erie County Department of Social Services, cooling medical and age guidance excuses that paper only for age-based need, for age 60 or older or under age 6, and age may still need proof.
Watch dates and fund limits
Heating and cooling funds are limited and time-bound. New York City closed 2025-2026 cooling applications June 5, 2026 at 5 p.m. Apply early once your season opens.
Erie County anticipates April 15, 2027 for a later cooling opening. Confirm current-season dates with OTDA or your local district before you gather papers.