The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income homeowners and renters heat and cool their homes.
HEAP consists of five seasonal components benefits: Regular HEAP Benefit, Emergency HEAP Benefit, Cooling Assistance Benefit, Clean and Tune Benefit and Heating Equipment and Repair and Replacement (HERR) Benefit.
If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year to help you pay for heating your home. If you are eligible, the Emergency HEAP Benefit can help you heat your home if you are in a heat or heat related emergency.
Emergency & Regular HEAP Benefit
If you are eligible, the Emergency HEAP Benefit can help you heat your home if you are in a heat or heat related emergency.
Emergency HEAP benefits and eligibility are based on:
- income,
- available resources, and
- the type of emergency
Cooling Assistance Benefit
If you are eligible, you may receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool.
In circumstances where an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be provided.
Only one air conditioner or fan, not to exceed $800 with installation for a window, portable air conditioner, or fan and not to exceed $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit, will be provided per applicant household.
Learn more about the HEAP Cooling Assistance Component benefit here.
How To Apply
You can apply for HEAP Emergency Assistance or Cooling Assistance Component benefit online, in person by visiting a HEAP office, or by telephone.
You can call the DSS One Number at 718-557-1399 and HEAP will provide you with more information on eligibility, the application process, and required documentation.