Weather 
Winter [cash] is coming.
As cold weather creeps in and heaters turn on, New Yorkers may start seeing higher energy bills. But relief is on the way: eligible Gothamites are in line for checks as Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is now open.
HEAP is a federally funded program offering checks to low- and middle-income households to help pay for electricity, gas, oil, propane, wood, coal, or other home energy costs. Qualifying residents may also score cash for repairs or heating and cooling replacements.
Payment amounts vary based on a number of factors and start at $35 and increase up to $1,086. This year, as energy costs continue to rise, lawmakers have increased checks.
Amounts for those who heat with oil, kerosene or propane have been increased by $90, to $990. Payments for residents who heat with wood, pellets and coal rose by $65 to $700.
“No New Yorker should have to choose between heating their homes this winter and keeping food on the table,” Gov. Hochul said in a press release.
Just note, that not every household will receive the same check size as amounts vary based on income, household size, heating source and if the household includes a vulnerable member.
For example, a family of four may have a gross monthly income up to $6,852, or an annual gross income of up to $82,230, and still is able to get assistance.
Families who don’t automatically receive checks can apply through the HEAP website to see one check per season. The Big Apple is also handing out an Emergency HEAP benefit if residents are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility services shut off.
Those applications for the emergency benefits will open on January 4, 2027.
According to the program, households may be eligible for a regular HEAP benefit if they meet the following:
- A member of your household is a United States Citizen or Qualified Non-Citizen
- Your household’s gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted in the table below
- You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
- You receive federally funded Temporary Assistance, also known as Public Assistance
- You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone)
Those eligible may want to apply for payments as soon as possible as checks are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis until funding runs out. All payments are given directly to vendors for the expenses.
The state’s Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program for the 2026-2027 year opened on Oct. 1, 2026. The program will make certain repairs or replace furnaces, boilers and other direct heating equipment necessary to ensure a primary heating source is working.
Those benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred — $4,000 for a repair and $8,000 for a replacement.
To grab your green, head to the HEAP website and apply before it’s too late.
