HEAP opens November 2 as heating costs soar

CATSKILL― New York's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will begin accepting applications November 2, providing financial assistance to many households bracing for a winter of soaring heating costs.

The federally funded program helps eligible low- and middle-income New Yorkers cover heating expenses, with increased benefits this year for households that rely on delivered fuels such as heating oil, kerosene and propane.

During the 2025 federal fiscal year, 4,549 benefits were issued in Greene County, totaling $3,150,105. Statewide, New York distributed $375.9 million in HEAP.

This year, heating fuel prices have climbed sharply across the state, placing additional financial pressure on residents as colder weather approaches.

According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the statewide average price of heating oil has reached $6.27 per gallon, up nearly 69 percent from $3.71 at this time last year.

Kerosene prices have risen 51.4 percent, from $4.54 to $6.88 per gallon, while propane has increased 10.9 percent, from $3.27 to $3.62 per gallon.

The increases have been driven in part by global conflicts and refinery disruptions, adding to concerns about the affordability of heating homes this winter.

In response, Governor Kathy Hochul has directed state officials to increase HEAP benefits for households that receive fuel deliveries, helping offset higher prices and allowing recipients to purchase a minimum delivery.

“As the weather gets colder, my administration is ensuring New Yorkers can utilize the Home Energy Assistance Program to help heat their homes and address rising costs,” Hochul said.

Hochul has blamed federal economic policies for contributing to the sharp increase in energy prices, taking aim at President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration announced Wednesday that it plans to release up to 315,000 barrels of fuel oil from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve, representing as much as one-third of the reserve's capacity.

The move could provide some relief in the Northeast, where heating oil remains a major source of residential heat. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more than 1.3 million New York homes rely on heating oil.

This year, the maximum HEAP benefit for households heating with oil, kerosene or propane has increased by $90 to $990. Households relying on wood, pellets or coal will see their benefit increase by $65 to $700. The benefit for households heating with electricity or natural gas remains unchanged from last year at $400.

Households that pay directly for heat may receive another $61 if their income is at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level. An additional $35 is available to households with a member age 60 or older, younger than six or permanently disabled.

Eligibility and benefit amounts are determined by household income, family size, primary heating source and whether the household includes a particularly vulnerable member.

Under this year’s guidelines, a family of four can earn up to $6,852 in gross monthly income, or $82,230 annually, and still qualify for assistance.

State officials say more than 1.1 million households are expected to receive HEAP benefits automatically because they already participate in assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Public Assistance.

Households that do not qualify for automatic assistance can begin applying November 2, with hundreds of thousands of additional applications anticipated statewide.

“This benefit is particularly valuable during a time when households are facing rising energy costs,” said OTDA Commissioner Barbara Guinn.

“Help is available and we encourage those in need to apply as soon as possible as HEAP benefits are available for low- and middle-income households on a first-come, first-served basis,” said Guinn.

Applications can be submitted online, by mail or in person through local departments of social services.

Next month’s HEAP season opening represents a return to the program's traditional schedule following significant disruptions last winter.

HEAP was originally expected to begin accepting applications in early November 2025, but a federal government shutdown delayed the approval and release of funding through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

The program's future had faced uncertainty since April 2025, when the Trump administration eliminated the federal workforce responsible for administering LIHEAP as part of a broader government restructuring effort and initially proposed eliminating the program altogether.

The delays, coupled with adjustments at the state level, pushed last year's opening back to December 1.

Additional information, including eligibility requirements and application instructions, is available at ny.gov/HEAP.