The form to apply for up to $900 in heating assistance is now available

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) reopened its application period on January 25, 2025 and is offering significant benefits to help thousands of residents cover heating costs during the winter.bUnder this initiative, eligible households that use oil, kerosene or propane as their primary heating source can access a direct payment of $900, plus supplements that vary according to income level and the presence of vulnerable members. Below, we’ll tell you all the details and how to take advantage of this assistance.

How the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides heating assistance payments in 2025 to help with high energy costs

HEAP, promoted by the US government in the state of New York, is designed as an economic benefit for those facing high heating costs. For the 2024-2025 cycle, the program allocates a base amount of up to $900 to those who pay their fuel supplier directly (for example, oil or propane).

The additional supplement of USD 35 is granted to families that include a vulnerable member, that is, a person over 60 years of age, a child under 6 years of age or an individual with a permanent disability. In addition, households in the so-called “Tier I” income range can receive an extra increase of USD 61.

Official requirements of the New York State Government to obtain these economic benefits for heating during the winter of 2025

To qualify for the regular HEAP benefit, gross monthly income, household size and primary heating source are taken into account. For example, a family of four must earn no more than $6,390 per month. Those receiving Temporary Assistance (TA), SNAP or SSI (code A) are also eligible. Registration for these heating assistance payments is done through the local office designated by the program, where documentation is reviewed and it is confirmed that the applicant is a US citizen or qualified legal resident.

Once the information has been verified, the payment is made directly to the energy provider. In the event of a crisis, such as running out of fuel or facing a service cut-off, HEAP also provides emergency assistance from January 2, 2025, to March 17, 2025. These additional sums can reach $900 for oil or propane replenishment, or $585 for the restoration of natural gas or electricity.

Comparison of income limits for receiving HEAP heating assistance payments and avoiding excessive heating costs

Below is a table showing the maximum monthly income allowed according to household size, which is a prerequisite for accessing the payments:

These limits apply to both regular benefits and emergency assistance, and are adjusted according to the number of members in each family.