New York state officials expect to open this year’s Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, as soon as the first week of December, after weeks of delays caused by the federal shutdown.

The benefit program — which is administered by the state, but with federal funds — pays for up to $996 in fuel or heating and cooling equipment. Eligibility is based on income or participation in certain assistance programs. Payments vary with income, heating source and whether a household includes someone considered a vulnerable member, such as child, someone older than 60 or someone with a disability. A three-person household making up to $5,611 per month can qualify.

Hochul administration officials say they would have been ready to open the program and begin accepting applications for this year as early as Nov. 24, but were still waiting on federal authorities to release about $400 million, even weeks after the shutdown ended. Typically, that can take about four weeks after a budget deal, according to Hochul’s office, but she urged federal authorities to step up their timetable.

“The Trump administration and Washington Republicans left New Yorkers out in the cold by senselessly delaying the release of federal HEAP funds,” said Ken Lovett, a spokesperson for Hochul’s office. “Governor Hochul continues to demand the immediate release of these federal funds, while also helping enroll more New Yorkers in state programs for monthly energy discounts and ensuring that vulnerable households don’t lose access to heat.”

Hochul’s office said New York and other states received notice they’ll begin getting funds the first week of December, and New York officials are prepared to begin taking applications immediately. The state also anticipates opening up emergency HEAP payments — to fix broken equipment, avoid a utility shutoff or prevent running out of fuel — as soon as Jan. 2, but cautions that also depends on federal authorities making their payment on time.

The state is urging New Yorkers to sign up for its separate Energy Affordability Program, or EAP, which provides up to $500 in discounts per household on monthly electric or natural gas bills. All HEAP recipients are automatically enrolled, but recipients of several other state assistance programs can also qualify. Starting in 2026, EAP will also be available to residents below their area’s median income who wouldn’t otherwise qualify through one of those programs.

Hochul directed utilities in New York to continue offering EAP to existing recipients, even despite the HEAP delays, according to the state Department of Public Service.

How do I apply to HEAP once it opens?

New Yorkers can apply for assistance through the city Department of Social Services office at 109 East 16th St. in Manhattan, or by mail or online at access.nyc.gov. The application form can also be downloaded or mailed to an applicant, with information at otda.ny.gov.

Lovett said New Yorkers needing assistance can also contact the local Office for the Aging or contact the NY Connects helpline at 800-342-9871.

HEAP is available for New Yorkers who own or rent their homes, including for people who pay for their heat as part of their rent.

Can my heat service be shut off for nonpayment?

New York City requires building owners to provide heat and hot water to tenants, even when a tenant fails to pay the rent. Oct. 1 through May 1 is the city's “heat season,” when landlords need to ensure a temperature of at least 68 degrees from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., if it’s 55 degrees or under outside. They need to keep it at least 62 degrees indoors overnight. Hot water must be provided year-round.

According to the nonprofit Legal Aid Society, a tenant could be entitled to a rent abatement if their heat is shut off improperly.

What should I do if I can’t pay my utility bill?

In New York City, it’s common for the rent to include electricity, but that isn’t always the case.

Laurie Wheelock, director of Public Utility Law Project, which helps people get access to assistance programs, says the first step for someone unable to pay is to contact their utility company and ask for more time. Most people who contact the project are people at risk of shutoffs, according to the organization.

Wheelock said a renter can also contact the city’s Human Resources Administration for help covering overdue bills, if at risk of shutoff or otherwise disconnected. The HRA provides public assistance and connects New Yorkers with social services.

“And worse comes to worst, if they are having difficulty working with their utility and they can’t get a satisfactory resolution, they have the right to go to the Department of Public Service, which oversees the utilities and file an inquiry,” Wheelock said. “They would actually get involved and help the customer in that time of need.”

How can I file a complaint or get help if my service is shut off?

Tenants can take their landlords housing court to push them to restore heat, said Munonyedi Clifford, an attorney with the Legal Aid Society. Cases can be filed online or at court locations in each borough

Tenants can also call 311 to report heat that’s not working or has been shut off, to trigger a response from the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development, which will perform an inspection that may support a tenant’s case, Clifford said.

And tenants can additionally file complaints through the state Homes and Community Renewal agency.

“I recommend doing all three of those things if someone doesn’t have heat,” Clifford said. “We also suggest that people get a thermometer and start keeping a log every day during the day and night to see what the temperature in the house actually is.”

What if I live in NYCHA housing?

NYCHA, the city’s public housing authority, has struggled with keeping up heat in the winter due to equipment breakdowns.

But the city has the same legal obligations as any private landlord, which means NYCHA is required to provide heat under the same minimum temperature laws, Clifford said.

In addition to calling 311, NYCHA residents can contact the agency’s Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771, or use the MyNYCHA website to lodge a complaint and find out when the heat is coming back on. Tenants in NYCHA complexes turned over to private managers can also use the Customer Contact Center.

Are there other avenues for help?

  • The Human Resources Administration’s “One-Shot Deal” program can provide a one-time payment to keep utilities on. It’s available year-round and may require a repayment plan. The program can also help people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, people who’ve lost critical goods, such as clothing and furniture, to disasters, and people affected by domestic violence.
  • Community-based support organizations like the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and Community Action Agencies may offer utility aid or other emergency support. To find help, search your ZIP code on Findhelp.org.
  • Lowering bills through efficiency: The state Weatherization Assistance Program and EmPower+ offer free home energy assessments and improvements, such as insulation, air sealing and heat pump installations, to reduce long-term energy costs. More information is at energyadvisor.ny.gov.
  • The state Department of Public Service can step in when utilities don’t respond, to assist with cold-weather protections, medical hardship certifications, payment agreements and formal complaints.