Low Income Resources

Emergency No Heat

If your home heating system breaks down during cold weather or you run out of fuel, immediate state assistance is available.

Emergency HEAP Benefits: Provides emergency financial relief if your heat or electric service is shut off (or scheduled for shutoff) or if you have less than a 10-day supply of heating fuel/deliverable fuel.
Heating Equipment Repair & Replacement: Eligible homeowners can receive assistance to repair or replace non-working boilers, furnaces, and other primary heating equipment.
Immediate Help: If you are facing an active heating emergency, contact your Local District Department of Social Services (DSS) or call the NYS OTDA Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.

HEAP is New York State’s primary federally funded program helping low-to-moderate-income residents manage heating costs.

Regular HEAP Benefit: Provides an annual direct grant toward your main heating source (natural gas, electricity, oil, propane, or wood).
Automatic Qualification: If you currently receive SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may automatically qualify for HEAP benefits.
Income-Based Eligibility: Households earning up to 60% of the State Median Income qualify for assistance regardless of whether you own or rent.
How to Enroll: Apply online via myBenefits.ny.gov or through your county's local HEAP contact center.

The NYS DPS regulates electric and gas utilities to ensure safe, affordable, and uninterrupted service for all New Yorkers.

Shutoff Protections: Under the Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA), electric and gas utilities cannot turn off your service during extreme winter conditions without providing emergency options and cold-weather protections.
Emergency Shutoff Hotline: If your electric or natural gas service is facing an immediate shutoff, call the DPS Helpline directly at 1-800-342-3355.
Deferred Payment Agreements: DPS allows consumers facing unpaid utility bills to establish manageable, income-tailored payment plans with their utility providers.

New York State coordinates utility rate relief and bill assurances through utility-managed Energy Affordability Programs and state-backed caps.

Monthly Bill Discounts: Enrolling in EAP places your utility account on a lower rate tier, yielding automatic monthly credits on electric and gas bills.
Energy Affordability Target: New York State aims to cap energy burdens so low-income households pay no more than 6% of their gross annual income toward electricity and heating costs.
Energy Affordability Guarantee (EAG): A specialized pilot program in collaboration with NYSERDA and state utilities designed to guarantee that eligible low-to-moderate-income households who transition to clean, high-efficiency electric heat pumps see no net increase in their overall energy bills.