New York heating aid applications open November 2, and older adults can get extra help

What happened

Erie County's Department of Social Services announced on October 28 that applications for regular Home Energy Assistance Program benefits, known as HEAP, open on Monday, November 2, 2026. HEAP is a federally funded program, run by the state and counties, that helps lower-income households pay for heat. The county urged people to apply early and to apply online if they can. Last season it approved more than 93,000 HEAP benefits for Erie County households.

Eligibility depends on income, household size, how the home is heated and whether someone in the home is 60 or older, under 6, or permanently disabled. A one-person household can have gross monthly income up to $3,563; for two people the limit is $4,659. Income is counted over the last 30 days before the application. Many people who already get SNAP or Temporary Assistance receive HEAP automatically.

In an October 16 announcement, the state said households that include someone 60 or older can get an extra $35, and benefits for people who heat with oil, kerosene or propane were raised by $90, to $990. Emergency HEAP, for people facing a shut-off or running out of fuel, opens January 4, 2027.

What it means for families

For an older parent on a fixed income, HEAP can take some pressure off winter bills. Benefits are first come, first served, so applying early matters.

For example: a son helping his mother in Cheektowaga can gather her last 30 days of income statements and a recent heating bill this week, then apply online on November 2.

If the form is confusing, the local Office for the Aging can help fill it out.

What this means in New York: apply at ny.gov/HEAP or through your county social services office starting November 2; older adults can call NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871 for help.

What to do this week

• Gather the last 30 days of income records and a recent heating bill.
• Apply online, by mail or in person starting November 2.
• Call the local Office for the Aging or NY Connects if a parent needs help applying.

Sources

• Home Energy Assistance Program opens Monday Nov. 2 (Erie County Executive's Office)
• Governor Hochul announces 1.5 million New Yorkers can receive help to cover home heating costs (Office of the Governor of New York)

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