Struggling to Afford Heating Bills? See If You Qualify For This NYS Discount

"While the federal government has been back open for nearly two weeks, New York State is still waiting on $400 million from the Trump administration to open applications for its home energy assistance program this winter, known as HEAP. In the meantime, officials are urging residents in need to check their eligibility for another state initiative that secures monthly utility discounts for low-income households."

"To be eligible, applicants must prove their participation in one of several public benefit programs, including SNAP, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid and federal public housing assistance (a full list can be found here). They're also eligible if they're enrolled in the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, which is based on income (a family of four can earn up to $6,680 a month, or $80,165 annually, and qualify)."

New York is awaiting $400 million in federal funding needed to open applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) this winter, delaying HEAP enrollment. Officials urge residents to check eligibility for the New York Energy Assistance Program (EAP), which provides monthly utility discounts that can save participants up to $500 annually. EAP eligibility requires participation in public benefit programs such as SNAP, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, or federal public housing assistance, or enrollment in HEAP based on income limits (a family of four can earn up to $6,680 monthly, $80,165 annually). Beginning in 2026, EAP eligibility will expand to households meeting income thresholds up to the Area Median Income for New York City without requiring participation in another benefits program. Around 1 million households received EAP discounts last year, while an estimated 1.5 million additional eligible households had not applied.

Read at City Limits