This program assists lower-income individuals and families with heating costs in the winter. HEAP currently provides grants for heating bills of up to $900 depending on a household’s income; family size; living arrangement; heating expenses; type of heat; and presence of children under 6, adults 60 or over, and disabled individuals. Both renters and homeowners are eligible for assistance.

About 800,000 families in New York receive assistance from the HEAP program each year. Applications for HEAP assistance can be downloaded from www.otda.state.ny.us. Applications and eligibility information can also be obtained by calling the HEAP hotline at 1-800-342-3009, county departments of social services or county offices for the aging.

New York State has the largest low-income residential energy conservation program in the nation. The Weatherization Assistance Program reduces the amount of energy required to heat homes and provide hot water, thereby helping save energy costs and increase comfort. This program provides an energy audit and services to weatherize the home. Services include weather-stripping, repair or replacement of heating systems, replacement or repair of windows and/or doors, addition of insulation and minor repairs.

Eligibility is based on household income relative to federal low-income guidelines. Renters and homeowners are eligible.

For more information, contact your local weatherization provider at: www.dhcr.state.ny.us; (866) 275-3427 or (518) 474-5700

New York State, through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), is a national leader in developing energy efficiency and conservation programs. NYSERDA has numerous programs that can help consumers reduce home heating costs. These programs include:

• Weatherization Initiative Network (WNI)
• New York Energy $mart Loan Fund
• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
• Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
• Smart Meters