The 2025-2026 Regular HEAP benefit is open December 1, 2025.

What is the Regular Heating Benefit?
The Regular Heating Benefit helps income-eligible New Yorkers pay the cost of heating their homes.

How does it work?
If you are eligible, you may receive one regular benefit per season. You may also be eligible for an Emergency HEAP Benefit if you are in impending danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off.

Are regular benefits available year-round?
No, the application period for a regular benefit normally begins in early to mid-November and continues into the winter until funding for the program runs out.

Does it matter what my home’s heating source is?
HEAP may be able to help you if you heat your home with:

• Electricity

• Natural Gas

• Oil

• Coal

• Propane

• Wood/Wood Pellets

• Kerosene

• Corn

Income eligibility guidelines and benefit amounts vary from year to year.

CLICK HERE for current eligibility and benefit information.

Who is eligible to receive HEAP Benefits?
You may be eligible if:

• You and the members of your household are U.S. citizens, U.S. non-citizen nationals or qualified non-citizens; and

• You provide a valid Social Security number for each household member; and

• You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance or Supplemental Security Income; or

• Your monthly household income is at or below the HEAP income guidelines.

• You may be eligible for HEAP, even if you:

- Own your home

- Pay for heat as part of your rent

- Have money in the bank, stocks, bonds or other resources

Ready to apply? Have with you:

• Proof of residency with one of the following:

  • Rent receipt with address

  • Copy of lease with address

  • Water, sewer or tax bill

  • Homeowner’s insurance policy

  • Mortgage payment receipt

  • Deed

  • Utility bill

  • A current fuel or utility bill, or a statement from your landlord that your heat and/or utilities are included in your rent.

  • Recent pay stubs to provide proof of total current monthly income for all household members.

  • For each person in your household you will need one of the following:

- Photo ID

- Driver’s license

- Birth certificate or baptismal certificate

- School records

- Passport

- Paperwork documenting a disability for anyone in your household

Please Note:

If you received HEAP assistance through our office last year, you should automatically receive an application in the mail in September or October.  

If you did not receive the HEAP last year, please call us at 518-828-4258 and ask to be placed on the mailing list for first-time applications which are mailed in November.

If you are in receipt of SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) through the Columbia County Department of Social Services, you are automatically eligible for HEAP benefits through that agency.  You can reach them at 518-828-9411 between the hours of 8am and 4pm.