HEAP Eligibility is determined by whether the household income is below the current New York State income guidelines that correspond to the household size and the household energy costs. HEAP may be able to offer a benefit even if heat and utilities are included in the rent or the applicant lives in subsidized housing and pays directly for heating costs.

Eligible households that have an energy related emergency, such as a power shutoff, less than ten days supply of heating fuel, or the household owned heating system is not working, may apply for emergency benefits at their local HEAP field offices located throughout the five boroughs or at the Department of Social Services.

HEAP Eligibility Table
HEAP Homebound Unit (Heat Line)
HEAP Information Numbers (PDF)
HEAP Office Locations (PDF)
HEAP Documentation Requirements (PDF)

HEAP Homebound Unit

HEAT LINE: (212) 331-3150. Available from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.

The Heat Line program functions as the homebound unit for HEAP. The HEAP program is a federally funded program, which provides eligible households a grant toward their utilities, fuel purchase and boiler repair or replacement. Requests and referrals for a home visit can be made by contacting the Heat Line telephone number above.

In addition to HEAP services, the Heat Line staff verifies whether a customer has a medical hardship in the event a public utility is disconnecting services in a building. Utility disconnection often occurs as a result of a landlord not paying for the utilities, and can affect the hallway lights, elevators or the heating system. If there is someone living in the building with a medical hardship, the utility companies must contact the Heat Line to prevent the disconnection. Heat Line will verify the hardship within 30 days.
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