Last Chance to Get This Help in New York

As unbelievable as it may be, winter is almost over. As March has arrived on the calendar, the spring equinox is approaching. For most places around the nation, the arrival of spring generally means that the cold weather is over. However, that is not always true in New York State, especially in cities like Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

Now, while the weather is getting nicer, we are not out of the winter heating season, and furnaces all over the Empire State will still be firing to help keep people's homes warm.

Since heating and electricity costs have constantly increased over the last few months, it's becoming more challenging for the average New York family to keep the lights on and the pilot light lit. To help combat that and keep people safe, a key financial assistance program is being extended, but time is still running out for you to act.

READ MORE: Electric Bills In New York Are Going Up

The HEAP program will be open for a few more weeks if you need help paying your heating or electric bills.

Your Last Chance To Get Help Is Coming Up In New York

The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance has announced that the HEAP program, which has existed since 1981 and would have generally closed on Monday, March 17, 2025, is being extended to early April.

What Is HEAP and What Does HEAP Do?

HEAP, which stands for the Home Energy Assistance Program (and is sometimes referred to as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP), was created in the early 1980s to help low-to-moderate-income individuals and families afford increasingly unaffordable heating and cooling costs. The ultimate goal is to help prevent potential health and safety issues that come from not having heat in the winter and cooling in the summer.

In New York State, residents may be eligible to receive financial assistance if they meet income and other guidelines. Residents may also qualify for a 2nd emergency HEAP payment of financial aid if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their utility services shut off.

READ MORE: These Things Can Help You Save Money On Your Utilities In New York State

HEAP can help pay for Electricity, Natural Gas, Oil, Coal, Propane, Wood, Kerosene, Corn, or other heating/cooling fuel types.

When Does HEAP Close For Applications?

HEAP, which opened statewide this year on Friday, November 1, 2024, would have generally closed on Monday, March 17, 2025, but it has been extended for a few weeks and will shut down in April. If you need help paying your heating or electric bill, you can apply for help in person or online.

To qualify for assistance, the following requirements need to be met, according to New York State officials:

• A member of your household is a United States Citizen or qualified alien
• Your household's gross monthly income is at or below the current income guides for your household size as posted in the table below or
• You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or
• You receive Temporary Assistance or
• You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone)

If you qualify and are approved for assistance, the money is paid straight to the energy company to ensure that it is maintained or restored. If you think you qualify, you should send in your application as soon as possible since funding for our state programs is always limited.

HEAP Pays For More That Just Heat

While HEAP benefits can help with heating costs, they can do much more than that. New York also offers assistance if you need to repair or replace your heating system. Click here for more information about the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement Program (HERR).

But you better act quickly because time is running out.