Heating bill assistance programs in New York City.
During the winter months, low income New York City families have a few resources available to help them pay heating bills or allow them to conserve energy. Some of the programs help pay costs while others are focused on home repairs and/or energy conservation. Find details below on where and how to get help with heating costs in the NYC area.
Government programs in NYC that help paying home heating costs
The HEAP/Home Energy Assistance Program is a supplemental program that is paid for by the federal government. It is really the federal government funded LIHEAP program but it is called HEAP in NYC (and throughout the state). A government grant can help pay a portion of the energy and heating bills of qualified New York City residents. There are two different versions of this resource. Also inquire about the free weatherization program when you call, as this can help you save money by conserving energy.
- The regular component is for your ongoing, monthly bills. It will often be provided to you in the form of a credit on your account. Funds from HEAP can pay natural gas, electricity, propane, wood, heating oil, kerosene, coal, or other fuel source. Call (800) 342-3009 to apply or get more information or try the ACCESS NYC website here. https://access.nyc.gov/programs/home-energy-assistance-program-heap/.
- There is also an emergency or crisis part of HEAP, which can help a family in New York City who is facing a crisis. This can be available if your service is about to be disconnected, or you are out of fuel, and in these instances financial aid is offered only as a last resort. Call your nearby NYC department of social services office to apply for this.
HEAP also pays to fix equipment. Or it pays some funds to help people make their home (or even apartment) more energy efficient. Another part of the HEAP service is a heating equipment replacement or repair benefit. This will help keep an apartment or home warm. So if your furnace or equipment is not working or needs to be replaced, some government grants may be offered for that expense as well. The goal is to help low-income homeowners (or even renters) repair or replace the residence’s primary heating equipment and/or keep the current system functional.
NYC Human Resources Administration provides utility bill help to people with some form of physical or mental disability, with most money paid during the winter. The city partners with the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance or OTDA. The Utility Assistance Program is for households and families who have a member who is mentally impaired, blind, disabled, or elderly.
- Individuals that apply for this benefit also need to be residing in a home (r apartment) that is neglected or in a hazardous environment. If you need help paying your heating bills, and you meet these conditions, the UAP program and your Local Department of Social Services office may be able to assist. Call 718-557-1399.
Help with heating bills from charities in NYC and utility companies
EnergyShare from utility providers is a crisis fund for the most vulnerable in New York City, such as low income families with young children, unemployed, seniors, and the disabled. It focuses on people facing a crisis. Customers requesting financial help, or even a payment plan, must contact their provider. This natural gas and heating bill assistance program was created by Con Edison, National Grid, and Entergy, among others. Con Edison also provides other support and find details on ConEd assistance programs for the low income.
- It is a NYC social service and Con Edison supported grant program that can help people keep warm during the winter. The goal is to help lower income, struggling residents keep their heat and/or electricity on. It can also be combined with other financial aid referenced above, such as the federal government Home Energy Assistance Program as well as money or funding from non-profits. It is available in Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and State Island as well as Westchester County. Call 1-800-752-6633 or (877) 480-7427 for additional information.
Several NYC based non-profits, charities and churches help residents keep their heat on. While in general the money from these organizations is a last resort (as people should seek help from the programs above first) these non-profits can be thought of as a last option. The organizations like the Salvation Army in NY, Catholic Charities, housing organizations and other places offer emergency assistance. Many churches in NYC boroughs offer emergency help too with bills, including heating costs.
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