While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance for energy costs to low-income households. LIHEAP is a federal program that is administered by individual states, territories, and tribes. In New York, LIHEAP is administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in New York, click here.
The New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for heating and cooling expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:
For more information about LIHEAP’s heating assistance initiative in New York, see the New York state 2022 LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
LIHEAP Crisis Assistance, like standard LIHEAP benefits, is a cash grant provided to the utility companies of eligible individuals in certain situations.
If your household meets all the eligibility requirements above and has an energy-related crisis, you may qualify for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance.
The state of New York defines a “crisis situation” as one where a household:
A “life-threatening crisis situation” also qualifies a household for Crisis Assistance. This occurs when:
For qualifying households, the maximum annual benefit amount for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance is a one-time payment of $675.
Learn more about Crisis Assistance on page 12 of the Detailed Model Plan here.
To determine the amount of energy assistance for which you are eligible, the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will consider:
Also, whether you are eligible for regular LIHEAP payments or Crisis Assistance payments will influence your maximum benefit amount.
As of 2022, the maximum annual benefit amount for heating in New York is $751 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $21.
New York cooling assistance is available to aid households in purchasing and installing an air conditioning or fan. The maximum benefit amount is $800 and the minimum amount is $10. The benefits are limited and distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis. To learn more about cooling assistance in New York, click here.
To qualify for LIHEAP in New York, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about the LIHEAP financial eligibility requirements in New York here.
If you or a member of your family participates in the benefit programs below, then you may automatically be eligible for LIHEAP based on your income:
Eligible households can only apply for LIHEAP heating assistance from November 2nd until August 31st and LIHEAP cooling assistance from May 5th until August 31st each year.LIHEAP applications cannot be submitted year-round, and the state can only approve requests until funding for the program has been depleted.
To apply for LIHEAP in New York, complete the following two steps:
You must complete an in-person interview at your local HEAP office. Your HEAP office will inform you of the documents that you must provide before your application can be processed.
Note that applications for Crisis Assistance, for households that meet the state definition of a crisis, can be submitted from January 4th until August 31st.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact your nearest Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) office. Find your nearest HEAP office here.
When applying for New York LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The state will need the following documents and information to confirm your eligibility for LIHEAP benefits:
You can call the Home Energy Assistance Program office where you applied to directly to check your application status.
Click here to find your local office and contact information.
The New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will notify you within 30 business days of receiving your application if you are approved to receive benefits. All LIHEAP payments are made to the heating or energy provider directly. Benefit payments will not be sent to you.
If you are denied New York LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision after you receive the denial. To request an appeal, you can:
If you have questions about the appeal process, contact the New York Office of Administrative Hearings at:
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in New York or require further assistance, contact your local Home Energy Assistance Program office. Find your nearest Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) office and contact information here.
You can also contact the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at (800) 342-3009.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and compiled a guide that we believe is simple to use and easy to understand. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing detailed information on the process.
Our free LIHEAP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply for LIHEAP, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: February 2, 2024