It’s been a cold winter so far, meaning high heating bills. For some, the costs are getting harder to keep up with. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay their heating bills. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s energy company, and eligibility is usually based on income, household size, and the availability of resources.
Types of HEAP benefits
HEAP offers a variety of benefits, including:
- Regular HEAP benefits: These benefits help households pay their heating bills during the winter months.
- Emergency HEAP benefits: These benefits are available to households that are in danger of having their heating service shut off.
- Cooling assistance: In some states, HEAP also offers cooling assistance to help households pay their cooling bills during the summer months.
- Weatherization assistance: This assistance helps households make their homes more energy efficient, which can help lower their heating and cooling costs.
Who is eligible for HEAP?
Eligibility for HEAP is based on a number of factors, including:
- Income: Households must meet certain income guidelines to be eligible for HEAP. Income guidelines vary from state to state.
- New York:
- Uses the gross monthly income guidelines. For the 2023-2024 HEAP season, a family of four needs to have a gross monthly income at or below $5,249.
- Emergency HEAP Benefit Component: Uses net household income (after taxes). The guidelines are lower than the Regular component. For the 2023-2024 HEAP season, a family of four needs a net monthly income at or below $2,625.
- New Jersey:
- New Jersey uses the gross income guidelines, and they are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For the 2023-2024 HEAP season, the income limit is 60% of the FPL. Here’s what that means for some common household sizes:
- 1 person: $833 / month
- 2 people: $1,127 / month
- 4 people: $1,675 / month
- New Jersey uses the gross income guidelines, and they are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For the 2023-2024 HEAP season, the income limit is 60% of the FPL. Here’s what that means for some common household sizes:
- New York:
*These income guidelines are subject to change each year.
- Household size: The number of people living in the household is also a factor in determining eligibility.
- Resources: Households must also meet certain resource guidelines to be eligible for HEAP. Resources include things like savings accounts, checking accounts, and stocks.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien to be eligible for HEAP.
How to apply for HEAP
You can apply for HEAP through your local social services agency. Here are specific links and information for New York and New Jersey residents:
- New York:
- Apply online: ACCESS HRA
- Find a HEAP office: OTDA HEAP Office Locator
- More information: OTDA HEAP website
- New Jersey:
- Apply online: DCAid (to see if you qualify for other assistance programs as well)
- Find your local application agency at https://nj211.org/sites/default/files/documents/2020-03/county-links-to-local-application-agencies_2.pdf
- More information: NJ Department of Community Affairs Energy Assistance
When you apply for HEAP, you will need to provide documentation such as:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
- Proof of household size (IDs, birth certificates)
- Proof of resources (bank statements)
- Proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate)
- Recent utility bills
How much HEAP assistance can I receive?
The amount of HEAP assistance you can receive will vary depending on your income, household size, and the availability of resources.
Housing Support for IAM Members
Worried about rent, eviction, or getting your heat turned off? IDG Legal provides free legal support for drivers dealing with housing issues. We can help with landlord disputes, small claims court, understanding your lease, and applying for HEAP benefits to keep your home warm.
Tap below to get started today.
