HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay home energy costs and funds programs for low-cost residential weatherization and other energy related home repairs.

Regular HEAP benefits are available beginning December 1, 2025.
 Emergency HEAP benefits open on January 2, 2026.

If you are in a heat or heat-related emergency, call (845) 334-5436.

As the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) do not require in-person interviews, we strongly encourage the use of online, mail & fax applications for these programs.

Online

Apply Online

Step 1.Check your eligibility

HEAP is available to low income households during the heating season. Review the monthly income limits to see if you qualify.

If you already receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance or Supplemental Security Income, you most likely qualify for HEAP.

Step 2.Collect documents

Before you begin, collect all your required documents.

Step 3.Complete and Submit Online Application

Apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov.

Step 4.Telephone Interview

After application is received, applicants may be called for an interview to confirm information prior to receiving benefits.

Mail or Fax

Download Application 

Step 1.Check your eligibility

HEAP is available to low income households during the heating season. Review the monthly income limits to see if you qualify.

If you already receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance or Supplemental Security Income, you most likely qualify for HEAP.

Step 2.Collect documents

Before you begin, collect all your required documents.

Step 3.Download and Fill Out Application

Download Application (English)





For other languages and alternative formats, visit otda.ny.gov/programs/applications.


If you prefer that an application be mailed to you, please call (845) 334-5436.


Step 4.Print and Mail (or Fax) Application


Print and mail or fax the completed HEAP application, along with copies of all your required documents, to:


Ulster County Department of Social Services / HEAP

1021 Development Court

Kingston, NY 12401


Fax: (845) 334-5285


Step 5.Telephone Interview


After application is received, applicants may be called for an interview to confirm information prior to receiving benefits.




	



	
In Person





	

		
Download Application 


Step 1.Check your eligibility


HEAP is available to low income households during the heating season. Review the monthly income limits to see if you qualify.


If you already receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance or Supplemental Security Income, you most likely qualify for HEAP.


Step 2.Collect documents


Before you begin, collect all your required documents.


Step 3.Download and Fill Out Application


Download Application (English)













For other languages and alternative formats, visit otda.ny.gov/programs/applications.


If you prefer that an application be mailed to you, please call (845) 334-5436.


Step 4.Drop Off Application


You may drop off applications and copies of required documentation in person at the Department of Social Services or at one of three Ulster County Community Action Program sites:


Ulster County Department of Social Services
1021 Development Court

Kingston, NY 12401


Ulster County Community Action - Kingston
70 Lindsley Avenue
Kingston, NY 12401


Ulster County Community Action - Ellenville
2 Clinton Ave.

Ellenville, NY 12428


Ulster County Community Action - Sullivan County
309 E Broadway, Suite A

Monticello, NY 12701


If applying at a Community Action Office, please call first: (845) 338-8750




	



            
Households Served




Frequently Asked Questions




            

                

				

					
					
				

				

					
You will need the following information and documents to apply for HEAP:


    

  • Proof of each household member’s identity. You will need one of the following documents for each person: 

      

    • Driver’s license
      • 

    • Birth certificate or baptismal certificate
      • 

    • School records
      • 

    • Passport
      • 

    • Paperwork documenting a disability for anyone in your household
      • 

    

    • 

  • A valid social security number for each resident that has a social security number
    • 

  • Recent pay stubs to provide proof of total current monthly income for all household members.
    • 

  • Proof of residence, using one of the following documents:

      

    • Rent receipt with address
      • 

    • Copy of lease with address
      • 

    • Water, sewer or tax bill
      • 

    • Homeowner’s insurance policy
      • 

    • Mortgage payment receipt
      • 

    • Deed
      • 

    • Utility bill
      • 

    

    • 

  • Fuel or utility bill for heat, or proof that you pay rent which includes heat
    • 



 



				

			

				

					
					
				

				

					
When HEAP season is open, you can apply for a Regular HEAP Benefit. The 2024-25 HEAP Heating Season began November 1, 2024.


In Spring and Summer, you can apply for a Cooling Assistance Component (CAC). The 2025 Cooling Season begins April 15, 2024.



				

			

				

					
					
				

				

					
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Cooling Assistance Component (CAC) provides for the purchase and installation of air conditioners or fans. CAC benefits are available for HEAP eligible households residing in an eligible living situation. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.


Applicant households may apply by completing the HEAP Cooling Assistance Request for Benefit (LDSS-4992) if they:


    

  • Received a Regular HEAP benefit greater than $21 during the current program year;
    • 

  • Received a benefit equal to $21 during the current program year and reside in government subsidized housing with heat included in their shelter costs; or
    • 

  • Are currently in receipt of ongoing Temporary Assistance (TA) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
    • 



An interview is not required for households who meet the criteria to apply using only the HEAP Cooling Assistance Request for Benefit (LDSS-4992).



				

			

				

					
					
				

				

					
Problem with your heating equipment? Call (845) 334-5436 to apply for Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) benefits.


 



				

			

            

        

        

            
                

                    
Contact Us

                    

                        
Phone


(845) 334-5436

                        
                        
Fax


(845) 334-5285

                        
                        
                            
Location

                            
Ulster County Department of Social Services / HEAP

                            
1021 Development Court

                            
Kingston, NY

                            
12401

                            View Map
      
                        
                    

                

            
            

		

			Hours
		

		

			

				
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.



			

		

	

            


Documents & More Info




        

        

            
        

        

    

                            
                            




	

        

          
	

	
	


                            
							            

						            

					            

                        
                            

                        

                        

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