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Opening of Home Energy Assistance Program Delayed
Again as State Awaits Federal Funding Release
Published: November 18, 2025
at 08:45 a.m.
By: linkinglewiscounty.com
The opening of
the 2026 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has been delayed once again
as New York State awaits the federal government to release its $400 million
funding for the program that assists 1.5 million New York households.
According to a
press release from the Governor’s office on Monday, New York’s ability to
open its federally-funded HEAP program has been
delayed by weeks due to the federal government shutdown, which has now
ended after a record 43 days. The federally funded program cannot begin
receiving and processing applications or making payments until the federal
government provides New York with the necessary funding. At Governor
Hochul’s direction, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability
Assistance (OTDA) is taking all steps needed to prepare for the opening of
the HEAP program for applications on November 24, pending receipt of
federal funds, including programming HEAP payments. If the Federal grant
funds for HEAP are not released by November 24, the program opening will
continue to be delayed, according to the press release. OTDA will be ready
to open the program for applications within 48 hours of receiving the grant
funds, so that New Yorkers can access their heating benefits as soon as
possible.
Amid the ongoing
delay in federal funds, Governor Hochul also urged more New Yorkers to
enroll in New York State’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP), which
provides up to $500 in annual discounts on energy bills. The State’s EAP
already serves approximately one million households statewide, but state
officials estimate that approximately 1.5 million more households are
eligible to receive a discount. New Yorkers can visit ny.gov/EAP to learn about eligibility and
enrollment.
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