On Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul called on Congress to end its prolonged federal government shutdown and act quickly to approve funding to support New York’s federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

The HEAP program provided more than $287 million in heating assistance, including helping to pay for utilities or a fuel delivery during cold weather months, to more than 1.5 million low-income New York households during the 2024-25 winter.

Without a federal budget in place, or a continuing resolution to keep the government open, there is no federal funding available to open the HEAP program for the coming winter season. With HEAP funding delayed due to the GOP government shutdown, New York state will be unable to provide heating assistance until mid-November at the earliest.

Typically, households can receive one regular HEAP benefit per season and also be eligible for an Emergency HEAP benefit if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. Eligibility is based on income, household size, heating source, and if the household contains a vulnerable family member, including someone who is age 60 or older, under age 6, or permanently disabled. Last winter, the maximum regular benefit was $996.

In Western New York last year, 117,000 households received HEAP benefits totaling $45 million.

The program usually begins accepting applications in early November, so that households have time to receive a fuel delivery before the coldest weather hits. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which oversees HEAP, notified local departments of social services this week that the start of applications is being delayed until further notice, and updates will be provided as they become available.

“HEAP is a critical lifeline for low-income working families and older adults on a fixed income, while also providing financial support to help those in emergency situations keep the heat on and their homes warm during the cold winter months. With energy costs rising, struggling New Yorkers will be left with stark choices on how to allocate their household budget while trying to stay warm this winter,” said Barbara Guinn, state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance commissioner.