Help paying energy bills

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay heating and cooling bills and can help in an energy crisis. Call the National Energy Assistance Referral Hotline at (866) 674-6327 to find your local LIHEAP office.

If you are short on money because of heating bills, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) may help pay them. You can apply only when the HEAP season is open. It normally opens in early to mid-November and runs until the money runs out. Outside New York City, you can apply for regular HEAP online at myBenefits.ny.gov. In New York City, you can apply online at access.nyc.gov.

You may qualify for an emergency HEAP payment if your heat is off or about to be shut off. It also counts if the electricity that runs your heating system is off or about to be shut off. Outside New York City, call your county's HEAP local district contact. In New York City, call 718-557-1399. The 2025-2026 emergency benefit closed April 24, 2026.

LIHEAP, the Low-Income Energy Home Assistance Program, can make cash payments to your utility (water, electric, or gas) company. The Dollar Energy Fund also gives grants to families who qualify, to help pay the same bills.

If you cannot pay your heating or cooling bill, Washington's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may help. The program pays a one-time grant to your energy provider based on your income, household size, and heating costs. It can also help fix or replace an unsafe heater or air conditioner. You apply through a local community action agency, not directly through the state, once each program year, October through September.