NEW YORK – The 2025-2026 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) season is now slated to start November 17 instead of the original date of November 3, according to the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Sullivan County Health & Human Services Commissioner John Liddle said the delay is a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown. 

The program provides heating assistance, including helping to pay for utilities or a fuel delivery during cold weather months, to low-income New York households.

“Now that no money is flowing from the federal government for HEAP at all, the state has delayed the start of the season,” Liddle said.

“We hope this delay is only temporary, as the cold weather has just begun,” says Sullivan County Manager Joshua Potosek. “If the shutdown continues much longer, we will be unable to provide assistance to those who need it most – and not just with HEAP.”

On Wednesday Governor Kathy Hochul called on the federal government to end its shutdown and act quickly to approve funding to support HEAP.

“Thanks to Washington Republicans’ government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers are about to be left in the cold,” Governor Hochul said. 

According to the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance 91,000 households in the Hudson Valley received a regular HEAP benefit last winter.

What to Do if You’re 

Seeking HEAP Benefits

Sullivan County’s HEAP Office continues to be available to answer questions and help applicants (845-807-0142, heap@sullivanny.gov). Any recipient who has received an early outreach application in the mail can still submit it for processing, so that they will be ready to receive the benefit when HEAP reopens.

In the meantime, individuals or families with a heat emergency are encouraged to apply for emergency Public Assistance, either by applying online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov or in person at the Sullivan County Department of Social Services, 15 Community Lane, Liberty. Applications cannot be taken over the phone.

Who Is Eligible for HEAP

HEAP this year, when reopened, will provide a one-time benefit of between $400 and $996 for a delivery of home heating fuel, dependent on the type of system used at the residence. (An Emergency HEAP benefit, offering another fuel payment, is anticipated to become available in January.)

Eligibility is based on income, household size, and whether or not the household has a member who is under age six, over age 60 or permanently disabled.

Applications will not start being accepted until November 17, but income thresholds have already been established by New York State.