Rochester Residents Can Apply for Heating Assistance Starting Nov. 2
Written by DJ Sight on October 19, 2026
Rochester and Western New York residents struggling with heating bills can apply for New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) beginning Nov. 2. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced increased benefits for households that heat their homes with oil, propane and other delivered fuels.
Last winter, more than 84,000 households in the Finger Lakes region and 132,000 in Western New York received assistance. A family of four can qualify with a gross annual income of up to $82,230.
Eligible residents may receive help based on household income, size and heating source. Some households enrolled in programs such as SNAP may receive benefits automatically. Emergency assistance for households facing heating fuel shortages or utility shutoffs is scheduled to begin Jan. 4, 2027.
Residents can apply online, by mail or in person through their local Department of Social Services.
Apply or learn more: New York HEAP Program
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