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Emergency HEAP Assistance: How to Get Help Paying Your Heating Bills

Struggling With Heating Costs?

You’re not alone. Heating costs have hit many households hard. The good news? Help may be available through Emergency HEAP.

The HEAP Department opened Emergency HEAP on January 2, 2026, offering additional assistance to households facing a heating emergency.

If you’re worried about running out of fuel or having your utilities shut off, this is definitely worth looking into.

What Is HEAP?

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income households pay the cost of heating their homes.

HEAP can assist with:

• Heating fuel costs

• Utility shut-offs

• Emergency heating situations

• Heating equipment repair or replacement

How Emergency HEAP Works

To qualify for Emergency HEAP, you must first have received a regular HEAP benefit.

• If you already received your regular benefit and are now facing an emergency, you may qualify for additional help.

• If you have not received a regular HEAP benefit yet, you’ll need to apply for that first.

👉 Start by contacting your local HEAP office and let them know you want to apply for Emergency HEAP.

The application process is usually quick and straightforward. You’ll be asked questions such as:

• Has anything changed since your regular HEAP benefit?

• Household income

• Number of people in the home and their ages

• How low you are on fuel or if utilities are shut off or pending shut-off

With today’s heating prices, it’s absolutely worth making the call.

Heating Sources Covered by HEAP

HEAP typically assists with the following energy sources:

• Electricity

• Natural Gas

• Oil

• Coal

• Propane

• Wood or Wood Pellets

• Kerosene

• Corn

Who May Be Eligible for HEAP?

You may qualify for HEAP if:

• You and your household members are U.S. citizens, U.S. non-citizen nationals, or qualified aliens

• Each household member has a valid Social Security number

• You receive SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or Supplemental Security Income

• Your household income falls within HEAP income guidelines

💡 Don’t assume you don’t qualify. Many people are surprised to find they are eligible.

You may still qualify even if you:

• Own your home

• Pay for heat as part of your rent

• Have savings, stocks, bonds, or other resources

What You’ll Need to Apply

Be prepared to provide:

Proof of residency, such as:

• Rent receipt or lease

• Utility, water, sewer, or tax bill

• Mortgage statement or deed

• Homeowner’s insurance policy

Utility information:

• Current fuel or utility bill

• Or a statement from your landlord if heat is included in rent

Income verification:

• Recent pay stubs for all household members

Identification for each household member:

• Photo ID or driver’s license

• Birth certificate or school records

• Passport

• Disability documentation (if applicable)

Emergency HEAP Eligibility

Emergency HEAP is based on:

• Household income

• Available resources

• Type of heating emergency

You may qualify for Emergency HEAP if:

• Your electric or gas heat is shut off or scheduled for shut-off

• Your electricity is required for your heating system or thermostat

• You are out of fuel or have:

  • Less than ¼ tank of oil, kerosene, or propane

  • Less than a 10-day supply of wood, pellets, corn, or other deliverable fuel

And:

• Your household income meets HEAP guidelines or

• You receive SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or qualifying SSI

• The heating or electric bill is in your name

• Household resources are:

  • Under $2,000 (if no one is age 60+)

  • Under $3,000 (if someone in the household is age 60+)

Final Thoughts

If you or someone you know is struggling with heating costs, don’t wait. Reach out to your local HEAP office as soon as possible. Help may be available, and one phone call could make a big difference this winter.

For more helpful resources, visit 👉Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) 

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