Residents Should Apply Early, Submit Completed & Signed Application
New City, NY — The Rockland County Department of Social Services announces that the 2026–2027 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will open Monday, November 2, 2026. The federally funded program helps eligible individuals and families pay their home heating costs.
“There is a lifeline available to individuals and families who struggle to pay their heating bills. I encourage any and all who may qualify to apply for help,” said County Executive Ed Day.
Residents do not need a utility termination notice or a heating emergency to apply for a Regular HEAP benefit. Households are encouraged to apply early.
“With high heating costs putting pressure on household budgets, HEAP can help eligible low-income households, including older adults, people with disabilities, and families with young children, keep their heat on and stay warm this winter”, said Pat Frawley, Rockland County Commissioner of Social Services. “We encourage residents to apply early and submit a completed and signed application with the required documentation”.
Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on household income, household size, heating source, and whether the household includes a child under age six, an adult age 60 or older, or a person with a disability. Both homeowners and renters, including some households whose heat is included in their rent, may qualify.
For the 2026–2027 season, base Regular HEAP benefits for eligible households that pay directly for heat include $400 for natural gas or electricity and $990 for oil or propane. Additional amounts may be available based on household income and the presence of a vulnerable household member. Benefits are generally paid directly to the household’s heating supplier.
How to Apply
Beginning November 2, Rockland County residents may apply:
- Online: myBenefits.ny.gov
- In person or by mail: Rockland County Department of Social Services, 50 Sanatorium Road, Building L, Pomona, NY 10970
- By telephone: Certain returning households may qualify to apply by phone. Call 845-364-3486 for details.
- By email: Send a completed and signed application to RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us.
- By fax: Send a completed and signed application to 845-364-3130.
Residents applying by mail, email, fax, or in person must submit a completed and signed HEAP application, along with required supporting documentation.
Certain returning households may qualify to apply by telephone. Households with an active Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance (TA) case may not need to submit a separate Regular HEAP application. Contact the HEAP Unit for guidance.
Additional Heating Assistance
Emergency HEAP is scheduled to open January 4, 2027, for eligible households facing a heating emergency, such as a utility shutoff or a shortage of heating fuel. Emergency HEAP applications cannot be submitted through myBenefits. Residents should contact the HEAP Unit for application assistance.
Eligible homeowners may also qualify for assistance through the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement and Clean and Tune programs, which opened October 1, 2026.
HEAP benefits are subject to available funding. Residents are encouraged to apply early.
For More Information
Contact the Rockland County HEAP Unit at 845-364-3486, email RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us, or fax 845-364-3130.