Major Changes to HEAP, HERR Programs

Staff Report

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — It has been a confusing and frustrating year for anyone relying on the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). The seasonal program has been a savior for many low-income households for decades, providing relief on heating bills during the coldest months and helping New Yorkers survive our often-challenging winters. Ahead of this heating season’s opening, New York State’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) announced that funds would be limited to only one regular benefit and one emergency benefit, and programs like the Heating Equipment Replacement and Repair (HERR) and Clean and Tune would be cut from the 2025-2026 budget. Things were further complicated by the federal government shutdown. While much of the reporting on the shutdown’s impact focused on delays and changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), New Yorkers were also struggling with an indefinite delay in the opening of HEAP. Complicating matters was winter’s early and rather harsh arrival, leaving many struggling to fill their tanks to cope with colder-than-normal temperatures. HEAP finally opened on December 1, much to the relief of many.

Late on Monday, December 8, OTDA announced it would be reopening the HERR program, but with a few new specifications. “Due to limited funding, HERR benefits will be available only to applicants aged 60 or older that own their home. If there is more than one documented homeowner, at least one must be aged 60 or above at the time of application and live in the home as their primary residence,” reads the official statement from OTDA. “All other eligibility requirements remain the same.”

The HERR program has been the primary option for income-eligible households needing to replace or repair their heating systems. With heating equipment costs continuing to rise, the lack of HERR had created a bit of a panic, as other options were initially somewhat limited. Currently, if a household needs to replace a heating system and does not include a resident aged 60 or older, they must apply for Public Assistance (PA), which generally has stricter guidelines and longer application processes than HERR. If an applicant is denied, they may apply to NYERDA’s Empower+ program, which provides up to $6,000 to replace a heating system. It can be a lengthy process. For more information, interested parties should contact their County HEAP offices or reach out to their regional Clean Energy Hub, which can be found here www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Regional-Clean-Energy-Hubs/Find-Your-Clean-Energy-Hub-Today.