Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
If you are a single mother in New York and cannot pay a heat, electric, gas, water, phone, or internet bill, start with three steps: call your utility before the shutoff date, contact the New York utility regulator if shutoff is close, and check whether HEAP or a monthly utility discount can lower the bill.
The main state program is New York HEAP, which can help with heating, heat emergencies, cooling, and some heating equipment needs. HEAP is seasonal, so always check whether the part you need is open before you rely on it.
For a broader benefits plan, also use the New York benefits guide and the ASMOM bill help hub while you work through this page.
If your power, gas, or heat may be shut off soon
Do not wait for the shutoff date. Call your utility and ask for a payment agreement. Then call the New York State Department of Public Service emergency line if you have a final shutoff notice or service has already been stopped.
- Electric or gas shutoff within 48 to 72 hours: call the DPS Emergency Hotline at 800-342-3355, weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The DPS complaint page says not to use the online form for a near shutoff.
- Billing dispute, payment plan problem, water, phone, cable, or utility complaint: call the DPS Helpline at 800-342-3377. The DPS contact page lists current hours.
- Heat emergency: contact your county or New York City HEAP office through HEAP contacts. Emergency help cannot be finished only through the state information page.
- Other emergency bills: ask 211 for local funds, churches, community action agencies, and food or shelter referrals through 211 New York.
If you also risk losing housing, use ASMOM’s emergency help page and housing help page next.
Where to start
If you have a shutoff notice
Call the utility first. Ask for the credit or collections department, a Deferred Payment Agreement, and any medical or life-support protections. Write down the name of the person you spoke with.
If you need heat help
Use myBenefits when online applications are open, or call your local HEAP office. In New York City, use the HRA energy page for city-specific steps.
If bills stay high
Ask your utility about EAP or EEAP monthly bill credits. If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, HEAP, SSI, TANF, or other help, you may already fit a discount pathway.
If your budget is short because of food, child care, medical, or rent costs, it may help to apply for more than one program. ASMOM has separate guides for SNAP in New York, TANF in New York, and child care help.
Quick help table
| Problem | First step | What to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Electric or gas shutoff notice | Call your utility, then DPS if urgent | Payment agreement, no-shutoff review, complaint number |
| Heat bill or low fuel | Contact HEAP when open | Regular HEAP or Emergency HEAP |
| Summer heat and no safe cooling | Apply for Cooling Assistance | Air conditioner or fan benefit |
| High monthly utility bill | Ask utility about EAP or EEAP | Monthly bill credit and budget billing |
| NYC water bill | Contact NYC DEP | Home Water Assistance or debt review |
| Internet or phone bill | Check Lifeline and ABA plans | Discounted phone, internet, or home broadband |
HEAP heating and cooling help in New York
HEAP is the main public utility help program in New York. It can help renters and homeowners. If heat is included in your rent, you may still be able to get a small regular benefit when the regular component is open.
HEAP rules change by program year. As of this update, the 2025-2026 winter season had already moved past many winter deadlines, while the Cooling Assistance Benefit opened April 15, 2026. Check OTDA HEAP before applying because funding and open dates can change.
Regular HEAP
Regular HEAP is usually one payment per program year. It helps with the main heating source, such as electric, natural gas, oil, propane, wood, coal, kerosene, or pellets. For the 2025-2026 program year, New York listed base regular benefits from $21 for some subsidized housing situations up to $900 plus possible add-ons for some oil, kerosene, or propane households that pay the vendor directly.
Emergency HEAP
Emergency HEAP is for a heat or heat-related crisis. Examples include electric service needed to run the heating system, electric or gas heat that is off or scheduled for shutoff, or a deliverable fuel supply that is very low. Emergency HEAP also looks at available resources. For 2025-2026, New York listed resource limits of less than $2,500, or less than $3,750 if someone in the household is age 60 or older or under age 6.
Cooling Assistance
The 2026 Cooling Assistance Benefit can help buy and install one air conditioner or fan for an eligible household. New York lists maximum costs of $800 for a window unit, portable air conditioner, or fan, and $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit. The benefit is first come, first served, and funds are limited. New York City residents can use Cooling Assistance through ACCESS NYC.
| HEAP part | What it may help with | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Regular HEAP | One heating benefit per program year | Seasonal; check open status before you apply |
| Emergency HEAP | Heat off, shutoff, or low deliverable fuel | You must contact your local district for emergency help |
| Cooling Assistance | One air conditioner or fan with installation | Limited funds; medical, age, and equipment rules apply |
| Heating repair | Repair or replace eligible heating equipment | Homeowner rules are strict; approval must come before work |
Tip
Keep a screenshot or copy of every application, upload receipt, fax confirmation, and call log. If a utility or office says it did not receive something, this proof can save days.
HEAP income limits to check first
New York posts income limits by household size. The table below shows common 2025-2026 monthly gross income limits from OTDA. These limits can change by program year, so confirm them before applying.
| Household size | Maximum gross monthly income | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,473 | Use if only you are counted |
| 2 | $4,542 | Common for one parent and one child |
| 3 | $5,611 | Common for one parent and two children |
| 4 | $6,680 | Common for one parent and three children |
| Each additional person | Add $687 | Confirm with OTDA before relying on it |
Income is not the only rule. Citizenship or qualified non-citizen status, heating source, household members, and the type of emergency can matter. If a child is under age 6, say that when you call because some rules treat young children as vulnerable household members.
Shutoff rights and DPS help
New York’s Home Energy Fair Practices Act, often called HEFPA, gives residential gas, electric, and steam customers rights around billing, payment agreements, complaints, and service. Start with the utility, but do not stop there if the payment plan is not realistic.
The HEFPA rights guide explains that utilities must follow rules for service, billing, payment agreements, and complaint procedures. If you have a pending complaint, you still need to pay the part of the bill that is not in dispute when you can.
Ask for a Deferred Payment Agreement. If the first offer is too high, explain your income, child care costs, rent, food, medical needs, and other basic bills. If the utility will not offer a workable plan, file with DPS unless the shutoff is within the 48- to 72-hour danger window. In that case, call the emergency hotline first.
If you have a serious medical issue in the home, ask the utility about medical protections and what form a doctor must send. This does not erase the bill, but it may help keep service on while you work on payment and benefits.
Monthly bill discounts: EAP and EEAP
New York utilities offer Energy Affordability Program discounts for many low-income customers. The state EAP program says large electric and natural gas utilities provide discounts to households that receive HEAP, and the program also includes other benefit pathways such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Lifeline, public housing assistance, TANF, and Safety Net Assistance.
In 2026, New York also expanded help through Enhanced EAP. EEAP may help some customers who are below state or area median income but do not qualify for the traditional EAP. Use the EEAP application if your utility participates, or call the utility and ask for the low-income discount team.
Reality check: automatic enrollment does not always happen right away. If your HEAP or SNAP case should make you eligible, send proof to the utility and ask when the credit will show on your bill.
Water, internet, and ways to lower bills
Water help
Water help depends on where you live and who bills you. In New York City, eligible homeowners may receive an automatic Home Water Assistance Program credit. NYC DEP currently describes a $145 credit on eligible accounts through the Home Water Assistance program. If your account is in a lien or termination process, check the Water Debt Assistance page before the deadline.
Outside New York City, call the water provider, town, city, or village office. DPS may help with some regulated water companies, but municipal water problems often go through the local water department.
Phone and internet help
Lifeline is a federal phone or internet discount. USAC says Lifeline offers up to $9.25 per month, or up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands. For home internet, the New York Affordable Broadband Act may require larger providers to offer lower-cost plans. ACCESS NYC lists ABA plans at no more than $15 for at least 25 Mbps or $20 for at least 200 Mbps, with taxes and equipment included.
Weatherization and energy upgrades
If the bill is high every month, do not rely only on emergency grants. Weatherization and energy upgrades can reduce use over time. New York HCR says the Weatherization program serves renters, homeowners, and rental property owners through local providers. NYSERDA’s EmPower+ can provide no-cost assessments and help with insulation, air sealing, heat pumps, and other upgrades for eligible homes.
Documents checklist
Gather documents before you call or apply. You may not need every item, but having them ready can keep the case from being delayed.
- Photo ID for the adult applicant.
- Names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers or other ID details for household members, when requested.
- Proof of address, such as a lease, rent receipt, mortgage statement, or utility bill.
- Recent pay stubs, benefit letters, unemployment proof, child support proof, or self-employment records.
- Current utility bill, account number, shutoff notice, fuel delivery record, or fuel level proof.
- Medical form or doctor note if asking for a medical protection or Cooling Assistance based on a medical condition.
- Proof of SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, HEAP, Lifeline, public housing assistance, or other benefits for utility discounts.
For more planning help, use the ASMOM local resources guide and organizations that help page while you collect paperwork.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until the shutoff day. Call as soon as you see a final notice. DPS can move faster when you call before service is off.
- Using only the online complaint form for an urgent shutoff. If shutoff is within 48 to 72 hours, call the DPS Emergency Hotline instead.
- Applying for HEAP but not telling the utility. Call the utility and say you applied. Ask them to note the account.
- Missing monthly discounts. HEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, Lifeline, or public housing assistance may help you qualify for a utility bill credit.
- Paying a bill you think is wrong without a record. File a utility complaint and keep proof of the amount you dispute.
- Ignoring other needs. If food or health costs are causing the utility crisis, check WIC in New York and health care help too.
If HEAP is closed or not enough
HEAP is important, but it is not the only path. Ask 211 for local utility funds, church funds, community action agencies, food pantry referrals, and rent help. Local funds often open and close fast, and many require a shutoff notice.
If your utility dispute is complex, contact the Public Utility Law Project. PULP’s Get Help page lists its toll-free hotline, 877-669-2572, and explains help for low-income utility consumers and advocates.
If bills are part of a wider family budget crisis, ASMOM’s community support page can help you look for food, school, baby, and local nonprofit support that may free up money for utilities.
Phone scripts you can use
Calling the utility
“Hi, my name is ____. I am calling about account number ____. I received a shutoff notice and I want to keep service on. I am asking for a Deferred Payment Agreement, any hardship program, and any low-income discount I may qualify for. I am also applying for HEAP. What is the lowest down payment you can offer?”
Calling DPS
“Hi, I have a final shutoff notice from ____ for my home at ____. I called the utility on ____ and spoke with ____. The payment plan offered is not affordable. I have children in the home. Can you help stop the shutoff while this is reviewed?”
Calling HEAP
“Hi, I need to know which HEAP benefits are open today. My household size is ____, my heat source is ____, and I have a shutoff notice or low fuel. Do I need regular HEAP, Emergency HEAP, Cooling Assistance, or another benefit?”
Calling 211
“Hi, I am a single mother in ____ County. I need help with a utility bill or shutoff notice. I already contacted the utility and HEAP. Are there any local funds, churches, community action agencies, or legal help programs taking applications this week?”
Resumen en español
Si vive en New York y no puede pagar la luz, gas, calefacción, agua, teléfono o internet, llame primero a la compañía de servicios. Pida un plan de pago y pregunte por descuentos para hogares de bajos ingresos.
Si tiene un aviso final de corte de luz o gas dentro de 48 a 72 horas, llame a DPS al 800-342-3355. Para HEAP, comuníquese con la oficina local de HEAP. En una emergencia, no espere hasta el día del corte.
FAQ
Can single mothers in New York get help with electric bills?
Yes, but approval depends on the program. HEAP may help with heating or heat-related electric bills when the right component is open. Utility EAP or EEAP discounts may also lower monthly electric or gas bills for eligible households.
What should I do first if I have a shutoff notice?
Call the utility and ask for a payment agreement. If the shutoff is within 48 to 72 hours or service is already off, call the DPS Emergency Hotline at 800-342-3355 on a weekday during hotline hours.
Is HEAP open all year in New York?
No. HEAP has seasonal parts. Regular heating, emergency heating, cooling, clean and tune, and equipment repair benefits can have different opening and closing dates. Always check the current OTDA or local HEAP office status.
Can I get an air conditioner through HEAP?
Possibly. Cooling Assistance can help eligible households get one air conditioner or fan when the benefit is open and funds are available. Rules include income, age or medical need, citizenship or qualified non-citizen status, and whether you already have a working air conditioner.
Can a utility discount help every month?
It may. New York’s EAP and EEAP programs can provide monthly bill credits for eligible customers. Contact your utility if the credit does not appear after you receive HEAP or another qualifying benefit.
Where can I find local charity help?
Dial 211 or search 211 New York for local utility funds, community action agencies, churches, and nonprofit intake sites. Availability changes often, so ask which programs are taking applications this week.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 20, 2026, next review August 20, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.