Governor Kathy Hochul is calling on the Trump Administration to release $400 million in heating assistance for 1.5 million New Yorkers — warning that delays could leave families in the cold as winter sets in.
The funds support HEAP, a federal program that helps low-income households pay heating bills. Though the federal government reopened after a 43-day shutdown, it has not yet released the money New York needs to launch the program on November 24. Without it, the state can’t process applications or send payments.
“It’s shameful that the Trump Administration is threatening to make New Yorkers pay more for their heating bills this winter,” Hochul said in a statement. “I’m demanding the immediate release of federal funds to help 1.5 million New Yorkers heat their homes.”
The governor said her administration is ready to begin accepting applications within 48 hours of receiving the money. In the meantime, state agencies are programming the system to start sending out HEAP payments as soon as federal dollars arrive.
State expands energy discount program
To ease the pressure, Hochul is urging more people to enroll in the state-run Energy Affordability Program, or EAP. The program provides up to $500 a year in utility discounts and is already helping about one million households. State officials estimate another 1.5 million are eligible but not yet enrolled.
Residents can sign up through their local energy provider or visit ny.gov/EAP to check eligibility. For example, a family of four can qualify with an income up to $80,160 a year.
The state also plans to expand income eligibility in 2026, allowing more households to qualify.
Shutdown delay puts EAP discounts at risk
The delay in HEAP funding doesn’t just stall new applications — it also threatens to cut off EAP discounts for thousands. Most people in the EAP are enrolled automatically after receiving a HEAP grant. If the federal payment doesn’t come through, some could be removed from the program altogether.
The Department of Public Service warned that tens of thousands could be dropped every month unless the state stepped in. Hochul acted earlier this month to prevent those automatic disenrollments — ensuring struggling New Yorkers won’t lose support just because Washington stalled.
Lawmakers join call for federal action
Representative Paul Tonko backed the governor’s demands, saying, “The Trump administration’s failure to release funding for HEAP is yet another example of how Republicans have weaponized their government shutdown to hurt the working Americans suffering most.”
Several state lawmakers echoed the urgency.
“First we saw the federal government weaponize hunger, and now we’re seeing them weaponize the cold,” said Senator Patricia Fahy.
Assemblymembers John McDonald, Didi Barrett, and Gabriella Romero also urged Washington to act fast, noting that families are already facing freezing nights and rising utility costs.
If the Trump Administration doesn’t release the funds in time, New York’s federally funded heating program will remain on hold — and vulnerable households could be left waiting as winter tightens its grip.
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