NEW YORK (PIX11) – Some New Yorkers are eligible to get nearly $1,000 for heating assistance this winter, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday. The money is made available through the Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as HEAP. Benefits are available for homeowners and renters, depending on their income, household size and heating systems, and residents caring for children under the age of 6, people over 60 years old and those who are disabled. The state gave out 1.7 million HEAP benefits last year alone. Households can receive up to one HEAP benefit and two emergency HEAP benefits per season if they're in danger of getting cut off by utilities or running out of fuel. Applications for HEAP benefits opened on Nov. 1. Emergency HEAP benefit applications will open on Jan. 2, 2025. To apply, click here. Applications can also be accepted at local Social Service Departments through mail or in person. If you need help applying, you can call the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.