Providing energy assistance across all of New York state.
Our Energy Assistance Program equips low to moderate income families with essential resources to stay warm and healthy.
Working closely with New York-based utilities companies, Heartshare is dedicated to providing energy assistance to individuals and families in need through collaborating with community-based organizations across the state to reach underserved clients. Within this program, there are several funds available to individuals and families, throughout the entire state of New York.
Our commitment extends beyond financial aid — we offer extensive phone support, conduct in-person outreach, and host educational events to connect directly with the community. We also actively participate in community task forces — advocating for low-income assistance programs, and working alongside national partners to expand access to utility support services.
Each of our energy assistance programs has specific eligibility guidelines. To qualify, applicants must be customers of one of the utility providers we partner with. In some cases, eligibility extends to account holders of other heating services, while certain programs allow individuals to receive assistance where payments are made directly to another service provider rather than the utility company.
The cost of essential needs in New York is often overwhelming for residents, making utility assistance critical for many families. Heartshare’s Energy Assistance Program helps individuals keep their heat and electricity on while also providing support for basic necessities like food. Without electricity, homes can become unsafe. Our program serves as a vital lifeline, ensuring families have access to essential utilities that support their well-being.
Within this program, there are six different funds available to individuals and families, throughout the entire state of New York. We collaborate with community-based organizations and legislative offices to conduct outreach and assist individuals in need. These partners also help facilitate the intake process for our programs. Read below to see which grant is right for you.
If you have questions about enrollment and grant requirements, please email us: energy@heartshare.org or call us: 718-422-4207.
Temporary Grants Available Due to the Government Shutdown
Care & Share (Upstate New York)
Provides $200 grants to eligible electric and gas customers.
Care & Share Energy Temporary Fund Application
Neighborhood Heating Fund (New York City – Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island)
Provides $200 grants to heating customers and $100 grants to National Grid cooking-gas customers.
Neighborhood Heating Temporary Fund Application
Neighborhood Heating Fund Intake Office List
Temporary Eligibility Modifications (Emergency Window)
Low-Income Pathway: Customers currently enrolled in the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) with an arrears balance of $1 or more are eligible for one-time assistance.
Federal Shutdown Pathway: Customers who are federal employees, federal contractors, or active-duty military impacted by the shutdown and with an arrears balance of $1 or more are eligible to apply.
Please also note that any grants issued during this emergency window will not count toward the one-grant-per-season limit once the regular 2025–2026 fuel-fund season resumes.
Relevant Programs
Energy Assistance in just one program within a larger ecosystem of supports for children and adults dealing with the trauma related to family separation.
