Guide
Help paying for heat and boiler repairs
Public programs Oneida and Herkimer county households can look into for heating costs and upgrades.
This is a referral line. When you call, you are connected with an independent local heating company.
HEAP
New York's Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households heat their homes. It offers one regular benefit per program year and emergency benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having utility service shut off.[source] Check the OTDA HEAP page (opens in a new tab) for current dates and how to apply.
EmPower+
NYSERDA's EmPower+ program offers energy efficiency upgrades for income-eligible households.[source] See the EmPower+ page (opens in a new tab).
Comfort Home
NYSERDA's Comfort Home program supports home comfort and efficiency upgrades through participating contractors.[source] See the Comfort Home page (opens in a new tab).
About this guide. Written by Call Now Plumbing, a referral line operated by Get Called LLC, from the public sources listed on our sources page, checked Nov 3, 2026. It has not been reviewed by a licensed heating contractor. For advice on your system, ask the company you reach.
HEAP regular and emergency benefits
New York's Home Energy Assistance Program, HEAP, helps income eligible households pay heating costs. The regular benefit is paid toward your heating fuel or utility. Emergency HEAP has helped households facing a heating emergency, such as a utility shutoff or running out of fuel, in past seasons.[source] Benefit dates, amounts and income limits change every year.
Oneida County residents, including Utica, Rome, New Hartford, Whitesboro, New York Mills, Yorkville, Clinton and Oriskany, apply through Oneida County.[source] Herkimer County residents, including Herkimer, Ilion, Frankfort and Mohawk, apply through the Herkimer County Department of Social Services (opens in a new tab).
Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement (HERR)
The HERR benefit helps eligible homeowners repair or replace their primary heating equipment, including boilers. According to New York State, you must own and live in the home, be 60 or older, meet HEAP income and resource requirements, and complete an eligibility interview. Benefits are based on the actual cost, up to $4,000 for repairs and $8,000 for replacements, and the work must be approved before it begins. Payment goes directly to the approved vendor.[source]
New York State reports that the 2026 to 2027 HERR benefit opened October 1, 2026.[source] If your boiler is failing and you think you qualify, contact your county HEAP office before you authorize any work.
Clean and Tune
HEAP has in some years offered a Clean and Tune benefit for eligible homeowners, covering cleaning and minor repairs of heating equipment. It is not offered every year. Ask your county HEAP office whether it is available this season.
NYSERDA EmPower+
EmPower+ helps income eligible New Yorkers with energy efficiency upgrades at no cost or reduced cost, which can include insulation, air sealing and in some cases heating system work.[source] Better insulation lowers heating bills and can reduce the size of boiler a house needs.
National Grid programs
National Grid serves much of the Utica area and lists energy saving programs and rebates on its website, including offers for qualifying heating equipment.[source] Check the current list before you replace a boiler, since rebates can require pre-approval or specific models.
Renters
If you rent and your landlord supplies heat, the Property Maintenance Code of New York State requires at least 68 degrees in habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms from September 15 to May 31.[source] In Utica, the City of Utica Codes Department (opens in a new tab) handles code complaints. Renters who pay their own heating bills can still apply for regular HEAP.
Other places to ask
The Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency is a regional agency you can ask about assistance programs.[source] If you cannot get help through HEAP, county social services offices may be able to tell you about emergency assistance options.
Getting ready to apply
Gather proof of residency, recent pay stubs or income documents for everyone in the household, photo ID for each household member, and a recent heating bill or fuel delivery receipt. New York State lists proof of residency, recent pay stubs and photo ID as items to have ready for the repair or replacement benefit.[source]
Apply early in the season. HEAP funding is limited and some components close when funds run out.
Frequently asked
Do I have to own my home to get HEAP? Not for the regular benefit. Renters who pay for heat, directly or in their rent, can apply. The repair or replacement benefit is for homeowners.[source]Can HEAP pay a contractor I choose? The repair or replacement benefit pays an approved vendor directly, and the work must be approved before it begins.[source] Ask the county HEAP office how vendors are approved in your county before you sign anything.What if HEAP funding has run out? HEAP components can close when funds are exhausted. Ask your county social services office about emergency assistance, and ask the heating company about payment options.Can the heating company help with the paperwork? Some vendors that participate in HEAP know the process well and can tell you what documentation they provide, such as a written statement that the equipment is inoperable or unsafe.Is there help for insulation and windows? NYSERDA's EmPower+ and Comfort Home programs focus on efficiency upgrades like insulation and air sealing.[source][source] Those can cut heating bills and make a smaller boiler enough.Timeline for a broken boiler in winter
If your boiler fails in the middle of winter and you think you qualify for the repair or replacement benefit, call the heating company to diagnose it and the county HEAP office the same day. The diagnosis gives HEAP what it needs, and the county decides on approval. While you wait, protect pipes, use space heaters safely, and do not use the oven for heat.[source]
Seniors and caregivers
The repair or replacement benefit is for homeowners aged 60 or older.[source] If you help an older parent or neighbor, you can help them gather documents and call the county office. Oneida County residents apply through Oneida County, and Herkimer County residents through the Herkimer County Department of Social Services (opens in a new tab).
Keep copies
Make copies of everything you submit to HEAP: applications, letters, proof of income and the contractor's written diagnosis. Note who you talked to and when. If your application stalls, those notes make follow up easier.
When to apply
HEAP opens each fall. Watch for the opening date and apply early, since components can close when funds run out.[source]
If you are not eligible
Ask the heating company about payment plans, and ask National Grid about its energy saving programs and any bill assistance it lists.[source]
Common questions
Does this line help me apply?
No. We are a referral line for boiler repair. Contact the programs directly.
Want a pro to look at it?
Call and get connected with a local heating company.
Call about your boiler(888) 835-0429