Home : Low Income - Home Owners

Assistance for Low and Moderate Income Households

NYSERDA Programs

Income-qualified families are particularly susceptible to high and fluctuating energy costs, based on the earnings to expenditure ratio. To reduce the energy burden on these households, NYSERDA offers the following programs that provide cost-effective home improvements:

Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^®

Receive up to $5,000 for energy improvements and reduce your energy use by up to 40%. Households with an income equal to or lower than 80% of state or area median income, whichever is greater, can receive additional financial incentives through Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR. That's an income of nearly $60,000 a year for a family of four in Upstate New York and even higher in several downstate counties. Click here for income guidelines.

Assisted New York ENERGY STAR Homes

Use significantly less energy than conventionally built homes by building a New York ENERGY STAR Home. Receive a $500 cash incentive if your household income is less than or equal to these guidelines. For more information or help with income-eligibility verification, please call 1-877-NY-SMART.

EmPower New York^SM

Renters and homeowners who are income-eligible can receive cost-effective electric reduction measures, particularly lighting and refrigerator replacements, as well as other cost-effective home performance strategies such as insulation, and health and safety measures. There is no cost to the customer to participate in this program. Visit  EmPower New York to find out if you are eligible and for more information on the program.

Low-Income Forum on Energy

The Low-Income Forum on Energy (LIFE) brings together organizations and individuals committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities facing low-income New Yorkers as they seek safe, affordable and reliable energy.

Additional Programs

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), HEAP provides financial assistance to eligible households to help pay for their home heating costs. To be eligible, a household must meet income guidelines; 60% of the State Median Income or below and either pay directly for heating costs or pay rent that includes heating costs. Individual applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualified aliens. To learn more and see if you are eligible, visit the Home Energy Assistance Program site.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Administered by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), WAP assists income-eligible families and individuals by reducing their heating/cooling costs and improving the safety of their homes through energy efficiency measures. Both single-family and multifamily buildings are eligible. Program services are available to both homeowners and renters, with priority given to senior citizens, families with children and persons with disabilities.