Wondering if your household qualifies for no-cost home energy upgrades through EmPower+? The program uses Area Median Income (AMI) to determine eligibility in New York City, and the income limits are higher than most people expect. A family of four in any NYC borough can qualify with a household income up to $129,600.
Below you'll find the complete 2026 income guidelines for all five NYC boroughs, what each tier covers, and how to check your eligibility in under two minutes.
2026 NYC Income Limits by Household Size
EmPower+ has two eligibility tiers based on your household's gross annual income compared to the Area Median Income (AMI) for New York City. All five boroughs (Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island) use the same AMI-based limits.
| Household Size | Tier 1 (60% AMI) Up to $14,000 | Tier 3 (80% AMI) Up to $7,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $68,063 | $90,750 |
| 2 people | $77,775 | $103,700 |
| 3 people | $87,488 | $116,650 |
| 4 people | $97,200 | $129,600 |
| 5 people | $105,000 | $140,000 |
| 6 people | $112,763 | $150,350 |
| 7 people | $120,563 | $160,750 |
| 8 people | $128,325 | $171,100 |
Important for NYC residents: These limits are based on the NYC Area Median Income (AMI), not the lower statewide median. Some websites show statewide limits that are $20,000-$30,000 lower -- those numbers are wrong for NYC. The figures above are the correct 2026 guidelines for all five boroughs.
What Each Tier Gets You
Tier 1 (Low-Income) -- Up to $14,000 in No-Cost Upgrades
If your household income falls at or below 60% of the Area Median Income, you qualify for Tier 1. This is the most generous tier -- EmPower+ covers 100% of approved improvement costs, up to $14,000 for NYC (downstate) households. You pay nothing out of pocket.
This funding covers a range of upgrades:
- Insulation (attic, wall, basement)
- Air sealing throughout the home
- Health and safety improvements
- High-efficiency LED lighting
- Smart thermostat installation
Once air sealing and insulation are completed, your contractor can recommend heating and cooling equipment upgrades through EmPower+ as well.
Tier 3 (Moderate-Income) -- 50% Covered, Up to $7,000
If your income falls between 60% and 80% of the Area Median Income, you qualify for Tier 3. With this tier, the state covers 50% of the cost of energy efficiency improvements, up to $7,000 for NYC (downstate) households. For example, if your approved upgrades total $10,000, EmPower+ covers $5,000 and you pay the remaining $5,000. If the project totals $14,000, EmPower+ covers $7,000 (the cap) and you cover the other $7,000.
Tier 3 covers the same types of improvements as Tier 1 -- insulation, air sealing, health and safety items, and more. The difference is the cost-sharing structure.
Additional HEAR Funding (On Top of EmPower+)
The Home Electrification Appliance Rebate (HEAR) recently expanded what income-eligible New Yorkers can receive through EmPower+. HEAR funding is in addition to the Tier 1 or Tier 3 amounts above. The maximum HEAR incentive per improvement type:
- Air sealing, insulation, and ventilation: up to $1,600
- Electrical service upgrade (panel box): up to $4,000
- Electrical wiring upgrade: up to $2,500
- Heat pumps: up to $8,000
This means a Tier 1 household could receive well over $14,000 in total benefits when HEAR-eligible improvements like heat pumps or electrical upgrades are included in the project scope.
Other Ways to Qualify (Automatic Eligibility)
You may automatically qualify for Tier 1 if your household participates in any of these programs:
- HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Already receiving benefits? If you're enrolled in HEAP, SNAP, TANF, or SSI, your benefit award letter serves as income verification. You don't need to provide tax returns or pay stubs -- your enrollment alone demonstrates eligibility.
Basic Requirements Beyond Income
In addition to meeting the income guidelines, you'll need to meet these requirements:
- Home type: You own or rent a 1-4 family home in New York City
- Utility service: You're a customer of Con Edison, National Grid, or another participating utility -- or you heat with oil, propane, or kerosene
- Utility bills: You're responsible for paying your own utility bills
- Documentation: You can provide income verification (tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit award letters)
Renters qualify too. If you rent a 1-4 unit home, you're fully eligible. Your landlord will need to approve the installation of improvements, but the application process starts with you.
NYC Borough-Specific Notes
The income limits above apply to all five NYC boroughs equally. However, the types of homes and common energy issues vary by area:
- Queens: Mostly detached homes that typically need full-house insulation -- attic, walls, and basement. These older homes were often built with little to no insulation, making them ideal candidates for comprehensive EmPower+ upgrades.
- Brooklyn: Brownstones and row houses often have drafty basements and uninsulated walls. Wall insulation and basement air sealing are common upgrades.
- Bronx: Older multi-family homes with shared heating systems. Individual unit improvements can still make a significant difference in comfort and energy use.
- Manhattan: Townhouses and smaller buildings qualify. Co-ops and condos in larger buildings generally do not qualify (must be 1-4 units).
- Staten Island: Single-family homes with basements and attics are ideal candidates for the full range of EmPower+ improvements.
How to Check Your Eligibility
Checking whether you qualify takes about two minutes:
- 1
Count your household members
Include everyone living in the home, regardless of age or income source.
- 2
Add up gross annual income
This is your total household income before taxes. Include wages, benefits, Social Security, pensions, and other income for all household members.
- 3
Compare to the table above
Find your household size and see which tier your income falls under.
- 4
Contact NY Energy Project
Call (800) 454-1556 and we'll verify your eligibility and walk you through the application. Or use our online eligibility checker.
Not sure if you qualify? Call us at (800) 454-1556. We check eligibility every day and can tell you in a few minutes whether your household qualifies. There's no cost or obligation to check.
What Documents You'll Need
Once you're ready to apply, gather these documents:
- Proof of income: Most recent tax return, OR last 4 pay stubs, OR benefit award letter (HEAP, SNAP, TANF, SSI)
- Utility bill: A recent Con Edison or National Grid bill showing your name and service address
- Proof of ownership: Deed, mortgage statement, or property tax bill showing you own the home
If you receive HEAP, SNAP, TANF, or SSI, your benefit letter alone may be sufficient. NY Energy Project can guide you through exactly what's needed during your no-cost home energy assessment.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About EmPower+ Eligibility
What income counts toward EmPower+ eligibility?
Gross annual income from all sources for everyone in your household. This includes wages, salaries, Social Security, pensions, disability payments, rental income, and child support received. It does not include child support paid out.
Do the EmPower+ income limits differ by NYC borough?
No. All five NYC boroughs -- Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island -- use the same Area Median Income (AMI) guidelines. The 2026 limits for a family of four are $97,200 (Tier 1) and $129,600 (Tier 3).
Can renters qualify for EmPower+ in NYC?
Yes. Renters in 1-4 unit buildings are eligible for EmPower+. You will need your landlord's written permission before improvements can be installed, but the eligibility check and application process starts with you as the tenant. Visit our EmPower+ program page to get started.
Why are NYC EmPower+ income limits higher than the rest of New York State?
NYC uses Area Median Income (AMI), which reflects the higher cost of living in the city. Upstate and other parts of New York use State Median Income (SMI), which is lower. For example, 60% AMI in NYC for a family of four is $97,200, while 60% SMI statewide is about $76,680. This means more NYC households qualify than statewide numbers suggest.
What if I make slightly more than the EmPower+ income limit?
NY Energy Project can help you access other NYSERDA programs that don't have income requirements, including Comfort Home, Clean Heat rebates for heat pumps, and federal tax credits for energy efficiency improvements. Call (800) 454-1556 to find the right program for your situation.
How long does the EmPower+ application take to get approved?
Application approval typically takes 2-5 business days once all documentation is submitted. The entire process from application to completed upgrades usually takes 2-3 weeks.
What if my income changed recently?
EmPower+ looks at your current household income. If you recently lost a job, had hours reduced, or had a change in household size, your current income may qualify you even if last year's tax return showed higher earnings.
Check Your EmPower+ Eligibility Today
NY Energy Project is a BPI Gold Star certified, NYSERDA EmPower+ participating contractor serving all five NYC boroughs. We'll verify your eligibility and handle the entire application process at no cost to you.
