Home | HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program, which is administered by New York State, to assist low-income families with their energy needs.

Learn about available assistance

Effective Monday, December 1, 2025, the Regular (Heating) Benefit component of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in Erie County is scheduled to open. The Regular HEAP benefit is scheduled to operate through April 7, 2026 or until funding exhausted, which occurs first. Applicants may apply for HEAP by submitting paper applications by mail fax, or in person, at 460 Main St., Buffalo, NY. A printable HEAP Application (LDSS-3421) will be available for download on the OTDA website starting on December 1, 2025.

Alternatively, residents can apply online for HEAP, visit www.mybenefits.ny.gov for a Regular benefit. Any supporting documentation may be submitted via NYDocSubmit, a free app that now available for download on Google play or Apple App Store on or after program opening.

Apply

Effective December 1, 2025, the Regular (Heating) HEAP benefit component will be open for eligible residents. The Regular benefit component is scheduled to operate through April 7, 2026 or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first. Applicants may apply by mail, fax or in person at 460 Main St., Buffalo, NY. A printable HEAP application (LDSS-3421) will be available for public download on the OTDA website starting December 1, 2025.

For a list of needed documents and items when applying for HEAP, Click Here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Benefits

Learn about the different heating and cooling benefits available

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Home Energy Assistance Program
(HEAP)

Due to the lack of a federal budget, including an appropriation for the 2025-26 program year, the opening date for accepting applications for the HEAP Regular (Heating) benefit component has been delayed until further notice. HEAP program can not open until Congress passes federal funding.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program, which is administered by New York State to assist low-income families with their energy needs.

Multiple components are available to apply for heating assistance or services while the funding is available.

HEAP may be able to help you heat your home with:

Electricity
Natural Gas
Oil
Propane
Wood/Wood Pellets
Kerosene
Corn

Learn more about HEAP as outlined in the New York State OTDA.