| 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

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in Erie County is anticipated to open on November 2, 2026 for Regular benefit assistance only. 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) is located on the website. Regular benefit applications will be accepted until the date above. Mail-in applications postmarked on or before the closing date meet the deadline and must be processed.

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

Anticipated 11/2/2026 opening for Regular benefit):

In- Person- 460 Main Street Buffalo NY 14202

Online- www.mybenefits.ny.gov

Mail- Completed applications mailed to 95 Franklin Buffalo, NY 14202 Attn HEAP

Fax- Completed application faxed to 716-858-6765 attn HEAP

Outreach- Various locations, see HEAP Outreach Calendar for most convenient location

two people with a question mark between them

Frequently Asked Questions

Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions

Benefits

Learn about the different heating and cooling benefits available

Latest News

HERR program information in Erie County

The Erie County Department of Social Services reminds residents of possible benefits available through its HEAP Heating Equipment Repair & Replacement (HERR) program, which can assist in…

Updated: 09/21/2026 - 1:50 pm

Clean & Tune benefits open to public October 1

The Erie County Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Clean & Tune program is scheduled to open October 1, 2026.

Program benefits (when in operation) had been provided on a first-come,…

Updated: 09/14/2026 - 2:34 pm

Emergency Benefit Component operating through 4/24/26

The Emergency HEAP benefit component, which opened for the 2025-26 season on January 2, 2026, will operate through the close of business (COB), Friday, April 24, 2026. Mail-in applications…

Updated: 04/20/2026 - 3:27 pm

Avoid Duplicate HEAP Applications this HEAP season

Public Notice: Avoid Duplicate HEAP Applications

We anticipate HEAP to open on November 1, 2024. Duplicate applications cause significant delays in processing for Erie County Department of…

Updated: 12/11/2024 - 3:07 pm

All news

Home Energy Assistance Program
(HEAP)

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.