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Cooling Benefits

The 2025-26 HEAP Cooling Assistance Program (CAC) closed for the season June 5, 2026.

With warm temperatures across the region this summer, residents are reminded that various cooling centers are available across Erie County. Sites include:

Cooling Centers

These are air-conditioned facilities that open when temperatures are above 85°F. Examples include:

  • Autumnwood Senior Center – 7:30 am–4 pm, 1800 Clinton St, Buffalo, 716‑826‑7895
  • Clemmon H. Hodges Senior Community – 86 Pine St, Buffalo, 716‑847‑8951
  • Richmond-Summer Senior Center – Mon–Fri 9 am–4 pm, 337 Summer St, Buffalo, 716‑885‑3290
  • William-Emslie YMCA Senior Center – Mon–Fri 9 am–3 pm, 585 William St, Buffalo, 716‑845‑5440
  • Abley Senior Citizens – 24 Ludington St, Buffalo, 716‑895‑4074 Erie County

Tip: Call ahead to confirm hours and any membership requirements.

Other Cool-Down Locations

The Erie County Department of Health lists a variety of places you can visit to stay cool Erie County:

  • Public libraries (e.g., Alden Free Library, Downtown Buffalo Central) – hours vary; check BECPL or library websites.
  • Community/senior centers (e.g., Alden Community/Senior Center, Delavan-Grider Community Center) – some require membership.
  • Swimming pools (e.g., Allison Pool, Alden Kiddie Pool) – some require resident cards.
  • Splash pads (e.g., Allison Park Splash Pad) – free with resident ID, $5 without.
  • Beaches and waterfronts – check for parking and fees.
  • Shopping centers and community spaces – call ahead for hours and access.

How to Find the Latest Info

  • Erie County Health “Stay Cool” page: erie.gov/health/stay-cool – includes all current locations, hours, and requirements.
  • 2‑1‑1 – call to get the most up-to-date list of cooling centers in your area.
  • BECPL website – for Buffalo and Erie County Public Library cooling center locations and hours Erie County.

Safety reminder: Especially check on seniors, young children, and people with disabilities during extreme heat.

A documented medical condition is required for the 2025-2026 Cooling Program. All applicants were required to provide medical documentation that their medical condition is exacerbated by extreme heat, unless there is a vulnerable member in their household. This is defined as being over the age of 60 or under the age of six; and documentation of age may be requested.

Please see below for household situations and possible application methods:

  1. Households that have received a HEAP Regular Benefit of $21 or greater during the current program year (since October 1, 2025), and who have not had household circumstances changed since that benefit was issued. An applicant may get started with Cooling Assistance this season by contacting the department through the following ways:
    • HEAP Hotline, at (716) 858-7644, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
    • E-mailing HEAPhotline@erie.gov and providing the best contact number.
    • Faxing (716) 858-6765, Attention: HEAP Cooling Team.
    • Applying in person at 460 Main St., Buffalo NY 14202, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  1. Those who have not yet been approved for a HEAP Regular Benefit within the current program year (since October 1, 2025) or have incurred changes to their own circumstance since being approved for that benefit may provide their Cooling request through the following methods:
    • Completing and signing a HEAP application (LDSS-3421) and HEAP Cooling Assistance Request for Benefit (LDSS-4992).
    • Providing ID for each household member.
    • Providing documentation of residence.
    • Providing documentation of household income for the last 30 days of wages/income.
    • Providing a valid Social Security Number for each household member.
    • Providing medical documentation that their medical condition is exacerbated by extreme heat.

An individual's total household gross monthly income for their household size must be at or below the following guidelines, which are also available at www.erie.gov/heap

2025-2026 HEAP Eligibility Guidelines --

Household Size Maximum Gross Monthly Income
1 $3,473
2 $4,542
3 $5,611
4 $6,680
5 $7,749
6 $8,818
7 $9,018
8 $9,218
9 $9,419
10 $9,619
11 $9,820
12 $10,020
13 $10,221
Each additional person Add $687

An applicant can apply in the following ways:

  • Mailing it to ECDSS HEAP, 95 Franklin St., Buffalo, NY 14202, Attention: HEAP Cooling Team.
  • Faxing it to (716) 858-6765, Attention: HEAP Cooling Team.
  • Applying in person at 460 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14202, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

All customers applying should review the participating vendors list and be prepared to select.

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