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Regular Benefits

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in Erie County (HEAP) Cooling Assistance Benefit closed for the season on June 5, 2026.  Applications submitted on or before the CAC closing date meet the deadline and must be processed.

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.

For more information on Erie County HEAP, visit Home | HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program).

For questions regarding your HEAP status, please contact the customer service line at 716-858-7644, available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

2025-2026 HEAP Eligibility Guidelines

Gross Monthly Income

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 Add $687

HEAP funding is limited.  HEAP applications are available in large print, if needed, and the HEAP application is also available in several different languages. Requests for large print HEAP applications and HEAP applications in a different languages may be made at heaphotline@erie.gov.  An application will be mailed to you. 

Generally, residents may apply online, by mail, by fax, or in person.  To apply online for HEAP, visit www.mybenefits.ny.gov.  Any supporting documentation may be submitted via NYDocSubmit, a free app that now available for download on Google play or Apple App Store. Applicants may also email their name and address to Heaphotline@erie.gov and a paper HEAP application will be sent to them via postal mail. 

Completed HEAP applications with supporting documentation may be mailed to: ECDSS, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, Attention:  HEAP.  Applicants may also fax completed applications with supporting documentation to (716) 858-6765.  HEAP applications may be dropped off at 460 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm.  

Applicants do not need a disconnect notice to be eligible for a regular HEAP benefit.  Regular HEAP benefit amounts begin at $21. 

Anticipated Regular HEAP Benefit Amounts, 2025-2026

Base Benefit Amount Living Situation
$21 Eligible households that live in government subsidized housing or a group setting with heat included in their rent.
$45 or $50 Eligible households that have heating costs included as part of their rent.
$900 + Applicable Add-ons Eligible households whose primary heat is oil, kerosene, or propane and who make direct payments to the vendor for heating costs. 

$635 + Applicable Add-ons

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$400 + Applicable Add-ons

Eligible households whose primary heat is wood, wood pellets, coal, corn or other deliverable fuel who make direct payments to the vendor for heating costs.

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Eligible households primary heat is electricity or natural gas and who make direct payments based on their household's actual usage to the vendor. 

If you would like us to come to an outreach event or be present virtually, please contact our outreach staff at heapoutreach@erie.gov.  We will be happy to accommodate your request.

Our HEAP phone center is available to assist the public during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm at (716)858-7644.  Outside of regular business hours, the community may call Connect 211 for assistance at 1-888-696-9211.Related HEAP information through the New York State OTDA.

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