HEAP

HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) provides energy assistance to low income households through payments to those households' fuel and/or utility suppliers.  This program also provides emergency assistance for repair or replacement of applicant- owned essential heating equipment and in fuel emergency situations.  This program includes a twenty-four hour hotline operational during the cold winter months to ensure that county residents have recourse in the event of an emergency when the department is not open. 

Contact Number:  607.778.1100 This is the Assistance Program’s Contact Center number. After you dial that number you press 5 to speak to someone in the HEAP unit M-F between the hours of 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. 

Fax:  607.778.8916

For after-hours emergencies, please call 911

Links:

Cooling Assistance Component (CAC) Dates of Operation

The 2025-2026 HEAP CAC will operate through close of business June 5, 2026. Applications submitted on or before the CAC closing date meet the deadline and must be processed. Applications received after the CAC closing date must be denied using the Client Notice System (CNS) closing code M09 “Cooling Benefit Denial” or the Home Energy Assistance Program Notice of Eligibility Decision - Denial (LDSS 3494B).

All HEAP CAC applications must be processed in accordance with instructions found in 26DC022, 26-LCM-02, and the HEAP Manual. Vendors must submit final bills to social services districts (districts) within 30 business days of services rendered, but no later than September 30, 2026.

Additional Guidance for Districts
Districts are reminded to continue submitting their HEAP Pending Case Report on a weekly basis, as outlined in 26-LCM-02 and 26DC022.

Households seeking cooling assistance that cannot be served through HEAP should be provided with resources on managing extreme heat, including information on any local cooling centers. 

Please see the following websites for helpful information:  

  • Extreme Heat Advice - Department of Health website that includes information on extreme heat, such as how to determine the heat risk by zip code and a link to locate local cooling centers.  
  • About Heat and Your Health - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website that includes tips and suggestions for managing and preventing heat-related illnesses.

Please also refer to 26DC025 regarding the NYS Department of Health Essential Plan Cooling Program, which may also be available to assist households.