Update October 2025- due to the ongoing government shutdown, the HEAP program is delayed until 11/17/2025. Check back for updates

Helps low-income households supplement high costs of home energy. Households may be eligible for;

• single annual benefit (regular HEAP) based on the household's method of heating
• emergency benefits
• benefits for heating repair and replacement

WHERE to apply:

• TOMPKINS COUNTY DEPT OF SOCIAL SERVICES: Households receiving recurring Temporary Assistance or Food Stamps (SNAP) and anyone not meeting applicant requirements for County Office for the Aging.
• COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING: Households with persons age 60 and over OR receiving SSI, Social Security Disability (SSD) or Veterans' Benefits, but not receiving recurring Temporary Assistance or SNAP (Food Stamps) benefits.

• Heating Equipment Repair/Replacement(HERR) open year round
  

​HEAP Cooling funds 2025 opens 4/15/25-8/29/25 or until funds are exhausted
Air conditioning units dispersed on a first come-first served basis. Program ends in August or as soon as funds are depleted, whichever comes first.

Households with these situations do not qualify for the program:

• have a working air-conditioner less than five years old
• received a HEAP funded air-conditioner in the last 5 years
• live in ineligible housing such as subsidized housing with heat included
• do not meet the medical or income guidelines

Call the DSS HEAP unit, 607-274-5264, for screening.