Heating Equipment Repair/Replacement (HERR) opened 12/11/25. Currently the HERR program is open for homeowners who are 60+ years old only.
HEAP opened 12/1/2025
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 2026 opens 4/15/26-6/22/26 or until funds are exhausted. The Cooling program ends June 22nd or as soon as funds are depleted, whichever comes first.
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.