Update June 24th 2025- HEAP Cooling stopped accepting applications on 6/23
HEAP emergency benefit for heat or heat-related energy emergency: opens 1/2/25-3/31/25 or until funds are exhausted
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.