Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
The 2025-2026 Regular HEAP season closed April 10, 2026.
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides assistance with fuel and utility expenses for income-eligible homeowners and renters. The HEAP program may also be able to help with furnace repair or replacement. The Tompkins County Office for the Aging processes HEAP applications for persons over age 60, and for those who receive SSI, or SSD, and do not receive Food Stamps.
The current income eligibility levels for HEAP in 2025-2026 are as follows:
| Household Size |
Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
| 1 |
$3,473 |
| 2 |
$4,542 |
| 3 |
$5,611 |
If you think you may be eligible for HEAP, contact the Tompkins County Office for the Aging (607) 274-5482 for more information.
Or apply for HEAP online at the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website.
Emergency HEAP is scheduled to close Friday, April 24, 2026.
Anyone who has already received a regular HEAP benefit and is low on fuel (less than 25%) or has received a shut off notice is eligible for an emergency HEAP benefit. Contact the Tompkins County Office for the Aging 607-274-5482 for more information.
Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) closed April 10, 2026.
For the 2025-2026 program year, HERR benefits will be limited to applicants who own their own home and are aged 60 or older. Households may apply for HERR by directly contacting the Tompkins County Office for the Aging at 607-274-5482 or Tompkins County DSS at 607-274-5264. Applications will be accepted beginning December 11, 2025. The program will be open until funds are exhausted.
Homeowners that do not meet the additional eligibility requirements may still be referred to Public Assistance.
The 2025-2026 HEAP Cooling Assistance Benefit opened April 15, 2026.
If you are eligible, you may receive one HEAP Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool. In circumstances where an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be provided.
Only one air conditioner or fan, not to exceed $800 with installation for a window, portable air conditioner, or fan and not to exceed $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit, will be provided per applicant household. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available. For eligibility information or to apply for this benefit please contact Tompkins County DSS at 607-274-5264.