Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), also known as LIHEAP, is a federally funded energy assistance program to help low-income families meet their home energy costs. The HEAP program consists of three components – Regular HEAP, Emergency HEAP, and Cooling.
Now Open for 2025–2026
The Regular HEAP benefit for the 2025–2026 season officially opened on December 1, 2025. Tompkins County DSS is now accepting applications.
The Regular HEAP season is scheduled to run through April 7, 2026, or until funding is exhausted.
You can apply for HEAP online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov or in person at 320 W MLK/State Street, Ithaca NY 14850. The Office is open Monday through Friday 8am-4:30pm.
Regular HEAP
There are no resource eligibility criteria for Regular HEAP. Regular benefits for households that pay directly for heat based on actual usage are paid directly to the vendor that supplies the household’s primary source of heat. Amounts depend on income, age of household members, energy costs and one’s shelter situation. Typically, it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.
Emergency HEAP
Emergency benefits are available for persons who are eligible for HEAP and have an energy-related emergency such as a power shutoff, less than ¼ tank oil, kerosene or propane, or have less than 10 days’ supply of wood, pellets or coal. Applicant households must meet a resource test. Benefit amounts vary and typically, are a one-time only benefit during the program year.
If you have already exhausted your regular HEAP benefit, you may call the office to apply for Emergency HEAP by phone: (607) 274-5264
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
(607) 274-5264
- This Federal program helps low-income households meet the high costs of home energy.
- Income and resource eligibility standards change annually.
- A single annual benefit based on the household’s method of heating is provided.
- Emergency assistance is also available.
Information about the rights of applicants/recipients of this and other public assistance programs which our department administers locally can be found online.