HEAP applications now open in Tompkins County

Published on December 02, 2025

The Regular Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefit for the 2025–2026 season officially opened on December 1, 2025. Tompkins County is now accepting applications.

Tompkins County residents can apply for HEAP online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov or in person at the Department of Social Services (DSS) office at 320 W MLK/State Street in Ithaca. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. Contact the DSS office at (607) 274-5264 for more information.

The Tompkins County Office for the Aging (COFA) processes HEAP applications for persons over the age of 60, and for those who receive SSI or SSD, and do not receive food stamps. Check your eligibility on the COFA website or contact the COFA office at (607) 274-5482 for more information.

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. The Regular HEAP season is scheduled to run through April 7, 2026, or until funding is exhausted.

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 of oil, kerosene, or propane, or have less than a 10-day 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 DSS office to apply for Emergency HEAP by phone at (607) 274-5264.