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.
HEAP is no longer administering Clean & Tune benefit.
Now Open for 2025–2026
The Regular HEAP benefit for the 2025–2026 season officially opened on December 1, 2025. Onondaga County DSS-ES 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 421 Montgomery St 2nd floor Syracuse, NY 13202. The Office is open Monday through Friday 8am-4pm.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility for the program is based on income and one’s housing situation. Individuals must:
- Either pay directly for heating costs or pay rent that includes heating costs
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien to apply
HEAP money is limited. The HEAP year generally begins in November and closes when the program funding is exhausted, which can be as early as mid-March.
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
The 2025-2026 Emergency HEAP benefit opened January 2, 2026.
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: (315) 435-2700
Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement Benefit (HERR)
The 2025-2026 HERR benefit opened December 12, 2025.
If you are a homeowner and eligible, the HERR benefit can help you repair or replace your furnace, boiler, and other direct heating equipment necessary to keep your home’s primary heating source working. You must own and reside in your home and must be 60 years of age or older at the time of application. If HEAP is unable to assist, you may be eligible for Emergency Temporary Assistance.
Cooling Assistance Benefit
The 2025-2026 HEAP Cooling Assistance Benefit is scheduled to open April 15, 2026.
If eligible, you may receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool. You may not have already received a HEAP funded air conditioner within the past five years. Please contact local HEAP office for full eligibility requirements.
What to Expect
If you qualify your HEAP payment will be sent to your fuel/utility provider. It generally takes up to 3 months for the credit to appear on your bill.
After Hour Emergency
For after hour heating emergencies please call: 211CNY (formerly Helpline) by dialing 211 or 1-844-245-1922.
