Office for Aging | Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

The Home Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded benefit program that provides limited subsidies for heating, cooling, and utility costs. The Office for Aging HEAP Unit distributes mail-in applications to seniors, age 60 or older, and can assist with the application process.

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Heating Assistance | Cooling Assistance | Emergency HEAP | Heating Equipment Repair & Replacement | Clean and Tune | How to Apply for HEAP | What to Expect after Applying | Winter Assistance Benefits Sheet

Heating Assistance: If your energy bills are more than you can handle, HEAP may be able to help you heat your home. If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year to help pay for heating your home. The program may help you pay for: electricity, gas, oil, coal, propane, wood/wood pellets, corn, or kerosene. Even if your heat and utilities are included in your rent, HEAP may be able to help you. Please contact the HEAP office at (315) 435-2700, or Office for Aging HEAP Unit at 315-435-2362, for applying and full eligibility requirements.

Cooling Assistance: If eligible, you may receive one Cooling Assistance benefit, per applicant household every 5 years, for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool. Please contact the HEAP office at (315) 435-2700, or Office for Aging HEAP Unit at 315-435-2362, for applying and full eligibility requirements.

Download 2024 HEAP Cooling Component Application

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.

• Emergency HEAP: (315) 435-8295

Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR):
HERR benefits are available to help low income homeowners repair or replace furnaces, boilers, and other direct heating components necessary to keep the home's primary heating source functional. Homeowners must reside in the home AND all applicants receive a standard resource exclusion of $3000. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to repair or replace your furnance, boiler, and/or other essential heating equipment--$4,000 for a repair and $8,000 for a replacement.

Clean and Tune

Eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment, but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper and efficient operation of the heating equipment. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $500. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.

How Can I Apply?

If you are 60 or over, or under age 60 and disabled (receiving Code A SSI), and need assistance applying for HEAP you can contact the Office for Aging at 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, NY 13202 (315) 435-2362, Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

All others can contact the Onondaga County Department of Social Services HEAP unit at (315) 435-2700. You can also apply for regular 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 8 am-4 pm.

After Hour Emergency:
For after hour heating emergencies please call: 

211CNY "Helpline" by dialing 211 or 1-844-245-1922.

All emergencies must apply in person. You must bring in your utility bill, proof of emergency, verification of tenant of record, proof of gross income for everyone in the household, ID for all household members and current resource documentation.

HEAP Monthly Income Limits Guidelines

DSS HEAP Office Services

(315) 435-2700

Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

You may apply in person at:
DSS HEAP Office
John H. Mulroy Civic Center, 2nd Floor
421 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202

Here is a link to more information on HEAP.

DSS HEAP information

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.

Winter Assistance Benefits Tip Sheet