HEAP in Buffalo, NY (Erie County): Home Energy Assistance Program Guide

Income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply through Erie County — plus what’s actually open right now, since HEAP is seasonal and currently closed.

Income limit (4-person)

$80,160/yr

Benefit range

$500-$1,050

2025-26 season

Closed

Erie County phone

(716) 858-8000

How Much Can I Get From HEAP in Buffalo, NY?

Figuring out your HEAP benefit doesn’t have to mean digging through the state site or waiting on hold with Erie County. The calculator below walks you through it in under two minutes, using the same income guidelines Erie County caseworkers use for the Home Energy Assistance Program.

Whether you’re planning ahead for when the 2026-2027 season opens or checking if you still qualify for emergency help right now, you’ll get an instant estimate and be pointed to the right Erie County Department of Social Services contact for your situation.

HEAP Eligibility Calculator

Do you qualify for HEAP?

Free eligibility calculator for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in Ohio and New York. Get an estimate in seconds — no name, no Social Security number.

County / Local agency

Household size

Count everyone who lives in the household, whether or not they're on the utility bill.

Household gross monthly income

Income from ALL household members 18+ before taxes (wages, Social Security, unemployment, pension, etc.), for the last 30 days.

Primary heating source

Your fuel type changes the benefit amount.

Does any of this apply to you? (check all that apply)

Someone age 60+, with a disability, or a child under 6 lives in the householdCan increase the benefit amount and give you processing priority. You already receive SNAP, TANF/Public Assistance, or SSIIn many cases you automatically qualify for HEAP without additional income verification. You have a shutoff notice, or your heat has already been disconnectedYou may qualify for emergency assistance, which is processed much faster (18-48 hours).

Where to apply

Apply online →

This is an educational estimate, not an official determination. Your actual benefit depends on available funding, your specific utility's rates, and verification by your local agency. Base data: Ohio Department of Development / Ohio JFS, 2025-2026 season (energyhelp.ohio.gov) and NY OTDA (otda.ny.gov). Verify current figures before applying — they change every season.

2025-2026 Income Limit Table (New York State, all counties incl. Erie)

Household size	Annual limit	Monthly limit
1 person	$41,676	$3,473
2 people	$54,504	$4,542
3 people	$67,332	$5,611
4 people	$80,160	$6,680
5 people	$92,988	$7,749
6 people	$105,816	$8,818
7 people	$118,644	$9,887
8 people	$131,472	$10,956

These are statewide New York limits set by OTDA -- the same for Erie County as anywhere else in the state. Benefit amount depends on heating fuel type and household vulnerability, not just income. Source: OTDA / Erie County DSS, 2025-2026 season.

How to Apply for HEAP in Buffalo (Erie County)

Apply Online (mybenefits.ny.gov)

Unlike Ohio, HEAP in New York is run directly by your county government, not a separate nonprofit agency. In Erie County, that’s the Erie County Department of Social Services (ECDSS). You’ll need proof of income, your most recent utility bill, and Social Security numbers for the household.

Erie County Department of Social Services

95 Franklin Street, 8th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14202
Main office: (716) 858-8000
HEAP Hotline (shutoff/crisis): (716) 858-7644
Application Request Line: (716) 858-1969
Email: heaphotline@erie.gov
In-person utility intake: 460 Main Street, Buffalo

Is HEAP Open Right Now in Buffalo, NY?

2025-2026 season closed -- 2026-2027 not yet confirmed As of this writing, the full 2025-2026 HEAP season is closed: Regular HEAP and HERR closed April 10, 2026, Emergency HEAP closed April 24, 2026, and the Cooling Assistance Component closed June 5, 2026. The 2026-2027 season is expected to open around November 2026, following the program's usual yearly pattern -- but OTDA has not officially confirmed that date yet. Worth noting: last season's opening was itself delayed by about a month (from Nov 3 to Dec 1, 2025) due to a federal government shutdown, so treat November as a planning estimate, not a guarantee. Check OTDA's HEAP page as autumn approaches for the confirmed date.

Do You Have a Shutoff Notice Right Now?

HEAP crisis benefits aren't available between seasons Since the Winter Crisis and Emergency HEAP components only run during the active season, they can't help with a shutoff notice you have today, in the off-season. That doesn't mean you're out of options -- see below.

What You Can Still Do While HEAP Is Closed

Call 211WNY (dial 2-1-1) for local emergency utility and heating assistance funds that run year-round, independent of HEAP.

Contact your utility directly. National Grid and National Fuel customers already enrolled in the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) are protected from disenrollment through November 30, 2026, even with HEAP closed — call and confirm your status before assuming you’ve lost the discount.

Contact Erie County Emergency Services at (716) 858-8000 — they handle some emergency utility and heating situations outside the HEAP calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions About HEAP in Buffalo

What is the income limit for HEAP in Buffalo, NY?

For the 2025-2026 season, a 1-person household qualified with up to $41,676 a year; a 4-person household, up to $80,160 a year. These limits are set statewide by OTDA and apply the same way in Erie County as anywhere else in New York. See the full table above.

Is HEAP open right now in New York?

No. The full 2025-2026 season closed between April and June 2026. The next season is expected around November 2026, but that date isn't officially confirmed yet -- check back closer to fall.

How does HEAP work in New York?

HEAP is a seasonal benefit (roughly November through spring) applied directly to your heating bill or delivered as fuel. It isn't cash in hand -- the amount and how it's paid depend on your heating source and household situation.

Who runs HEAP in Erie County?

Unlike some states that use nonprofit agencies, in New York your county government runs HEAP directly. In Erie County, that's the Erie County Department of Social Services (ECDSS), not a separate community action agency.

What if I already receive SNAP or SSI?

You're very likely to qualify for HEAP automatically once the season opens, without additional income verification. Keep your SNAP or SSI documentation ready for when applications resume.