HEAP in New York: City & County Guide (2025-2026)

Income limits, benefit amounts, and exactly which local office to contact — for every New York city we’ve covered so far. Same statewide rules, different local agencies.

2025-2026 season closed statewide -- 2026-2027 not yet confirmed Every HEAP component in New York closed between April and June 2026 (Regular HEAP/HERR: April 10; Emergency HEAP: April 24; Cooling Assistance: June 5). The 2026-2027 season is expected to open around November 2026, but OTDA hasn't confirmed a date yet -- and last season's opening was itself delayed a month by a federal government shutdown. This applies the same way in every city below.

Choose Your City

Every city below shares the same state income limits and benefit range — what’s different is which county office handles your application.

Buffalo

Erie County

Single office (Erie County DSS) handles all HEAP applications.

Phone: (716) 858-8000

Rochester

Monroe County

Three intake points depending on age and benefit status.

Phone: (585) 753-6477

Syracuse

Onondaga County

General DSS line, plus a separate Office for Aging for 60+.

Phone: (315) 435-8295

Albany

Albany County

DSS handles the general public; Aging Dept. covers 60+.

Phone: (518) 447-7323

Binghamton

Broome County

DSS for the general public, Office for Aging for 60+.

Phone: (607) 778-1100

2025-2026 Income Limits (Statewide)

These limits are set by OTDA and apply identically in every city and county above.

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

Benefit amount depends on heating fuel type and household vulnerability, not just income -- $500 (utility) to $1,050 (fuel oil/propane), plus add-ons. Source: OTDA, 2025-2026 season.

Not Sure Which City Guide You Need?

Use the calculator below for a quick estimate, then click through to your city’s full guide for the exact office to contact.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HEAP the same in every New York city?

The income limits and benefit range are set statewide by OTDA and are identical everywhere in New York. What changes by city is which county office processes your application, and sometimes whether there's a separate office for residents 60 and older.

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.

What if my city isn't listed here?

We're adding New York cities one at a time, starting with the ones with the most people searching for local HEAP help. If yours isn't listed yet, the statewide income limits above still apply -- search for your county's Department of Social Services HEAP unit directly.

What if I already receive SNAP or SSI?

You're very likely to qualify for HEAP automatically once the season opens, in any county, without additional income verification.