The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded energy program designed to assist eligible low-income households in meeting their heat-related energy costs. HEAP is comprised of four components: Regular, Emergency, Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement, and Cooling Assistance.
Regular HEAP |
Open from November 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 or until funding allocated to this benefit is exhausted.
Regular HEAP Benefits are provided to eligible homeowners and renters, including those that have heat and utilities included in their rent.
- Heating benefits range from $400 to $900 for regular HEAP
- Persons whose heat is included in their rent will receive benefits ranging from $21 to $50
- Payments vary depending on household income and type of heating
- You may be eligible for regular HEAP even if you have money in the bank, stocks, bonds, or other resources
Regular HEAP applications can be submitted online. This is the quickest and most efficient method for submitting your application. There is no need to come into the office. An interview will be conducted by phone. For more information, view a quick informational video.
Income Guidelines
The following table illustrates the current 2023-2024 HEAP Income Guidelines:
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Tier 1 |
Monthly Gross Income Tier 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0-$1,631 | $1,632-$3,322 |
| 2 | $0-$2,214 | $2,215-$4,345 |
| 3 | $0-$2,797 | $2,798-$5,367 |
| 4 | $0-$3,380 | $3,381-$6,390 |
| 5 | $0-$3,962 | $3,963-$7,412 |
| 6 | $0-$4,545 | $4,546-$8,434 |
| 7 | $0-$5,128 | $5,129-$8,626 |
| 8 | $0-$5,711 | $5,712-$8,818 |
| 9 | $0-$6,294 | $6,295-$9,010 |
| 10 | $0-$6,877 | $6,878-$9,201 |
| 11 | $0-$7,459 | $7,460-$9,393 |
| 12 | $0-$8,042 | $8,043-$9,585 |
| 13 | $0-$8,625 | $8,626-$9,952 |
| 14+ | +$582* | +$672* |
* Amount increased per household member.
Emergency HEAP |
Open from January 2, 2025 to March 31, 2025 or until funding allocated to this benefit is exhausted.
Emergency HEAP Benefits are available for persons who are eligible for HEAP and have an energy-related emergency such as:
- Heat scheduled to be shut off
- Heat related utility scheduled to be shut off
- Have less than 10 days or having less than one quarter of the households fuel tank (based on standard 275-gallon tank) supply of heating fuel including fuel oil, propane, wood, or coal
These benefits are available in addition to regular HEAP benefits.
Eligibility
Eligible persons must have heating and/or electric bill in the applicant's name and reside in the dwelling for which assistance is requested.
Exempt Resources
Resources that were exempt for regular HEAP are considered in the determination of eligibility for emergency HEAP.
How to Apply for HEAP |
- Apply online for regular HEAP - Documents can be scanned and submitted electronically
- Call 716-661-8103 for regular or emergency HEAP and request that an application be mailed to you. Completed paper applications may be submitted by mail to:
Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services
HEAP Office
110 East 4th Street
Jamestown, NY 14701
-OR-
- In Person: HEAP staff are located in the Jamestown office, however applications can be submitted at the Dunkirk location and staff from Jamestown will contact you for an interview.
Jamestown Office Dunkirk Office
110 East 4th St. 15 W. Lucas Ave.
Jamestown, NY 14701 Dunkirk, NY 14048
Phone: 661-8103 Phone: 363-3544
Interviews
There is no need to come into the office. All regular and emergency HEAP interviews may be conducted by phone. If you are currently receiving Temporary Assistance and/or SNAP benefits, you may contact your assigned worker with questions about HEAP.
**You cannot apply online for emergency HEAP you must contact your Temporary Assistance, SNAP or HEAP worker.
Heating Equipment Repair/Replacement (HERR) |
Open from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025.
The Heating Equipment Repair/Replacement program is intended to provide assistance for repairing or replacing essential primary home heating equipment. Applications can be submitted at both the Jamestown and Dunkirk offices and a staff member will contact you to complete an interview. Additional information regarding the HERR program can be obtained by calling 716-661-8103.
Eligibility for HERR
Eligible persons must be the documented homeowner of the dwelling where the heating equipment is in need of repair or replacement and have both owned and resided in the dwelling for the 12 months preceding the month of application. Eligibility must be determined and approved by the Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services prior to any work being done on the heating equipment.
Additional information regarding the HERR program can be obtained by calling 716-661-8103
Clean and Tune |
Open from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025.
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. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.
Your household may be eligible a Heating Equipment Tune-up benefit if:
- You are the homeowner
- Your household’s gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted on the table above
- Your primary heating equipment is more than 12 months old
- Your primary heating equipment or chimney has not been cleaned within the last 12 months
- You do not have a service contract with your vendor that includes clean and tune services
Additional information regarding the Clean and Tune program can be obtained by calling 716-661-8103.
Cooling Assistance |
Open from April 15, 2025 to August 29, 2025 or until funding is exhausted, whichever comes first.
You can apply for cooling assistance to receive an air conditioner or a fan for your home. To qualify for this program you must meet income guidelines and have a medical condition that is exasperated by heat.
Additional information regarding the Cooling program can be obtained by calling 716-661-8103.
Like HEAP funding, cooling assistance funds are limited and are distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis.
