On October 21, 2025, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) informed counties that the opening date the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is being postponed. The program is tentatively scheduled to open on November 17, 2025. Cattaraugus County will continue to accept early outreach applications; however, benefits will not be processed until the program officially opens. The Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services will issue further information as it becomes available. In the event of an energy or heating equipment emergency, residents can apply for emergency assistance through the Temporary Assistance program. For more information, please visit https://www.cattco.gov/social-services, or call 716-373-8065.

The Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services has received several calls regarding the status of benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Public Assistance Programs. At the direction of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), the Department continues to accept, process and issue benefits for both programs. While a continuation of the  federal government shutdown could result in a disruption to November SNAP benefits, no official guidance has been issued to date. The Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services will issue further information as it becomes available. For more information on the programs offered through the Department of Social Services, please visit https://www.cattco.gov/social-services, or call 716-373-8065.