2025-2026 HEAP Update

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 the Temporary Assistance section of our website, or call 716-373-8065.

This federal program assists low-income families and individuals with utility and fuel payments. There are two components to this program, regular and emergency benefits. One regular benefit is issued to a household, but then if the household experiences an emergency it could be entitled to an emergency fuel and an emergency utility benefit. 

During the summer months, HEAP runs the cooling program to assist households with air conditioners. These households must be HEAP eligible and contain an individual with a medically-verified condition that is worsened by the heat.

If you need more information about the program or to find out if you are eligible for assistance, please call one of the following phone numbers:

• *If your last name begins with A through M, call 716-701-3773
• *If your last name begins with N through Z, call 716-701-3774

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