Home Energy Assistance Program


Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

The NYS Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that assists low-income residents of New York in meeting their home energy needs. The HEAP program is comprised of Regular Benefit, Emergency Benefit, and Weatherization components. 

How Do I Apply?

  • Online at myBenefits.ny.gov
  • Request an application by mail HERE
         OR by phone at (315) 785-3229
  • Print an application at home: HEAP application (LDSS-3421), AND
         Mail to: Jefferson County Dept. of Social Services 
                      250 Arsenal Street 
                      Watertown, NY 13601
  • In person at the Jefferson County Department of Social Services 

Cooling Assistance

The 2024 Cooling Assistance benefit opened on April 15, 2024.
For more information click here: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/

You may qualify for a HEAP cooling benefit if your household:
• Gross monthly income meets current HEAP guidelines
• Received a regular HEAP benefit greater than $21 in the current program year or resides in government subsidized housing with heat included in your rent
• Did not receive a HEAP funded air conditioner within the past 5 years 

The HEAP CAC provides for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or fan for HEAP eligible households. 

Applications may be requested either by phone (315-785-3229) or in person at the Department of Social Services. Applicants for the HEAP CAC cannot apply online through myBenefits

NOTE: You will be required to submit a medical necessity statement to qualify. This is a change from the previous Cooling Season.

Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR)
The Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) component opened October 3rd, 2022.

The Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement Component of the Home Energy Assistance Programis available to help low-income homeowners repair or replace furnaces, boilers and other direct heating components necessary to keep the home's primary heating source functional. 

Benefits are to replace or repair the applicant's furnace, boiler, and/or other essential heating equipment necessary to keep the home's primary heating source operational. If you are in need of furnace replacement/repair, please call (315) 785-3229.  

Clean and Tune

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.