HEAP Home Energy Assistance Program
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About HEAP Home Energy Assistance Program
HEAP Home Energy Assistance Program serves Buffalo residents as a federally funded energy aid program administered by Erie County Department of Social Services. Operating from 460 Main St., the program holds a 3.9-star rating drawn from 57 reviews and maintains weekday hours from 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. The program assists low-income households across Erie County, including Buffalo and surrounding communities, with heating and cooling costs through various benefit components.
What distinguishes HEAP is its comprehensive approach to energy crisis intervention. The program offers Regular Benefits for ongoing assistance, Emergency Benefits for urgent situations, HERR Benefit for heating equipment repair, Clean & Tune Benefit for system maintenance, and seasonal Cooling Benefits. The Emergency Benefit Component operates through April 24, 2026, while Regular benefits accept applications until April 10, 2026. Residents can apply online through mybenefits.ny.gov or submit paper applications by mail, fax, or in person.
Customer experiences reveal a program that saves residents from utility shutoffs when they call with shut-off notices from National Grid or National Fuel. However, several reviewers encountered frustrations with phone communication, including perceived rudeness from some staff members and application processing delays spanning months. One reviewer noted the document submission website proved difficult to navigate, requiring in-person visits to complete applications. The program maintains cooling centers across Erie County that open when temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with locations including senior centers and community facilities.
What Customers Say
Three of six named reviewers awarded 5 stars, praising helpful staff who assist with utility shut-off notices. The three 1-star reviews cite rudeness from phone staff, lengthy application processing times, and website difficulties requiring in-person visits. Overall sentiment divides sharply between those who received prompt assistance and those frustrated by communication and wait times.
Working Hours
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| SaturdayToday | Closed |
Services
Regular HEAP Benefits
Ongoing heating assistance for low-income households to cover energy costs, with applications accepted until April 10, 2026.
Emergency HEAP Benefits
Urgent assistance for households facing heating crises or imminent utility shutoff, available through April 24, 2026.
HERR Benefit
Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement for eligible households needing furnace or heating system repairs.
Clean & Tune Benefit
Annual maintenance services for heating systems to improve efficiency and prevent breakdowns.
Cooling Benefits
Seasonal assistance for cooling costs, with the Regular Cooling component closed for the season as of June 5, 2026.
Cooling Center Referrals
Information and referrals to air-conditioned facilities during extreme heat events across Erie County.