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Erie County NY HEAP 2026-2027: November 2 Opening and Document Submission

Flat illustration of a Buffalo home, radiator, heating bill and mobile document upload

Erie County, New York expects 2026-2027 Regular HEAP applications to open November 2, 2026. Use myBenefits for the application and the county's separate document routes for supporting evidence. Regular HEAP does not require a disconnect notice; the Emergency HEAP component has a different planned opening.

Official information checked October 19, 2026.

Quick Summary

The county's October 2 announcement lists November 2 for Regular HEAP and January 4, 2027 for Emergency HEAP. The Regular Benefits page still describes November 2 as anticipated, so recheck it before submitting. One-person households have a published gross monthly income ceiling of $3,563; four-person households have a $6,852 ceiling. If you receive SNAP or Temporary Assistance, call the HEAP hotline to check whether you need a separate application.

Who can use Regular HEAP?

The county says Regular HEAP serves eligible households that pay separately for heat and those with heat included in rent. Household members must meet citizenship or qualified non-citizen requirements. Income, household size, heating source and the presence of a child under 6, a person age 60 or older, or a permanently disabled household member affect eligibility and benefits.

The county announcement bases income review on the last 30 days of household gross income from the application date. Do not substitute last year's annual income for that period.

2026-2027 monthly income ceilings

The county Regular Benefits page publishes these maximum gross monthly amounts:

  • 1 person: $3,563
  • 2 people: $4,659
  • 3 people: $5,756
  • 4 people: $6,852
  • 5 people: $7,948
  • 6 people: $9,045

For a larger household, use the full county schedule. Meeting an income ceiling is not a benefit approval. The county describes one Regular HEAP benefit per eligible household per program year; assistance supplements heating costs rather than guaranteeing the whole bill.

Before applying: check automatic benefits

Some households receiving SNAP and/or Temporary Assistance qualify for an automatic Regular HEAP benefit and do not need another application. Erie County directs those households to call (716) 858-7644 to determine whether an application is required. Check first instead of submitting a duplicate.

Application versus supporting documents

  1. Online application: when intake opens, use New York myBenefits, linked from the county program page.
  2. Supporting evidence: Erie County permits supporting documents through NYDocSubmit, the free mobile app named on its program page. Treat that as a document route, not a substitute for completing the HEAP application.
  3. Paper application: use the current LDSS-3421 linked from the county Regular Benefits page. To request a mailed copy, email your name and address to heaphotline@erie.gov. The county also provides large-print and other-language applications.

As a preparation step, organize household information, heating-provider/account details and gross-income records for the review period. For the county's evidence list, use its FAQ under "What documents do I need to supply when applying for HEAP?" Its linked checklist is dated October 2025; confirm any season-specific requirements with the phone center or current application instructions.

Use the right Buffalo address

  • Mail: ECDSS, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, Attention: HEAP.
  • Fax: completed applications and supporting documents to (716) 858-6765.
  • Drop-off: 460 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The mailing and drop-off addresses are different. Keep your application copy and submission confirmation. For receipt or case questions, the HEAP phone center is (716) 858-7644, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Do not assume an upload alone confirms that a complete application was received.

Regular and Emergency HEAP are different

A disconnect notice is not required for Regular HEAP. The county separately schedules Emergency HEAP for January 4, 2027. If you already have no heat or a shutoff problem, ask the phone center about currently available assistance rather than waiting for that future date. Outside business hours, the county lists Connect 211 at 1-888-696-9211.

Official Sources Used

Disclaimer

Statewise Apply Guide is an independent informational website. It is not a government agency, benefits office, law firm, financial advisor, or official application portal. We do not process applications, determine eligibility, issue payments, or provide legal, tax, financial, or benefits advice. Program details, deadlines, eligibility rules, and application links may change. Always confirm information with the official agency before applying.

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