Niagara County Social Services Commissioner Meghan Lutz said Tuesday that the 2026-27 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) application window will open on Monday, Nov. 2 with a streamlined application process. Applications have already been sent to qualified individuals who received HEAP last year and meet the Early Outreach criteria.
“In this time of skyrocketing utility bills, our department knows that many families count on HEAP to keep their homes warm in the winter,” said Lutz. “I strongly urge people to pay attention to these dates and get their application submitted once the HEAP application process begins.”
Lutz stressed that, for those who have not been notified that they qualify for Early Outreach, HEAP applications are not available until Nov. 2. After Nov. 2, applications can be filed online at https://www.mybenefits.ny.gov, by mail or in person at the Niagara County Department of Social Services offices at 301-10th Street, Niagara Falls or 20 East Avenue, Lockport. HEAP funding for 2026-2027 furnace repair or replacement is available as of Oct. 1.
Those with questions regarding applying for HEAP, including the furnace program, should call 716-278-8400 or by visit the DSS website at www.niagaracounty.gov/heap. More information about the HEAP program can be found at http://www.otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/ .