A second Emergency Benefit component of the Heating and Energy Assistance (HEAP) program will open on Monday, February 27, 2023. The Emergency Benefit will be authorized for those HEAP eligible households that received a Regular HEAP benefit and can document that a heating/utility emergency exists.

An emergency is defined as those households that are threatened with a heat/utility shut-off or their utility service is already off, there is less than 25% fuel left in oil/propane/kerosene tanks, or there is less than a 10-day supply of wood/wood pellets/coal.

It is not necessary to come into the office to receive this benefit. There are contactless options for applying, interviewing and submitting necessary documentation.

For additional information regarding any component of the HEAP program please contact the Department of Social Services at the numbers listed below, email us at CattHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us, or visit us at the Heating and Energy Assistance page of the Cattaraugus County website, which can be found at https://www.cattco.org/social-services/HEAP.

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

Be sure to leave a message when prompted, as these lines are unmanned. Messages are retrieved regularly throughout the business day. Be sure to state if you are in an emergency situation, including the nature of your emergency.

There is no face to face interview required for HEAP programs. Once the Department of Social Services receives your application, a HEAP worker will call you to complete an interview over the phone.

Outreach services will be conducted by the Department of Aging for individuals over 60 years of age. You may contact that agency at 716-373-8032 or toll free at 1-800-462-2901 for more information.