information and assistance applying for: STAR IT 214 Tax rebate cable TV discounts telephone lifeline Food Stamps/SNAP HEAP other programs as available

* Offers a credit toward monthly residential voice service for eligible individuals.

A community wide outreach project to identify households eligible for free or low-cost internet services through RTO Wireless, dba Ambient Broadband. For those eligible to receive free or low cost internet, the services of a trained Tech Mentor are also available to provide guidance on internet and cell phone usage.

Provides in-person customer service assistance for any National Fuel related questions, concerns, issues, or special programs as listed below. National Fuel offers a number of payment assistance programs, special protections, and programs for special needs to help make managing utility bill payments easier. More detailed information available at https://www.nationalfuelgas.com/utility/forHome/residential_resources.aspx Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP): Offers a heating system check, an energy audit, installation of weatherization, infiltration reduction, natural gas usage reduction measures, and consumer education. Program is for houses with highest levels of consumption. Customers are referred to this program internally. Eligible customers must have an active account and 12 months of uninterrupted service prior to measures. Conservation Incentive Program: Residential customers in the WNY service area can get a number of rebates when appliances are replaced with energy-efficient models. Non-residential customers can get rebates for rentals or business and save money through fixed or customized rebates on select energy-efficient equipment upgrades, regardless of natural gas consumption. Discounts are offered on appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, boilers, and gas dryers. Budget Plan: Divides a customer's estimated annual bill by 12 to establish a more predictable monthly payment amount. Also offers a 10-month budget plan covering September through June. Direct Pay: Pay directly from checking or savings account automatically on the day bill is due. This plan eliminates the need to write checks and buy stamps. Online Services: Receive and pay bills, view account history, submit a meter reading, enroll in the Budget Plan, and more, all electronically. Submit Meter Readings: Report meter readings anytime by calling 888-634-7323 or visiting nationalfuelgas.com Special Protections: For New York customers residing in households where all residents are age 62 or older, 18 or younger, blind or disabled, special protections are available to ensure that the heat stays on in the winter. Neighbor for Neighbor Heat Fund: Home-heating assistance program which provides low-income Western New Yorkers with a one-time yearly cash grant of up to $400 to help prevent disconnection of their utility service, pay current or past due energy bills (excluding electric utilities), or purchase home heating fuel of any kind. Hospitalized Customer Assistance Plan: Provides a 30-day bill-payment extension if there is an anticipated a hospital stay of 10 or more days. Extra Security Plan: Eligible customers can receive an extra measure of security if retired or permanently disabled by coordinating bill due dates to coincide with the arrival of income checks to allow for timely payment. Statewide Low Income Program (SLIP): Customers who receive Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) grants are also automatically enrolled in the Statewide Low Income Program (SLIP), a program that provides monthly discounts on gas delivery charges. The discount amount is based on the amount of the HEAP grant they receive. Any National Fuel Gas customers receiving HEAP are automatically enrolled into SLIP with the respective tier-based credit beginning on the next month’s bill. If You're Out of Work: Offers advice on programs and assistance available to you if you are unemployed or expecting a layoff. Third-Party Notification: Customers can designate a third party to receive any reminder or shut-off notices that may come as a result of forgetting to pay a bill. Assistance Referrals: Provides referrals to community services to help resolve payment problems. Works together with social service agencies to help determine eligibility for various public programs. Smell Gas, Leave Fast: If you smell rotten eggs, it could be a natural gas leak. Leave the premise immediately and contact National Fuel from a different location at 1-800-444-3130, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Allows low-income households (owners or renters) to receive a discount on their quarterly water bills. Discount for low-income households is $15.00 per quarter ($60 per year), and discount for very low-income households is $22.50 per quarter ($90 per year). Additional discounts are available to senior citizens (see Intake / Application Process below). Program be accessed via Get Wise Water Buffalo, an official Affordable Water Program assistance tool available online.

Provides in-person customer service assistance for any National Fuel related questions, concerns, issues, or special programs as listed below. National Fuel offers a number of payment assistance programs, special protections, and programs for special needs to help make managing utility bill payments easier. More detailed information available at https://www.nationalfuelgas.com/utility/forHome/residential_resources.aspx Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP): Offers a heating system check, an energy audit, installation of weatherization, infiltration reduction, natural gas usage reduction measures, and consumer education. Program is for houses with highest levels of consumption. Customers are referred to this program internally. Eligible customers must have an active account and 12 months of uninterrupted service prior to measures. Conservation Incentive Program: Residential customers in the WNY service area can get a number of rebates when appliances are replaced with energy-efficient models. Non-residential customers can get rebates for rentals or business and save money through fixed or customized rebates on select energy-efficient equipment upgrades, regardless of natural gas consumption. Discounts are offered on appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, boilers, and gas dryers. Budget Plan: Divides a customer's estimated annual bill by 12 to establish a more predictable monthly payment amount. Also offers a 10-month budget plan covering September through June. Direct Pay: Pay directly from checking or savings account automatically on the day bill is due. This plan eliminates the need to write checks and buy stamps. Online Services: Receive and pay bills, view account history, submit a meter reading, enroll in the Budget Plan, and more, all electronically. Submit Meter Readings: Report meter readings anytime by calling 888-634-7323 or visiting nationalfuelgas.com Special Protections: For New York customers residing in households where all residents are age 62 or older, 18 or younger, blind or disabled, special protections are available to ensure that the heat stays on in the winter. Neighbor for Neighbor Heat Fund: Home-heating assistance program which provides low-income Western New Yorkers with a one-time yearly cash grant of up to $400 to help prevent disconnection of their utility service, pay current or past due energy bills (excluding electric utilities), or purchase home heating fuel of any kind. Hospitalized Customer Assistance Plan: Provides a 30-day bill-payment extension if there is an anticipated a hospital stay of 10 or more days. Extra Security Plan: Eligible customers can receive an extra measure of security if retired or permanently disabled by coordinating bill due dates to coincide with the arrival of income checks to allow for timely payment. Statewide Low Income Program (SLIP): Customers who receive Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) grants are also automatically enrolled in the Statewide Low Income Program (SLIP), a program that provides monthly discounts on gas delivery charges. The discount amount is based on the amount of the HEAP grant they receive. Any National Fuel Gas customers receiving HEAP are automatically enrolled into SLIP with the respective tier-based credit beginning on the next month’s bill. If You're Out of Work: Offers advice on programs and assistance available to you if you are unemployed or expecting a layoff. Third-Party Notification: Customers can designate a third party to receive any reminder or shut-off notices that may come as a result of forgetting to pay a bill. Assistance Referrals: Provides referrals to community services to help resolve payment problems. Works together with social service agencies to help determine eligibility for various public programs. Smell Gas, Leave Fast: If you smell rotten eggs, it could be a natural gas leak. Leave the premise immediately and contact National Fuel from a different location at 1-800-444-3130, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Provides in-person customer service assistance for any National Fuel related questions, concerns, issues, or special programs as listed below. National Fuel offers a number of payment assistance programs, special protections, and programs for special needs to help make managing utility bill payments easier. More detailed information available at https://www.nationalfuelgas.com/utility/forHome/residential_resources.aspx Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP): Offers a heating system check, an energy audit, installation of weatherization, infiltration reduction, natural gas usage reduction measures, and consumer education. Program is for houses with highest levels of consumption. Customers are referred to this program internally. Eligible customers must have an active account and 12 months of uninterrupted service prior to measures. Conservation Incentive Program: Residential customers in the WNY service area can get a number of rebates when appliances are replaced with energy-efficient models. Non-residential customers can get rebates for rentals or business and save money through fixed or customized rebates on select energy-efficient equipment upgrades, regardless of natural gas consumption. Discounts are offered on appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, boilers, and gas dryers. Budget Plan: Divides a customer's estimated annual bill by 12 to establish a more predictable monthly payment amount. Also offers a 10-month budget plan covering September through June. Direct Pay: Pay directly from checking or savings account automatically on the day bill is due. This plan eliminates the need to write checks and buy stamps. Online Services: Receive and pay bills, view account history, submit a meter reading, enroll in the Budget Plan, and more, all electronically. Submit Meter Readings: Report meter readings anytime by calling 888-634-7323 or visiting nationalfuelgas.com Special Protections: For New York customers residing in households where all residents are age 62 or older, 18 or younger, blind or disabled, special protections are available to ensure that the heat stays on in the winter. Neighbor for Neighbor Heat Fund: Home-heating assistance program which provides low-income Western New Yorkers with a one-time yearly cash grant of up to $400 to help prevent disconnection of their utility service, pay current or past due energy bills (excluding electric utilities), or purchase home heating fuel of any kind. Hospitalized Customer Assistance Plan: Provides a 30-day bill-payment extension if there is an anticipated a hospital stay of 10 or more days. Extra Security Plan: Eligible customers can receive an extra measure of security if retired or permanently disabled by coordinating bill due dates to coincide with the arrival of income checks to allow for timely payment. Statewide Low Income Program (SLIP): Customers who receive Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) grants are also automatically enrolled in the Statewide Low Income Program (SLIP), a program that provides monthly discounts on gas delivery charges. The discount amount is based on the amount of the HEAP grant they receive. Any National Fuel Gas customers receiving HEAP are automatically enrolled into SLIP with the respective tier-based credit beginning on the next month’s bill. If You're Out of Work: Offers advice on programs and assistance available to you if you are unemployed or expecting a layoff. Third-Party Notification: Customers can designate a third party to receive any reminder or shut-off notices that may come as a result of forgetting to pay a bill. Assistance Referrals: Provides referrals to community services to help resolve payment problems. Works together with social service agencies to help determine eligibility for various public programs. Smell Gas, Leave Fast: If you smell rotten eggs, it could be a natural gas leak. Leave the premise immediately and contact National Fuel from a different location at 1-800-444-3130, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Offers FREE wireless phone and UNLIMITED data, text and minutes each month for those in need.

* Assists with lowering telephone bill, making it affordable for all customers.

* Offers a credit toward monthly residential voice service for eligible individuals.

* Offers a credit toward monthly residential voice service for eligible individuals.

Provides qualified customers with high-speed internet at an affordable price. The program has no contracts, data use caps or hidden fees. New customers can complete our online application and select between:Spectrum Internet Assist: Includes 50-Mbps high-speed internet, parental controls, Security Suite and an internet modem for $25 per month. An additional discount may reduce your cost to $15. ORSpectrum Internet Advantage: Includes 100-Mbps high-speed internet, parental controls, Security Suite and an internet modem for $30 per month for 1 year.Existing Spectrum Internet Assist customers may qualify for an additional benefit. Find out more.To submit your information by mail, please download and print the PDF version of the form (English | Espanol).

*Offers free internet for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students.

Provides a free cell phone and airtime each month for income-eligible customers.

*Offers free internet for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students.

* Provides free cell phones and plans to qualified customers throughout New York State.

Lifeline provides discounts, currently $9.25 per month, on landline or wireless telephone service, for eligible low-income subscribers***.ONE Lifeline service is permitted per household, defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address as one economic unit.Applications are made through the current telephone company or preferred company. For a list of phone companies, click NYS Phone Companies.***At or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or participating in benefit programs such as Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program), Veteran's Disability or Surviving Spouse Pension, Section 8, etc.Link-Up America, which helped income-eligible consumers pay telephone installation costs or wireless activation fees, has been discontinued, except in certain tribal areas.

Update July 2024- The Samaritan Center has a NOEP coordinator that assists with SNAP eligibility and application.Referrals and assistance to low-income residents with urgent needs at its Ithaca offices and food pantries in Danby, Groton and Caroline.Free clothing, personal care products, linens, towels sheets and diapersAccepts gently used donations of bedding (sheets, blankets,etc.), towels and clean clothing for men, women and children, including shoes.Once-a-year emergency financial help when resources are available:Security deposits eligibility requirements:-Tompkins County resident moving within Tompkins County-Ineligible for Department of Social Services security deposit voucher-Family has not received security deposit funds in the past 5 years-Income must be less than 60% AMI guidelines-Assistance must be within the FMR guidelines for the unit size and household size-Application and approval process take about 2 weeks-Applicant can not reside in unit before approved inspection or application approvalUtilities- Must have shut-off notice and denial from DSS during HEAP (they are flexible w/ requiring DSS denial letters).Can do minimal fills for propane.Back rent - when funding is available (similar eligibility guidelines as security deposits program)Prescription medications (controlled substances not eligible)Transportation assistance - bus passes or gas vouchers for: education (semester long), employment (verification required-not to look for employment), or medical appointments within Tompkins County.Limited car repair funding available, applicant needs a quote and mechanic needs a W9. Applicant pays the difference for repairs beyond $500.Moving Assistance (limited funding)- Partnership with Reuse where CC refers to the ReMap program for store credit to get furniture, household goods, appliances, etc., and Reuse provides access to moving truck, driver and movers for up to 2 hours for one move per year.-Move must be within Tompkins County.-Low-income households (60% AMI guidelines)-The program doesn't have the capacity to go up and down multiple floors when moving items.-All items must be packed and prepped for moving.-Items can be moved to a storage facility rather than apartment, if there is not a new apartment lined up yet-Refer to the Samaritan Center for screening.Tompkins County site for:Fidelis, Child Health Plus, Medicaid, and Medicare applicationsFood Stamps screeningAnnual Winter Event "Share the Warmth": clothing drive gathers items at red collection bins throughout Tompkins County. Seeks donations of clean items in good condition (working zippers, no missing buttons, no spots/stains). Typically late November or Early December.

* Offers a credit toward monthly residential voice service for eligible individuals.

A federal grant program that assists income-eligible households in paying for energy costs, repairs, and weatherization.

*The Affordable Connectivity Program replaced the Emergency Broadband Program in 2022The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity ProgramA household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below: Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program; Participates in one of these assistance programs: Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools. SNAP Medicaid Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers) Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811 Public Housing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) WIC Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits or Lifeline; Participates in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance Tribal TANF Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations Tribal Head Start (income based) Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians .

* Offers information/referral and assistance programs for senior citizens with Advocacy Nutrition program Case management Dial-a-friend Long term care ombudsman Income tax counseling Loan closet Emergency response program Home delivered meals* Offers home energy assistance program (HEAP) assistance with gas and electric bills.* Offers the expanded in-home services for the elderly program. Cost-sharing home care for functionally impaired elderly In-home assessment Case management Homemaker/personal care aide services Housekeeping/chore services* Offers transportation assistance.* Offers home repair.* Offers legal services.

* Provider of electricity, natural gas and energy services.* Provides advocacy and crisis intervention to customers having financial difficulties through the customer advocacy program.

*Offers free internet for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students.

*Offers free internet for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students.