Cooling Assistance This Summer

Summer is upon us, and New Yorkers are already feeling the heat! If you do not have an air conditioning unit in your home, you may be eligible to receive one for free from the City.

As part of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), the City has announced cooling assistance for vulnerable New Yorkers. You can apply for cooling assistance to buy and install either an air conditioner or a fan for your home. The price cannot be more than $800 with installation, and like HEAP funding, cooling assistance funds are limited and are distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.

You may be eligible for a Cooling Assistance HEAP benefit if:

• Your household's gross monthly income is at or below the current HEAP income guidelines for your household size, or
• You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or
• You receive Temporary Assistance (TA), or
• You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone), and
• You and your household members are United States Citizens or qualified aliens, and
• Includes an individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by heat, and
• You received a Regular benefit greater than $21 in the current program year, and
• You currently do not have a working air conditioner or the air conditioner you have is five years old or older, and
• You did not receive a HEAP funded air conditioner within the past five years.

Your household eligibility requirements include filing an application with your local department of social services, providing all necessary documentation, and the household must reside in an eligible living situation. You may apply for the HEAP Cooling Assistance with your HEAP Local District Contact.

Click here for more information on cooling assistance and to find out if you may be eligible to apply.

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