Cooling Assistance Benefit

Cash & expenses | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)

People with disabilitiesPregnant & new parentsOlder AdultsEveryone

The Cooling Assistance benefit covers the full cost of one air conditioner or fan per household, including installation, materials, labor, and removal of your old unit.

Heads Up

Applications for 2026 HEAP Summer Cooling Assistance are open until 5 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026.
  • Up to $800 for a window, portable air conditioner, or fan
  • Up to $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit
  • Benefits are available on a first come, first serve basis – no additional HEAP cash benefits are availableDon't have air conditioning? Cool down at a nearby park, library, museum, mall, or NYC cooling center (https://finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters/) . You can also call 311 to find a cooling center near you.

    • Eligibility

    You may qualify by either: 

  • Meeting income limits: Your household's gross monthly income is at or below the limit for your household size (see table below), or
  • Receiving other benefits: You currently receive one of the following
  • SNAP benefits (food stamps)
  • Cash Assistance
  • Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone)
  • A (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/home-energy-assistance-program-heap/#how-it-works) HEAP Regular Benefit over $21 this program year — or equal to $21 if you live in government-subsidized housing (such as NYCHA or Section 8) with heat included in your rentYou or someone in your household must also:
  • Have a documented medical condition worsened by extreme heat, be age 60 or older, or be under age 6
  • Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen (like a Green Card holder, refugee, asylee, or parolee)
  • Not currently have a working air conditioner, or have one that is at least five years old
  • Not have received a HEAP-funded air conditioner within the past five years
  • Household size|Maximum household income for 2026
  • 1|$3,473
  • 2|$4,542
  • 3|$5,611
  • 4|$6,680
  • 5|$7,749
  • 6|$8,818
  • 7|$9,018
  • 8|$9,218
  • 9|$9,419
  • 10|$9,619
  • 11|$9,820
  • 12|$10,020
  • 13|$10,221
  • Each additional person|+$687

  • Required Documents

    To apply for Cooling Assistance, at least one household member will need a valid Social Security Number (SSN).You also need to show:

  • Identities of the people you live with (birth certificate, driver's license, US passport, or naturalization certificate)
  • Where you live (current rent receipt or lease)
  • Income (pay stubs, employment letters)
  • Medical conditions (a letter from a doctor, physician assistance, or nurse practitioner documenting that someone in your household has a medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat)

    How to Apply

    Applications for 2026 HEAP Summer Cooling Assistance are open until 5 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026.

  • Log in or create an account on (https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/) ACCESS HRA (https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/default.asp?county=New%20York%20City#result) to apply
  • Visit a HEAP office near you
  • Call 718-557-1399 for more information on eligibility, the application process, and required documentation

    Online

    Applications for 2026 HEAP Summer Cooling Assistance are open until 5 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026.

  • Log in or create an account on (https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/) ACCESS HRA (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nyc-access-hra/id1185595325)
  • Scan your documents using the ACCESS HRA mobile app available for free on the (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.nyc.hra.SelfService) App Store (https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/) or the Google Play Store
  • Check the status of your application on ACCESS HRA

    Apply online

    In Person

    Find an office

    Get Help

  • Visit the NYS OTDA website (http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#cooling-assistance) to learn more about this program.
  • Call 718-557-1399 if you have questions about the benefit.

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