Cooling Assistance Benefit

Cash & expenses | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)

EveryoneFamiliesImmigrantsNYCHA residentsPeople with disabilitiesPregnant & new parentsSeniorsOlder AdultsVeterans

The Cooling Assistance benefit helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan.

Heads Up

  • The Cooling Assistance Component is currently closed and is scheduled to open on April 15, 2024 to August 31, 2024. Cooling Assistance benefits are provided on a first come, first served basis to eligible applicants.
  • The benefit is worth:
  • up to $800 for a window, portable air conditioner, or fan
  • up to $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit
  • The benefit covers:
  • the cost of the air conditioner or fan
  • administrative costs
  • labor
  • program support
  • materials
  • removal of your old unit
  • minor repairs that are needed to safely install the new unit

    • Eligibility

    You are eligible if all these apply to you:

  • You're eligible for HEAP or already get HEAP benefits.
  • Your household has at least one of these:
  • at least one person with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat. This must be verified in writing by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner
  • Someone age 60 or older
  • Children under age 6
  • Someone in your household is a U.S. Citizen or has satisfactory immigration status.
  • You do not have a working air conditioner or the one you have is at least five years old.
  • You did not get a HEAP-funded air conditioner in the last five years.
  • One of these:
  • You get SNAP benefits, Temporary Assistance (TA), or Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone).
  • You're getting a Regular HEAP benefit of $21 or more in the current program year and live in government subsidized housing (like NYCHA or Section 8) with heat included in your rent.
  • Your household's gross monthly income is at or below the guidelines in this table:
  • Household Size|Maximum Gross Monthly Income for 2022-2023
  • 1|$2,852
  • 2|$3,730
  • 3|$4,608
  • 4|$5,485
  • 5|$6,363
  • 6|$7,241
  • 7|$7,405
  • 8|$7,570
  • 9|$7,734
  • 10|$7,899
  • 11|$8,064
  • 12|$8,228
  • 13|$8,778
  • For each additional person|Add $590

  • Required Documents

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

  • the identity of the people who live with you: such as a birth certificate, driver's license, US passport, or naturalization certificate
  • where you live: such as current rent receipt or lease
  • your income: such as pay stubs
  • medical condition: a document that says someone in your household has a medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat. It must be verified in writing by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner

    How to Apply

    Cooling Assistance benefits are provided on a first come, first served basis to eligible applicants from May 1 to July 14, 2023.

  • Call 718-557-1399 (https://www.heapoil.com/admin/reports/OTDA_ParticipatingDealersReport.jsp) to get an application sent to you.
  • Select two vendors from this list (https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/default.asp?county=New%20York%20City#result) (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) vendors). Include their information on your application.
  • Submit your application by mail or in person:
  • Mail your completed application to:New York City Home Energy Assistance ProgramP.O. Box 1401, Church Street StationNew York, NY, 10008
  • Submit your application at an office near you.

    Online

    Cooling Assistance benefits are provided on a first come, first served basis to eligible applicants from May 1 to July 14, 2023.

  • Apply for the Cooling Assistance program through HEAP 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) iTunes Store (https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/) (for iPhones) or the Google Play Store (for Android phones).
  • You can check the status of your application by going to ACCESS HRA.

    Apply online

    By Mail

    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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