What you should know
- New York State will open applications to purchase a free air conditioner from Monday, May 1 through August 31 to apply.
- For that assistance, the state has $15 million available through the Home Energy Assistance Program to help low-income and vulnerable New Yorkers without air conditioning stay cool during the summer heat, it said. Governor Kathy Hochul.
- The program can provide an air conditioner to eligible households, such as someone who has a documented medical condition exacerbated by extreme heat, or households with young children or older adults.
NEW YORK – The summer months are fast approaching and with them the need to find ways to cool off on the hottest days. Air conditioning is essential to achieve this.
Therefore, New York State will open applications to purchase an air conditioner for free from Monday, May 1 through August 31 to apply.
For that assistance, the state has $15 million available through the Home Energy Assistance Program to help low-income and vulnerable New Yorkers without air conditioning stay cool during the summer heat, it said. Governor Kathy Hochul. The program can provide an air conditioner to eligible households, such as someone who has a documented medical condition exacerbated by extreme heat, or households with young children or older adults.
“The Air Conditioning Assistance Program is a vital lifeline for countless New York families who often face skyrocketing costs when temperatures inevitably rise,” Governor Hochul said. “As temperatures rise across the state, we are committed to ensuring that low-income and disadvantaged households have the means to stay safe, comfortable and cool in their own homes.”
Last year, for the first time, those eligible for the program were expanded by eliminating the medical requirement and more than 23,500 households received assistance. Requirements have been adjusted again this year to prioritize service to the most vulnerable households, those that include someone with a health condition exacerbated by heat, young children or the elderly.
More than 54,000 homes in New York City have received cooling assistance over the past five years.
Who meets the requirement?
To be eligible for the federally funded program, applicants must meet HEAP criteria and income thresholds, which vary by household size, and include at least one household member who has a health condition aggravated by heat. extreme, or who is under 6 years old, or over 60 years old. For example, a family of four can earn up to $65,829 per year, or $5,485 per month, and still qualify for assistance.
Besides:
- You and your household members are US citizens, non-US nationals, or qualified non-citizens.
- Provide a valid social security number for each household member.
- Receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance, or Supplemental Security Income; either
- Your monthly household income is at or below the HEAP income guidelines.
- You may qualify for HEAP even if:
- own your home
- Pay for heating as part of your rent
- Having money in the bank, stocks, bonds or other resources
The program covers the cost of an air conditioning unit and its installation. It is expected to serve up to 18,500 homes across the state.
Learn more about current monthly income limits.
Until when can I request an air conditioner with your installation?
Applications will be accepted Monday, May 1 through August 31 or until funds are exhausted. Support is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
How can I apply for the program?
Residents outside of New York City can apply by contacting their local departments of social services by phone or in person. Information here.
New York residents can apply in person at a local HRA Benefits Access Center, by phone, or online at access.nyc.gov.
For more information contact 1-800-342-3009 Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or write an e-mail to nysheap@otda.ny.gov.
More information here.