Financial help to cover the cost and installation of an air conditioner or fan
Cooling Assistance Benefit | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA), NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)
1. How it Works
The Cooling Assistance benefit helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan.
Applications for Cooling Assistance opened April 15, 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
2. Determine your 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 following guidelines:
If your household size is 1, your maximum gross monthly income for 2024 is $3,035.
If your household size is 2, your maximum gross monthly income for 2024 is $3,970.
If your household size is 3, your maximum gross monthly income for 2024 is $4,904.
If your household size is 4, your maximum gross monthly income for 2024 is $5,838.
If your household size is 5, your maximum gross monthly income for 2024 is $6,772.
If your household size is 6, your maximum gross monthly income for 2024 is $7,706.
If your household size is 7, your maximum gross monthly income for 2024 is $7,881.
If your household size is 8, your maximum gross monthly income for 2024 is $8,056.
If your household size is 9, your maximum gross monthly income for 2024 is $8,231.
If your household size is 10, your maximum gross monthly income for 2024 is $8,407.
If your household size is 11, your maximum gross monthly income for 2024 is $8,582.
If your household size is 12, your maximum gross monthly income for 2024 is $8,890.
If your household size is 13, your maximum gross monthly income for 2024 is $9,532.
For each additional person, add $642.
3. What you need to include
This page can help you choose the right documents for your application.
Proof of residence (where you live)
Provide one of the following:
Current rent receipt with name and address of tenant and landlord or lease with name and address
Water, sewage, or tax bill
Homeowner’s/Renter’s Insurance Policy
Utility bill
Mortgage payment books/receipts with address
Proof of your income
Provide one of the following:
Pay stubs for the most recent four (4) weeks
Business records for the most recent (3) months OR filed federal tax return for the current year, including all applicable schedules if self-employed or receiving rental income
Child support or alimony/spousal support order or check
Interest/Bank/Dividend or Tax Statement
Statement from roomer/boarder
Copy of award letter or official correspondence for one of the following:
Social Security/Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Veteran’s Benefits
Pensions
Worker’s Compensation/Disability
Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Proof of identity
Provide one of the following:
Driver’s License
Photo ID
US Passport or Naturalization Certificate
Adoption Papers, Hospital or Doctor’s Records
School Records
Or provide two of the following:
Birth Certificate or Baptismal certificate
Validated Social Security Card
Statement from another person
Proof of social security
Provide a valid Social Security Number for household members that have a Social Security Number.
Proof of medical condition
You do not need to give medical documentation if there is someone in the household that is 60 years or older, or under age 6.
If you have a household member with a medical condition that is made worse by heat, provide medical documentation that clearly states the medical condition. The document must:
be issued in writing
be signed by a physician, physician’s assistant, or a nurse practitioner
be dated within the past 12 months.
Documentation older than 12 months may be used if it gives enough information to show that the medical condition is chronic. For example, Chronic Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
If you’re having trouble getting documentation, you can attest that your household has someone with a medical condition made worse by extreme heat.
4. How to apply
Here are your options.
Apply online
Applications for Cooling Assistance opened April 15, 2024.
Apply for the Cooling Assistance program through HEAP on ACCESS HRA.
Scan your documents using the ACCESS HRA mobile app available for free on the iTunes Store (for iPhones) or the Google Play Store (for Android phones).
You can check the status of your application by going to ACCESS HRA.
Apply by phone
Applications for Cooling Assistance opened April 15, 2024.
Call 718-557-1399 and HEAP will provide you with more information on eligibility, the application process, and required documentation.
Apply in person
Applications for Cooling Assistance opened April 15, 2024.
Visit an office near you.