As summer approaches, New York is getting hotter, and we may need to start using air conditioners and fans. A WeChat reader contacted us to ask how to apply for cooling assistance benefits. This article will explain what the program is and who is eligible to apply.
What is the Cooling Assistance Benefit?
This benefit is provided by the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) under the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Applications for this year will open on April 14th and close on August 31st. Benefits are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
If approved, you can receive up to $800 to purchase a suitable window, portable air conditioner, or fan, or up to $1,000 for an existing through-the-wall sleeve unit. These funds cover the cost of the cooling system, administrative expenses, labor, program support, materials, removal of old systems, and minor repairs necessary for the safe installation of the new system.
Am I Eligible to Apply?
You must meet all of the following requirements to apply:
- You are eligible for or already receive benefits from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
- Your household includes at least one of the following:
- A member with a medical condition exacerbated by extreme heat, which must be documented in writing by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner;
- A person aged 60 or older; or
- A child under the age of 6.
- Someone in your household is a U.S. citizen or has eligible immigration status.
- Your air conditioner is broken, or your air conditioner is over five years old.
- You have not purchased an air conditioner through HEAP benefits in the past five years.
- One of the following applies:
- You are eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance (TA), or Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI living alone).
- In the current program year, you receive $21 or more in regular HEAP benefits and live in subsidized housing (such as NYCHA or Section 8) where heat is included in the rent.
- Your household's gross monthly income does not exceed the standards in the table below:
| Household Size | Income Limit (USD) |
| 1 | 3,035 |
| 2 | 3,970 |
| 3 | 4,904 |
| 4 | 5,838 |
| 5 | 6,772 |
| 6 | 7,706 |
| 7 | 7,881 |
| 8 | 8,056 |
| 9 | 8,231 |
| 10 | 8,407 |
| 11 | 8,582 |
| 12 | 8,890 |
| Each additional person | Add 642 |
What Documents Do I Need to Provide?
You need to provide proof of residency, proof of income, proof of identity, and proof of Social Security.
You also need to provide proof of your health condition, unless someone in the household is 60 or older, or under 6 years old.
For details on required documents, please visit the Access NYC website.
How to Apply?
You have three options to apply for this benefit: online, by mail, or in person.
For online applications, you can apply for the Cooling Assistance Benefit through the Home Energy Assistance Program on Access HRA and scan your documents using its app (iOS; Android). You can also check your application status on the same website.
If you prefer to apply by mail or in person, please call 718-557-1399 to request an application form. You will need to select two vendors from the Participating Vendors/HEAP Applicant List and include their information on the application. Then, you can submit the completed form at a local office or mail it to:
New York City Home Energy Assistance Program
P.O. Box 1401, Church Street Station
New York, NY, 10008
You can also contact us for assistance with your application at 929-500-0059.