Get back to this page: https://access.nyc.gov/programs/cooling-assistance-benefit/
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 up to a cost of $800.
- Apply from May 2 to August 31, 2022.
- Air conditioners are given on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants.
- If an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be provided.
- Applicants are only eligible for a Cooling Assistance benefit once every five years.
Next section:
More ways to get help with this program
Visit the website
Visit the NYS OTDA website for more information on the Cooling Assistance benefit.
Call 311
Ask for help with the Cooling Assistance benefit.
Call HEAP
Call the HEAP Conference Line at 212-331-3126 if you have questions about the benefit.
2. Determine your eligibility
You are eligible if all these apply to you:
- 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 five years old or older.
- 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 |
1 | $2,729 |
2 | $3,569 |
3 | $4,409 |
4 | $5,249 |
5 | $6,088 |
6 | $6,928 |
7 | $7,086 |
8 | $7,243 |
9 | $7,401 |
10 | $7,558 |
11 | $7,715 |
12 | $7,873 |
13 | $8,420 |
For each additional person | Add $568 |
Take a short survey to see if you might be eligible for this or 30 other programs.
Am I Eligible?Next section:
3. What you need to include
It’s important to include the right documents when you apply. Your documents show whether the program is right for you.
This page can help you choose the right documents for your application.
Proof of who you are
For at least one household member:
- Valid Social Security Number (SSN)
For each person applying, any one document:
- Driver’s License
- Photo ID
- US Passport or Naturalization Certificate
- Adoption Papers, Hospital or Doctor’s Records
- School Records
Or for each person applying, any two documents:
- Birth Certificate or Baptismal certificate
- Statement from another person
Proof of where you live
For the household, any one document:
- Copy of most recent deed
- Current letter, lease, or rent receipt with home address from landlord
- Documentation from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)
- Documentation from the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA)
- Driver license issued within past six months
- Homeowners insurance policy
- ID card with address
- Lease signed by both landlord and tenant
- Property tax records or mortgage statements
- Statement from an employer or social services agency
- Statement from non-relative landlord
- Utility bill (gas, electric, or water)
Or for the household, any two documents:
- Statement from another person
- Current mail
- School records
Proof of your income
For each income source of each income earner, any one document:
Wages & Salary
- Letter from employer on company letterhead, signed and dated
- Paycheck stubs (from the last four weeks in a row that you worked)
- Business records
Self-employment
- Business records of earnings and expenses for the most recent three consecutive months
- Filed federal tax return for the current year
Cash Assistance
- Cash Assistance budget letter
Income from rent or room and board
- A cashed/deposited check
- Ledger / Rent Receipt Book
- Letter from roomer boarder tenant
Military Pay
- Current award letter
- Current check stub
Child Support or Alimony
- Alimony check stub
- Child support check stub
- Letter from court
- Letter from person providing support
Unemployment Income
- Award letter/ certificate
- Correspondence from NYS Dept. of Labor
- Benefit Statement (available on Internet)
Social Security benefits (SSI, Dependent, Disability, Survivor’s, or Retirement)
- Current award letter or certificate
- Current benefit check
Worker’s Compensation
- Current award letter
- Current check stub
Veteran’s Benefits
- Current award letter
- Current benefit check stub
Pensions, Annuities, or IRA
- Statement from pension or annuity
Interest, Dividends, or Royalties
- 1099-DIV
- 1099-INT
- Statement from bank, credit union or financial institution
Support from Family Members
- Copies of canceled checks from family member
- Signed statement or letter from family member
Proof of your expenses
For each expense, any one document:
Dependent Care Costs
- Court order
Shelter Expenses
- Current rent receipt
- Current lease
- Mortgage records
- Property tax records
- Sewer and water bills
- Fuel bills
- Utility bills
Proof of citizenship/immigration status
For each person applying, any one document upon request from HRA:
- US birth certificate
- US passport
- US baptismal certificate
- Official US hospital or doctor records
- Green Card (INS form I-551) (copy of the front and back)
- Naturalization certificate
- Employment Authorization Card (I-688B or I-766)
- INS I-210 letter
- Memorandum of Creation of Record of Lawful Permanent Residence: INS form I-181
- INS form I-220B
- Arrival-Departure Record Card: INS form I-94
- Other INS documents, or correspondence to or from the INS, that shows that you are living in the US with the knowledge and permission of the INS
Proof of your resources
For each resource of each resource holder, any one document:
- Bank books
- Bank statement
- Burial agreement or burial insurance
- Copies of stocks, bonds, or securities
- Credit union records
- Deed or appraisal for real estate
- Bank or dividend statements
- Statements from institution where funds are deposited or managed
Proof of your disability status
For each person with a disability, any one document:
- Proof of Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Next section:
4. How to apply
Here are your options.
Apply by mail
Apply from May 2 to August 31, 2022.
- Call the HEAP Conference Line at 212-331-3126 to get an application sent to you.
- Select a vendor from this list (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) vendors). Include their information on your application.
- Mail your completed application to:
New York City Home Energy Assistance Program
P.O. Box 1401, Church Street Station
New York, NY, 10008
Apply by phone
Call 311. Ask for help with the Cooling Assistance benefit.
Apply in person
Apply from May 2 to August 31, 2022.
- Call the HEAP Conference Line at 212-331-3126 to get an application sent to you.
- Select a vendor from this list (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) vendors). Include their information on your application.
- Submit your application at an office near you.
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More ways to get help with this program
Visit the website
Visit the NYS OTDA website for more information on the Cooling Assistance benefit.
Call 311
Ask for help with the Cooling Assistance benefit.
Call HEAP
Call the HEAP Conference Line at 212-331-3126 if you have questions about the benefit.
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