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Cash & Expenses

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.

  • 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

2. Determine your eligibility

You are eligible if all these apply to you:

  1. You’re eligible for HEAP or already get HEAP benefits.
  2. 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
  3. Someone in your household is a U.S. Citizen or has satisfactory immigration status.
  4. You do not have a working air conditioner or the one you have is at least five years old.
  5. You did not get a HEAP-funded air conditioner in the last five years.
  6. 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

 

Take a short survey to see if you might be eligible for this or 30 other programs.

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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

Proof of identity

Proof of social security

Proof of medical condition

More ways to get help with this program

Visit the website

Visit the NYS OTDA website to learn more about the Cooling Assistance benefit.

Call 311

Ask for help with the Cooling Assistance benefit.

Call HEAP

Call 718-557-1399 if you have questions about the benefit.

Last Updated January 5, 2024

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