How it Works
The Cooling Assistance benefit helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan to help their home stay cool.
- Applications for the 2024-2025 Cooling Assistance Benefit opened on April 15, 2025.
- 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
- Only one air conditioner or fan will be provided per applicant household. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.
More ways to get help with this program
Visit the NYS OTDA website to learn more about the Cooling Assistance benefit.
Call 718-557-1399 if you have questions about the benefit.
Determine your eligibility
You may be eligible for a Cooling Assistance HEAP benefit if all these apply to you:
- Your household has at least one of these:
- Your household’s gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted in the following table, or
- You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or
- You receive Temporary Assistance (TA), or
- You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone), or
- You received a HEAP Regular benefit greater than $21 in the current program year or received a HEAP Regular benefit equal to $21 during the current program year and live in government subsidized housing (like NYCHA or Section 8) with heat included in your rent; and
- Your household contains 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; or
- Someone age 60 or older; or
- A child under age 6; and
- A member of your household is a U.S. Citizen or Qualified Non-Citizen; and
- You currently do not have a working air conditioner or the one you have is at least five years old; and
- You did not receive a HEAP-funded air conditioner in the last five years.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Gross Income for 2024-2025 |
| 1 | $3,322 |
| 2 | $4,345 |
| 3 | $5,367 |
| 4 | $6,390 |
| 5 | $7,412 |
| 6 | $8,434 |
| 7 | $8,626 |
| 8 | $8,818 |
| 9 | $9,010 |
| 10 | $9,201 |
| 11 | $9,393 |
| 12 | $9,585 |
| 13 | $9,952 |
| For each additional person | Add $672 |
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.
How to apply
Apply online
Applications opened on April 15, 2025.
- 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 App 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 opened on April 15, 2025.
Call 718-557-1399 and HEAP will provide you with more information on eligibility, the application process, and required documentation.
Apply in person
Applications opened on April 15, 2025. Visit an office near you.
More information
Visit the NYS OTDA website to learn more about the Cooling Assistance benefit.
Call 718-557-1399 if you have questions about the benefit.
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Last Updated April 16, 2025