How does Cooling Assistance Benefit work?

Up to $800 for a window, portable air conditioner, or fan Up to $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit Benefits are available on a first come, first serve basis – no additional HEAP cash benefits are available Don’t have air conditioning? Cool down at a nearby park, library, museum, mall, or NYC cooling center . You can also call 311 to find a cooling center near you.

Am I eligible for Cooling Assistance Benefit?

You may qualify by either: Meeting income limits: Your household’s gross monthly income is at or below the limit for your household size (see table below), or Receiving other benefits: You currently receive one of the following SNAP benefits (food stamps) Cash Assistance Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone) A HEAP Regular Benefit over $21 this program year — or equal to $21 if you live in government-subsidized housing (such as NYCHA or Section 8) with heat included in your rent You or someone in your household must also: Have a documented medical condition worsened by extreme heat, be age 60 or older, or be under age 6 Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen (like a Green Card holder, refugee, asylee, or parolee) Not currently have a working air conditioner, or have one that is at least five years old Not have received a HEAP-funded air conditioner within the past five years Household size Maximum household income for 2026 1 $3,473 2 $4,542 3 $5,611 4 $6,680 5 $7,749 6 $8,818 7 $9,018 8 $9,218 9 $9,419 10 $9,619 11 $9,820 12 $10,020 13 $10,221 Each additional person +$687

How do I Apply to Cooling Assistance Benefit?

Applications for 2026 HEAP Summer Cooling Assistance are closed . Applications for 2026 HEAP Summer Cooling Assistance are closed .

Cooling Assistance Benefit

How it works

The Cooling Assistance benefit covers the full cost of one air conditioner or fan per household, including installation, materials, labor, and removal of your old unit.

Up to $800 for a window, portable air conditioner, or fan
Up to $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit
Benefits are available on a first come, first serve basis – no additional HEAP cash benefits are available

Don’t have air conditioning? Cool down at a nearby park, library, museum, mall, or NYC cooling center. You can also call 311 to find a cooling center near you.

Eligibility requirements

You may qualify by either:

Meeting income limits: Your household’s gross monthly income is at or below the limit for your household size (see table below), or
Receiving other benefits: You currently receive one of the following
- SNAP benefits (food stamps)
- Cash Assistance
- Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone)
- A HEAP Regular Benefit over $21 this program year — or equal to $21 if you live in government-subsidized housing (such as NYCHA or Section 8) with heat included in your rent

You or someone in your household must also:

Have a documented medical condition worsened by extreme heat, be age 60 or older, or be under age 6
Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen (like a Green Card holder, refugee, asylee, or parolee)
Not currently have a working air conditioner, or have one that is at least five years old
Not have received a HEAP-funded air conditioner within the past five years

Household size	Maximum household income for 2026
1	$3,473
2	$4,542
3	$5,611
4	$6,680
5	$7,749
6	$8,818
7	$9,018
8	$9,218
9	$9,419
10	$9,619
11	$9,820
12	$10,020
13	$10,221
Each additional person	+$687

Required documents

This page can help you choose the right documents for your application.

Proof of residence (where you live)

Proof of your income

Proof of identity

Proof of social security

Proof of medical condition

How to apply

Applications for 2026 HEAP Summer Cooling Assistance are closed.

Get help

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

Call 718-557-1399 for more information on eligibility, the application process, and required documentation.

Come back to it later.
We can send you a link to this page to help you get back to it when you’re ready.

Last Updated June 8, 2026

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Financial help to cover the cost and installation of an air conditioner or fan