Cooling Assistance Benefit

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.

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 (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/home-energy-assistance-program-heap/#how-it-works) 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. - 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

Applications for 2026 HEAP Summer Cooling Assistance are closed.

• Log in or create an account on ACCESS HRA (https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/) to apply
• Visit a HEAP office near you (https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/home-energy-assistance-program.page)
• Call 718-557-1399 for more information on eligibility, the application process, and required documentation

To apply for Cooling Assistance, at least one household member will need a valid Social Security Number (SSN).

You also need to show:

• Identities of the people you live with (birth certificate, driver's license, US passport, or naturalization certificate)
• Where you live (current rent receipt or lease)
• Income (pay stubs, employment letters)
• Medical conditions (a letter from a doctor, physician assistance, or nurse practitioner documenting that someone in your household has a medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat)

• Visit the NYS OTDA website (http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#cooling-assistance) to learn more about this program.
• Call 718-557-1399 if you have questions about the benefit.

Visit the NYS OTDA website (http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#cooling-assistance) to learn more about the Cooling Assistance benefit.