Cooling Assistance Benefit (HEAP)

Cooling Assistance Benefit (HEAP) is sponsored by New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA). The Cooling Assistance Benefit is a component of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) that helps eligible low-income NYC residents with the cost of cooling their homes.

Cooling Assistance Benefit – ACCESS NYC https://access. nyc. gov/programs/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.

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.

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 for more information on eligibility, the application process, and required documentation.

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) 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 Maximum household income for 2026 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 Mortgage payment books/receipts with address 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) Worker’s Compensation/Disability Unemployment Insurance Benefits Provide one of the following: US Passport or Naturalization Certificate Adoption Papers, Hospital or Doctor’s Records Or provide two of the following: Birth Certificate or Baptismal certificate Validated Social Security Card Statement from another person 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: Signed by a physician, physician’s assistant, or a nurse practitioner Dated within the past 12 months Documents older than 12 months may be used if showing that the medical condition is chronic (e.g. Chronic Pulmonary Disease) If you’re having trouble getting necessary documents, you can attest that your household has someone with a medical condition made worse by extreme heat Applications for 2026 HEAP Summer Cooling Assistance are closed .

Applications for 2026 HEAP Summer Cooling Assistance are closed . 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.

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