Program Name
Cooling Assistance Benefit
Program Category
Cash & expenses
Government Agency
NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
Population Served
People with disabilities,Pregnant & new parents,Older Adults
Plain Language Program Name
Financial help to cover the cost and installation of an air conditioner or fan
Program Description
<p><strong>The Cooling Assistance benefit covers the full cost of one air conditioner or fan per household</strong>, including installation, materials, labor, and removal of your old unit.</p>
Brief Excerpt
<p>This benefit helps you buy and install an air conditioner or fan for your home to stay cool during hot weather.</p>
Heads Up
<ul><li>Up to $800 for a window, portable air conditioner, or fan</li><li>Up to $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit </li><li>Benefits are available on a first come, first serve basis no additional HEAP cash benefits are available</li></ul><p><strong>Don't have air conditioning?</strong> Cool down at a nearby park, library, museum, mall, or <a href="https://finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters/" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">NYC cooling center</a>. You can also call 311 to find a cooling center near you. </p>
Plain Language Eligibility
<p>You may qualify by either:</p><ol><li><strong>Meeting income limits: </strong>Your household's gross monthly income is at or below the limit for your household size (see table below), or<br/></li><li><strong>Receiving other benefits: </strong>You currently receive one of the following<ul><li>SNAP benefits (food stamps)</li><li>Cash Assistance</li><li>Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone)</li><li>A <a href="https://access.nyc.gov/programs/home-energy-assistance-program-heap/#how-it-works" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">HEAP Regular Benefit</a> 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</li></ul></li></ol><p>You or someone in your household must also: </p><ol><li>Have a documented medical condition worsened by extreme heat, be age 60 or older, or be under age 6</li><li>Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen (like a Green Card holder, refugee, asylee, or parolee) </li><li>Not currently have a working air conditioner, or have one that is at least five years old</li><li>Not have received a HEAP-funded air conditioner within the past five years </li></ol><table><tr><td><p><strong>Household size</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Maximum household income for 2026</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>1</p></td><td><p>$3,473</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2</p></td><td><p>$4,542</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>3</p></td><td><p>$5,611</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>4</p></td><td><p>$6,680</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>5</p></td><td><p>$7,749</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>6</p></td><td><p>$8,818</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>7</p></td><td><p>$9,018</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>8</p></td><td><p>$9,218</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>9</p></td><td><p>$9,419</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>10</p></td><td><p>$9,619</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>11</p></td><td><p>$9,820</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>12</p></td><td><p>$10,020</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>13</p></td><td><p>$10,221</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Each additional person</p></td><td><p>+$687</p></td></tr></table><p><br/></p>
How To Apply Summary
<p>Applications for 2026 HEAP Summer Cooling Assistance are <strong>closed</strong>. <strong> </strong></p><ul><li>Log in or create an account on <a href="https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ACCESS HRA</a> to apply</li><li>Visit a <a href="https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/home-energy-assistance-program.page" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">HEAP office near you</a></li><li>Call <a href="tel:718-557-1399" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">718-557-1399</a> for more information on eligibility, the application process, and required documentation</li></ul>
How To Apply Or Enroll Online
<p>Applications for 2026 HEAP Summer Cooling Assistance are <strong>closed</strong>. </p>
Apply Online Call To Action
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Url Of Online Application
https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/
How To Apply Or Enroll By Mail
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Apply By Mail Call To Action
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Url Of Pdf Application Forms
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How To Apply Or Enroll In Person
<p>Applications for 2026 HEAP Summer Cooling Assistance are <strong>closed</strong>. </p>
Apply In Person Call To Action
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Office Locations Url
https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/home-energy-assistance-program.page
How To Apply Or Enroll By Phone
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Required Documents Summary
<p>To apply for Cooling Assistance, at least <strong>one </strong>household member will need a valid Social Security Number (SSN).</p><p>You also need to show: </p><ul><li><strong>Identities of the people you live with </strong>(birth certificate, driver's license, US passport, or naturalization certificate)</li><li><strong>Where you live </strong>(current rent receipt or lease)</li><li><strong>Income </strong>(pay stubs, employment letters)</li><li><strong>Medical conditions </strong>(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) </li></ul>
Get Help Summary
<ul><li>Visit the <a href="http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#cooling-assistance" >NYS OTDA website</a> to learn more about this program.</li><li>Call <a href="tel:718-557-1399" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">718-557-1399</a> if you have questions about the benefit.</li></ul>
Get Help Online
<p>Visit the <a href="http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#cooling-assistance" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NYS OTDA website</a> to learn more about the Cooling Assistance benefit.</p>
Get Help By Calling Other Than 311
<p>Call <a href="tel:718-557-1399" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">718-557-1399</a> for more information on eligibility, the application process, and required documentation.</p>
Get Help By Calling 311
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Updated At
2026-06-09T11:00:49.000