Overview
The Cooling Assistance Benefit opened April 15, 2025.
What is the Cooling Assistance Benefit?
The Cooling Assistance Benefit helps income-eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan to cool their home.
How does it work?
If you are eligible, you may receive one cooling benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or fan. In circumstances where an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be provided.
How much can I receive in cooling benefits?
The price cannot be more than $800 with installation for a portable air conditioner, or fan, and not to exceed $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit. Like heating assistance funding, cooling assistance funds are limited and are distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.
Eligibility
Who is eligible to receive Cooling Assistance Benefits?
You may be eligible if:
- Your household's gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted in the table below, 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 Regular benefit greater than $21 in the current program year or received a Regular benefit equal to $21 during the current program year and reside in government subsidized housing with heat included in your rent, and
- Your household contains at least one individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat, or
- Your household contains a vulnerable member based on their age (60 years or older, or under age 6) which meet all other component eligibility criteria, and
- A member of your household is a United States Citizen or Qualified Non-Citizen, and
- You currently do not have a working air conditioner or the air conditioner you have is five years old or older, and
- You did not receive a HEAP funded air conditioner within the past five years.
- Your household eligibility requirements include filing an application with your local department of social services, providing all necessary documentation, and the household must reside in an eligible living situation.
Your household eligibility requirements include filing an application with your local department of social services, providing all necessary documentation, and the household must reside in an eligible living situation.
What are the HEAP Monthly Household Income Limits?
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Each additional | Add $672 |
Apply
Online:
New York City Residents may apply online by visiting: access.nyc.gov
By Phone:
You may call your HEAP Local District Contact. The district will provide more information on eligibility, the application process, and required documentation.
In Person:
You may apply in person at your HEAP Local District Contact.
Contact
Contact your HEAP Local District Contact for questions regarding the Cooling Assistance Benefit.