NYC Can Buy Air Conditioning for You: How to Apply for Cooling Assistance

Allowance Cooling Assistance from New York City Hall helps city residents buy and install an air conditioner or fan.

Cooling Assistance benefits are available on a first come, first served basis from May 1 to August 31, 2023.

Benefit amount:

• up to $800 for a window, portable air conditioner or fan
• up to $1 to connect to an existing wall-mounted sleeve.

The benefit covers:

• the cost of an air conditioner or fan;
• Administrative expenses;
• installation;
• materials;
• dismantling the old device;
• minor repairs necessary to safely install a new device.

Eligibility for Cooling Assistance

You are eligible for the program if applicable ALL listed:

• You are eligible for HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) benefits or are already receiving them.
• Does someone in your family have a medical condition that gets worse due to extreme heat (documentation from a doctor will be required to confirm this medical condition); OR a person over 60 lives in the house OR child under 6 years of age.
• At least one of your family members is a US citizen and has an immigrant visa.
• You don't have a working air conditioner OR he is, but he is at least five years old.
• You have not received a HEAP-funded air conditioner in the past five years.

Income Requirements

You may qualify for free air conditioning from NYC City Hall if at least ONE of the following applies to you:

• You receive benefits from one of the programs: SNAP, Temporary Assistance (TA), Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone).
• You received a HEAP benefit of $21 or more in the current program year И live in subsidized housing (such as NYCHA or Section 8).
• Your family's gross monthly income is at or below the limits in this table.

Application documents

1. Proof of residence in New York (one of these documents: rent receipt; utility bill; homeowner/tenant insurance policy; mortgage receipts with address).

2. Proof of your income.

3. Identity card.

You may also need proof that you are getting some benefits and a medical certificate from your doctor.

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How to apply

1. Online

You can apply for Cooling Assistance through HEAP on the ACCESS HRA website. Documents can be scanned using the ACCESS HRA mobile app, available free of charge at iTunes Store or Google Play Store.

2. By mail

1. Call 718-557-1399 to have an application sent to you.
2. Choose a company from this list heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) service providers. Include information about the chosen company in your application.
3. Send the completed application to:
   New York City Home Energy Assistance Program
   PO Box 1401, Church Street Station
   New York, NY 10008

3. Personally

1. Call 718-557-1399 to have an application sent to you.
2. Choose a service provider.
3. Apply at your nearest office.