NYC summers can be absolutely grueling. With the unavoidable stench of melting trash and sweaty subway rides, ensuring your apartment is equipped with an AC unit before summer is a must.
Luckily, NYC offers a program known as the Cooling Assistance benefit. Through this opportunity, eligible households can receive financial help to pay for the cost of an air conditioner or fan and installation.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible or the Cooling Assistance benefit, your household must:
- Have a gross monthly income at or below income guidelines for household size, or receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or receive Temporary Assistance, or receive Code A Supplemental Security Income, or received a HEAP Regular benefit more than $21 in the current program year, or received a HEAP Regular benefit equal to $21 during the current program year and live in government subsidized housing with heat included in rent
- Contain at least one person with a documented medical condition worsened by heat, verified by a medical expert, or someone 60 or older, or a child under six
- Have a U.S. Citizen or Qualified Non-Citizen
- Not have received a HEAP-funded air conditioner in the last five years
What will eligible households receive?
If eligible for the Cooling Assistance benefit and your application is accepted on the first-come, first served basis, the benefit includes up to $800 for a window, portable air conditioner or fan / up to $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit.
This can cover the cost of the air conditioner or fan, administrative costs, labor, program support, materials, removal of an old unit, or minor repairs needed for safety.
What’s needed in your application?
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income
- Proof of identity
- Proof of social security
- Proof of medial condition
When can you apply?
Applications for the 2024-2025 Cooling Assistance benefit opens on April 15th, 2025 with your local department of social services online, by phone or in person.
You can learn more on New York’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s website.