Note: Medicaid also may sometimes pay for an air conditioner. See article.
HEAP-funded air conditioners are available in limited supplies to low income people in NYS who meet income and other requirements. In 2022 a qualifying medical condition exacerbated by heat is no longer a requirement to access this benefit. The 2022 HEAP cooling assistance program is available beginning May 2, 2022 through August 31, 2022. The program will help with purchasing & installing the air conditioner, up to a cost of $800. Units are provided on a first come, first serve basis.
More detailed information can be found here: https://access.nyc.gov/programs/cooling-assistance-benefit/
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must meet the following eligibility standards:
- U.S. citizen or satisfactory immigration status
- Does not have a working air conditioner which is newer than five years
- Received a regular HEAP benefit OR live in subsidized housing with heat included in rent
- Receive SNAP/TA/SSI OR meet certain income requirements (listed on website)
Certain other restrictions apply. More information can be found in local commissioner's memorandum 20-LCM-11 and attachments.
WHERE TO APPLY
-
NYC-- Call the HEAP conference line 212-331-3126 to obtain an application and return it via mail. Can also apply in person at a local office. Applicants may also call 311.
- Rest of State - Apply with your local district. See list of contacts by county on OTDA's website https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/
- More info can be found here: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap
Medicaid also may sometimes pay for an air conditioner. See article.
This article was authored by the Evelyn Frank Legal Resources Program of New York Legal Assistance Group.
