Program Provides Free AC Units To Eligible Low-Income New Yorkers

Pamela Wong -

A New York State program is helping New Yorkers beat the summer heat by providing free air conditioning units to eligible low-income households.

Via Wikimedia Commons

The NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) is locally administering The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Cooling Assistance Benefit, providing air conditioners on a first-come, first-served basis to qualifying applicants.

In instances where an air conditioner cannot be safely installed at a residence, a fan will be provided instead. One air conditioner or fan (up to $800 including installation cost) will be provided per household.

Those interested in receiving an air conditioner must complete a HEAP Cooling Assistance Application with HRA, provide necessary documentation, and meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Have a gross monthly household income at or below the 2017-2018 HEAP income guidelines (see table below), or
  • Receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or
  • Receive Temporary Assistance (TA), or
  • Receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone), and
  • Household members are U.S. Citizens or qualified aliens, and
  • Received a Regular HEAP Benefit greater than $21 in the current program year, and
  • Currently do not have a working air conditioner or current air conditioner is more than five years old, and
  • Have not received a HEAP-funded air conditioner within the past ten years.
Via NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

Individuals with documented medical conditions worsened by the heat are also eligible to apply for one of the cooling units.

HRA will provide recipients with a list of participating Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) vendors who can help with the installation of the appliances. Once a vendor installs the air conditioning unit, recipients will be responsible for maintaining it, including removing, covering, storing, and/or reinstalling the unit in the future.

How to Apply:
You can apply online, visit one of the following HEAP offices (listed below), or call 212.331.3126 or 311 to request an application or to get help completing an application.

Go to NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance for more information on the Home Energy Assistance Program. The Cooling Assistance Benefit program runs until August 31, 2018.

Department of Social Services
HEAP Brooklyn Office
3050 West 21st Street, 1st floor
Coney Island, Brooklyn
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm

Department of Social Services
HEAP Brooklyn Office
1 Metro Tech Center, Lobby
Downtown Brooklyn
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm

Department of Social Services
HEAP Bronx Office
1932 Arthur Avenue, Lobby
Bronx
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm

Department of Social Services
HEAP Jamaica Queens Office
163-08 88th Avenue, 3rd floor
Queens
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm