Program To Provide Free Air Conditioners For Those In Need Is Underway

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to assist low-income New Yorkers whose health issues pose a medical emergency during the hot summer months has garnered applause from Councilman Vincent Gentile.

“Last winter I was proud to team up with Governor Cuomo and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to make my Bay Ridge office an official HEAP Headquarters,” Councilman Gentile said. “We were able to provide assistance to many people – helping them pay their electricity, propane, natural gas, wood, oil, kerosene, coal, or any other heating fuel during the cold winter months. It only makes sense that we would team up again in the summer to keep these same low-income New Yorkers cool and safe.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo set aside $3 million in funding so that New Yorkers could receive air conditioners.

Eligibility for the program is determined by:

·         LIHEAP low-income guidelines. For a four-person household, the maximum gross annual income to qualify is approximately $49,500.

·         Having at least one household member who has been diagnosed with a chronic or acute medical condition which is aggravated by exposure to extreme heat situations.

·         A doctor providing written documentation (dated within the last six months) that air-conditioning assistance is critical to prevent a heat emergency.
Those who want to see if they qualify should visit www.mybenefits.ny.gov, call 1-800-342-3009, or contact Councilman Gentile’s office Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am until 5:30 pm at 718-748-5200.