NYS Cooling Assistance benefit

The 2021-2022 Cooling Assistance benefit opened May 2, 2022.

If you are eligible, you may receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool.

In circumstances where an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be provided.

Only one air conditioner or fan, not to exceed $800 with installation, will be provided per applicant household. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.

You may be eligible for a Cooling Assistance HEAP benefit if:

  • Your household's gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted in the following table, or
  • You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or
  • You receive Temporary Assistance (TA), or
  • You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone), or
  • You received a Regular benefit greater than $21 in the current program year or received a Regular benefit equal to $21 during the current program year and reside in government subsidized housing with heat included in your rent, and
  • A member of your household is a United States Citizen or qualified alien, and
  • You currently do not have a working air conditioner or the air conditioner you have is five years old or older, and
  • You did not receive a HEAP funded air conditioner within the past five years.

Your household eligibility requirements include filing an application with your local department of social services, providing all necessary documentation, and the household must reside in an eligible living situation.

Getting the air conditioner installed

The participating Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) vendor list can be obtained by accessing the HEAP Participating vendor list. Select your county of residence, “Cooling” as the fuel type, and pressing “Go”. It will be your responsibility to maintain the air conditioner. This includes the responsibility to remove, cover, store, and/or reinstall the unit or the installation sleeve after vendor installation.

Where to apply

You may apply for the HEAP Cooling Assistance with your HEAP Local District Contact.

View HEAP Monthly Income Limits.

2021-2022 HEAP Monthly Income Limits

Your total household gross monthly income for your household size must be at or below the following guidelines:

2021-2022 HEAP Benefit Gross Monthly Income Guidelines Display Version

Household Size

Maximum Gross Monthly Income

1

$2,729

2

$3,569

3

$4,409

4

$5,249

5

$6,088

6

$6,928

7

$7,086

8

$7,243

9

$7,401

10

$7,558

11

$7,715

12

$7,873

13

$8,420

Each additional

Add $568

Questions regarding the HEAP program should be directed to your HEAP Local District Contact or the OTDA Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.

New York City residents can also go the following link for more information: https://access.nyc.gov/programs/cooling-assistance-benefit/

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