Coronavirus (COVID-19) Alert
You can apply for the Cooling Assistance Component benefit even if:
- Due to circumstances related to the Coronavirus, you are unable to provide medical documentation about your condition.
- You receive or are eligible to receive Regular HEAP benefits during the 2019-2020 program year and you reside in certain government housing where heat is included in your housing costs.
You can reapply for the Cooling Assistance Component benefit if your application was denied for either of the two reasons above.
You must still meet all other eligibility criteria.
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Cooling Assistance Component benefit provides a limited number of air conditioners or fans for people who have a medical condition that is made worse by heat.
The air conditioners or fans are provided on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants.
The 2019-2020 Cooling Assistance Component benefit application period opened on May 1st, 2020. You can request that an application be mailed to you.
To be eligible for a HEAP Cooling Assistance Component benefit, your household:
- must meet 2019-2020 HEAP benefit gross monthly income guidelines, and
- must have at least 1 household member who suffers from a heat-related health problem, documented by a doctor.
You are not eligible if:
- you have a working air conditioner that is less than 5 years old, or
- your household received a HEAP funded air conditioner within the past 5 years.
If you are a low-income senior and are enrolled in a City benefit program, you may qualify for a free air conditioner through the GetCool Air Conditioner Program. To learn more, go to the GetCool Air Conditioner Program page.
Online
Learn more about the HEAP Cooling Assistance Component benefit.
By Phone
- Agency: Human Resources Administration
- Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
- Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
- Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours. Automated assistance is also available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish. Most languages are available through a staff person.
