NEW YORK CITY—
Applications are now open for New Yorkers to get money for a free air conditioner.
The Cooling Assistance Benefit , funded by city and state agencies, offers up to $800 for a new air conditioner and $1,000 to repair an existing wall sleeve unit. The money covers the new machinery plus installation and minor repairs. To apply for the assistance, click here .
Not everyone qualifies for the air conditioning assistance, and each household can only get one every five years.
To qualify, a household of two cannot make more than $4,345 per month, and a family of four cannot make more than $6,390 per month. SNAP, Temporary Assistance, SSI Living Alone and HEAP Regular benefit recipients also qualify.
Households must have a resident over 60 years old, under 6 years old, or a resident with a medical condition exacerbated by heat to qualify.
As temperatures begin to rise, New York City is stepping in to help residents stay cool this summer. Applications are now open for a free air conditioner program aimed at supporting eligible New Yorkers—especially seniors, low-income individuals, and those with certain medical conditions.
The initiative, run through the New York State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), offers window air conditioning units at no cost to qualifying households. The program is designed to help vulnerable residents beat the heat during the city’s sweltering summer months, which can be not only uncomfortable but also dangerous.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Live in New York City,
- Meet income requirements based on household size,
- And have at least one household member with a documented medical condition worsened by heat, or meet age and income criteria.
Priority is often given to seniors aged 60 and older, people with disabilities, and families with young children.
The application window is limited, and funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. City officials are encouraging eligible residents to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
How to apply: Residents can apply online through the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) website, by mail, or in person at a local HEAP office. Proof of income, residency, and medical documentation (if applicable) may be required.
The program also includes free installation of the unit, meaning recipients won’t have to worry about setup costs or logistics.
With another hot summer on the horizon, city officials hope this program will provide some relief to those most in need.
For more information or to start an application, visit the NYC HEAP Cooling Assistance website or call 311.