HEAP Cooling Assistance

  Related links
NYC311 Home Report Problems Look Up Service Requests Browse Topics

Eligible households can get help to buy and install an air conditioner or fan. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides a limited number of units on a first-come, first-served basis.

The 2023-2024 Cooling Assistance Component benefit application period opened on April 15, 2024. 

You can apply online, by mail, or in person. If you submit an application, you will receive the HEAP Cooling Assistance Notice of Eligibility Decision after your application is reviewed.

Learn more about the HEAP Cooling Assistance Component benefit.

You may be eligible for a HEAP Cooling Assistance Component benefit if your household meets the HEAP benefit gross monthly income guidelines and other eligibility requirements.

Your household may be eligible for a HEAP Cooling Assistance Component benefit if your household:

  • Meets the HEAP benefit gross monthly income guidelines, or is in receipt of certain Public Assistance benefits, and
  • Has a member who is a United States citizen or qualified alien, and
  • Has at least 1 household member who suffers from a health condition that is made worse by heat, documented by a doctor or a vulnerable member (60 years or older, or child under 6 years)

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.

Applicants must submit an application and all necessary documentation.

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
  • You can reach staff during business hours (except for City Holidays). You can get help in most languages. Automated Assistance is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The 2023-2024 HEAP Cooling Assistance application season is open. 

You can submit your HEAP Cooling Assistance application online, by mail, or in person:

Online

Use the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA Mobile App from anywhere and at any time to apply for HEAP Cooling Assistance benefits. You can submit documents using the Document Upload feature on the ACCESS HRA Mobile App.

Online submissions will require the selection of two HEAP participating vendors who can install an air conditioner. Visit the OTDA website for a list of HEAP participating vendors.

By Mail

You can request an application be mailed to you by contacting HRA.

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
  • You can reach staff during business hours (except for City Holidays). You can get help in most languages. Automated Assistance is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Mail your application, along with copies of supporting documents to:

NYC DSS/HRA/HEAP
PO Box 1401
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10008

In Person and Drop-off Locations

You can drop off your completed application and supporting documents at any HRA Benefits Access Center. Benefits Access Centers are open Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM (except City holidays).

Find a Benefits Access Center.

You can get an application and get help to complete your application at certain HRA Benefits Access Centers or at a community outreach site. You can also drop off your application at a community outreach site however, the days of the week and hours of operation may vary by location.

Find a location near you. 

The Human Resource Administration has 30 business days from the date your application is reviewed to make a decision on your application. A notice is mailed to you when a decision is made on your application.

​You can check your application status online or by phone.

Online

Visit the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA Mobile App from anywhere and at any time and log into your ACCESS HRA account.

By Phone

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
  • You can reach staff during business hours (except for City Holidays). You can get help in most languages. Automated Assistance is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You are responsible for maintaining the air conditioner. This includes:

  • Removing, covering, and storing it during the winter
  • Reinstalling it the next summer

If there is a problem, contact the company who makes the air conditioner or the vendor who installed it. If you do not know the vendor’s name, you can request it from HEAP.

If you have had the air conditioner for more than 5 years, you can apply for a new one through HEAP.

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
  • You can reach staff during business hours (except for City Holidays). You can get help in most languages. Automated Assistance is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  Was this information helpful?   Yes    No

Follow NYC311

Download the NYC311 Mobile App

About NYC311 Send Feedback NYC311 Privacy Policy