HEAP Cooling Assistance

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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.

Applications for the 2022-2023 HEAP Cooling Assistance benefit opened on May 1, 2023.

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
  • Automated Assistance is available in English and Spanish 24 hours, 7 days a week. Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours, except on City Holidays. Most languages are available through a staff person.

The 2022-2023 HEAP Cooling Assistance application season is open. 

You can request a paper application in person by visiting a Benefits Access Center or by phone. There is no download option for a paper application. Use the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA Mobile App if you would like to apply online.

In Person

By Phone

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
  • Automated Assistance is available in English and Spanish 24 hours, 7 days a week. Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours, except on City Holidays. Most languages are available through a staff person.

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

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

Drop off your completed application and supporting documents at any HRA Benefits Access Center. Find a Benefits Access Center.

You can get help to complete your application at certain HRA Benefits Access Centers. 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 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
  • Automated Assistance is available in English and Spanish 24 hours, 7 days a week. Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours, except on City Holidays. Most languages are available through a staff person.

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
  • Automated Assistance is available in English and Spanish 24 hours, 7 days a week. Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours, except on City Holidays. Most languages are available through a staff person.

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