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COOLING ASSISTANCE HEAP BENEFIT Program

The HEAP Cooling Assistance benefit opened May 1, 2020.

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This program applies to New York City tenant and homeowner applicants.

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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.

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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.

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

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  • 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), and

  • You and your household members are United States Citizens or qualified aliens, and

  • Includes an individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by heat, and

  • You received a Regular benefit greater than $21 in the current program year, 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 ten 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.

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Getting the air conditioner installed

 

A participating Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) vendor list can be obtained by contacting your HEAP Local District Contact. 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.

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Where to apply

 

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

 

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2019–2020 HEAP Monthly Income Limits

 

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

 

Household size         Maximum monthly income

 

1                                $2,494
2                                $3,262
3                                $4,030
4                                $4,797
5                                $5,565
6                                $6,332
7                                $6,476
8                                $6,620
9                                $6,764
10                              $6,908
11                              $7,086
Each additional         Add $553

 

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

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