If you or someone you love is 60 or older and does not have a working air conditioner, you may be able to get one for free — but you need to act before Friday, June 5, 2026.
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Cooling Assistance Benefit is open right now in New York City. This benefit pays for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan for eligible households. Applications close at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, and benefits go out on a first-come, first-served basis.
This article explains who qualifies, exactly what you get, and how to apply today.
What Is the HEAP Cooling Assistance Benefit?
HEAP stands for Home Energy Assistance Program. It is a federal program, run in New York State by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and administered in New York City by the Human Resources Administration (HRA).
Most people know HEAP as a winter heating program. But HEAP also has a summer Cooling Assistance component that helps New Yorkers stay safe during hot weather. In the summer, extreme heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related illness and death for older adults. An air conditioner can be lifesaving.
The Cooling Assistance Benefit covers:
- A window or portable air conditioner, including installation — up to $800
- An existing wall-sleeve unit — up to $1,000
- A fan, if an air conditioner cannot be safely installed in your home
Payment goes directly to the vendor. You do not pay out of pocket and then get reimbursed. HEAP handles the purchase and installation for you.
Who Qualifies for HEAP Cooling Assistance
You may be eligible if your household meets all of the following conditions:
Income
Your household total gross monthly income must be at or below these limits (based on most recently published OTDA guidelines — verify current limits when you apply):
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $3,035 |
| 2 people | $3,970 |
| 3 people | $4,904 |
| 4 people | $5,838 |
| 5 people | $6,772 |
You automatically qualify on income if you currently receive SNAP (food stamps), Temporary Assistance (TA), or Code A SSI Living Alone benefits.
Household Membership
At least one person in your household must be age 60 or older, under age 6, or someone with a documented medical condition made worse by extreme heat.
Air Conditioner Status
You must currently have no working air conditioner, or the air conditioner in your home must be five years old or older. You also cannot have received a HEAP-funded air conditioner within the past five years.
Citizenship and Immigration Status
At least one member of your household must be a U.S. Citizen or a Qualified Non-Citizen. This includes lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and others with qualifying immigration status.
You May Still Qualify If Utilities Are Included in Your Rent
Many NYC seniors live in rent-stabilized apartments or senior housing where utilities are included in the rent. You can still qualify for HEAP Cooling Assistance even in this situation. Many people assume they are not eligible and never apply — do not let that be you.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Option 1: Apply Online (Fastest)
- Go to ACCESS HRA at a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra
- Log in or create a free account using a valid email address
- Select HEAP from the programs list, then select Cooling Assistance
- Complete and submit your application before 5 p.m. on June 5, 2026
Need help creating an account? Call the DSS One helpline at 718-557-1399. Staff can walk you through the process by phone.
Option 2: Call or Visit in Person
- Call 718-557-1399 (DSS One helpline) or dial 311 and ask for HEAP Cooling Assistance
- Visit your local HRA benefits office — bring ID, proof of income, and a utility bill or lease
- Staff will help you complete the application
After approval, a participating vendor will contact you to schedule installation. HEAP assigns the vendor from their approved list — you do not need to find one yourself.
What Documents You Will Need
- Photo ID such as a driver license, state ID, passport, or IDNYC card
- Proof of age such as a birth certificate or Medicare card
- Proof of income for all household members — pay stubs, a Social Security award letter, or pension statements
- Proof of address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement
- If applying based on a medical condition: a letter from your doctor
If you already receive SNAP, SSI, or Temporary Assistance, HRA may already have your income information on file, which can speed up processing.
Other HEAP Benefits to Know About
HEAP runs several benefit programs throughout the year. The following components are closed for the 2025-2026 program year, but knowing about them now lets you plan ahead for next fall and winter.
Regular Benefit — Winter Heating
A one-time annual benefit that helps pay for heating — whether you use electricity, gas, oil, or another fuel. Base benefits for households that pay directly for heat ranged from $400 for electricity and gas users to $900 for oil and propane users, with add-ons for low income and for households with members age 60 or older. The next program year typically opens in October.
Emergency Heating Benefit
If your heat is shut off or you are about to run out of fuel in winter, the Emergency HEAP Benefit can help — even if you have already used your Regular benefit. Watch for next season opening in late fall.
Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement
For homeowners age 60 and older: HEAP can pay to repair or replace a broken furnace or boiler — up to $4,000 for repair and up to $8,000 for replacement. This is a benefit most seniors do not know exists. Call 718-557-1399 in fall to ask about the next program year.
Clean and Tune Benefit
For homeowners: HEAP can pay up to $500 to have your primary heating system professionally cleaned and tuned, with possible coverage for chimney cleaning or carbon monoxide detector installation. This typically opens in October.
If You Live in Senior Housing or Subsidized Housing
Many NYC seniors live in NYCHA (New York City Housing Authority) buildings or other subsidized housing where utilities are included in the rent. You may still be eligible for HEAP. If your building has central air conditioning, you would not be eligible for the AC benefit — but you might qualify for a fan if your individual unit is not cooled.
Not sure whether you qualify? Call 311 or 718-557-1399 and explain your living situation. Staff can tell you exactly what you are eligible for.
Other Ways to Stay Cool This Summer
If the HEAP deadline passes or you are not eligible, there are still free ways to stay cool:
- NYC Cooling Centers: Free air-conditioned spaces during heat emergencies — libraries, senior centers, community centers. Call 311 to find the nearest one.
- Aging Connect: Call 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469), run by the NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA), to connect with cooling resources and wellness check-in calls.
- ConEd Budget Billing: If you pay your own electricity, ConEd offers budget billing and payment agreements. Call 1-800-752-6633.
For a full guide to staying safe during summer heat, see our article: NYC Seniors: Free Cooling Centers, Aging Connect Hotline, and How to Stay Safe in the 2026 Summer Heat. You can also read our guide on lowering your NYC utility bills with ConEd and other programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to own my apartment to qualify for HEAP Cooling Assistance?
No. Renters can apply. You do not need to own your home, and you can qualify even if your rent includes utilities.
My income is from Social Security only. Does that count toward the income limit?
Yes. Social Security income counts as gross monthly income. If you receive SSI and live alone, you may automatically qualify regardless of income level. Call 718-557-1399 to confirm your specific situation.
I already applied for HEAP this winter. Can I apply for Cooling Assistance too?
Yes. Cooling Assistance is a separate component from the Regular heating benefit. Receiving one does not affect eligibility for the other.
My air conditioner is broken but not five years old yet. Can I still apply?
You may qualify. The rule is that you cannot have a working air conditioner that is less than five years old. A broken unit does not disqualify you. Contact HRA to explain your situation.
What if I apply and do not hear back before June 5?
Submit before the deadline regardless. Your application date and time is what counts. HRA will process applications in order received. If approved, a vendor will contact you to schedule installation.
Information in this article comes from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) at otda.ny.gov and ACCESS NYC at access.nyc.gov, both directly verified. Income limits are based on the most recently published OTDA guidelines — always confirm current requirements with HRA when you apply. Call 311 or 718-557-1399 with questions.
