Hochul encourages New Yorkers to apply for cooling assistance through HEAP

ALBANY | Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced that vulnerable New Yorkers can begin applying for cooling assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) beginning on April 15. HEAP helps families, individuals, and vulnerable New Yorkers across the state. A breakdown of HEAP data by Congressional district underscores the fact that all communities in New York State count on this assistance to heat and cool their homes. Overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the cooling assistance program will pay for an air conditioner for eligible households that include someone who has a documented medical condition worsened by extreme heat and humidity, or households with young children or older adults. New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, "High temperatures can put some of our fellow New Yorkers, including older adults and children, in grave danger. I urge anyone who may be eligible for this potentially lifesaving benefit to apply as soon as possible." To qualify for the federally funded program, applicants must meet HEAP eligibility criteria and income thresholds, which vary by household size, and include at least one member of the household who suffers from a medical condition aggravated by extreme heat, or is under age 6, or over age 60. Applications for cooling assistance can be submitted on April 15 and will continue to be accepted until funding runs out. Cooling assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The program covers the cost of an air conditioning unit, or fan, and installation by a participating HEAP vendor. By accepting applications as early as mid-April, many of those who qualify can have their unit installed before the hottest of the summer weather arrives. Over the past five years, more than 100,000 households in New York State have received cooling assistance totaling nearly $80 million. Residents outside of New York City can apply by contacting their local department of social services by phone or in person.

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Hochul encourages New Yorkers to apply for cooling assistance through HEAP

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