How to sign up for a free air conditioner in New York City
NEW YORK (PIX11) -- With temperatures starting to reflect the fast-approaching summer season, New Yorkers are encouraged to take advantage of the Cooling Assistance benefit that opened on April 15.
The benefit provides eligible households with financial assistance to help cover the cost of installing an air conditioner or fan.
Eligible New Yorkers can get up to $800 in cash for a window or portable air conditioner unit or fan, including installation. Those with an existing wall sleeve unit can get up to $1,000.
Only one air conditioner or fan will be provided per applicant household.
Eligibility requirements for free AC:
- The household’s gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted in the following table (see below), or you are enrolled in one of the following programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance (TA)
- Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone)
- You receive a regular benefit equal to or more significant than $21 in the current program year and reside in government-subsidized housing with heat included in your rent.
- The household contains at least one individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat.
- The household contains a vulnerable member based on age (60 years or older or children under age 6), which meets all other component eligibility criteria.
- A member of your household is a United States Citizen or Qualified Non-Citizen.
- You currently do not have a working air conditioner, or the air conditioner you have is five years old or older.
- You have not received a HEAP-funded air conditioner within the past five years.
Table of gross monthly income guidelines for HEAP assistance:
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Gross Income for 2024-2025 |
| 1 | $3,322 |
| 2 | $4,345 |
| 3 | $5,367 |
| 4 | $6,390 |
| 5 | $7,412 |
| 6 | $8,434 |
| 7 | $8,626 |
| 8 | $8,818 |
| 9 | $9,010 |
| 10 | $9,201 |
| 11 | $9,393 |
| 12 | $9,585 |
| 13 | $9,952 |
| For each additional person | Add $672 |
How to apply
You can apply for benefits in the following ways:
- Call 718-557-1399 and HEAP will provide more information about eligibility, the application process, and required documentation.
- New Yorkers can apply in person at one of the locations listed here.
- New Yorkers can also apply online here.
Anyone planning to apply for a free air conditioner will need to provide proof of residence, income, identity, social security and medical conditions.
Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.