New York State has begun accepting applications for the 2025 Low-Income Cooling Assistance Program, aimed at helping vulnerable residents stay cool and safe during the summer. Governor Kathy Hochul announced on April 15 that the program, offered through the state’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), will once again provide essential cooling devices such as air conditioners and fans to qualifying low-income households.
Eligibility requirements for this year’s cooling assistance remain the same as those for regular HEAP benefits. A family of four must have a monthly income of $6,390 or less, or an annual income of less than $76,680. Additionally, to qualify, the household must include at least one individual who is particularly sensitive to heat. This could be someone with a medical condition aggravated by high temperatures, a child aged six or younger, or a senior citizen aged 60 or older.
Under the program, households can receive up to $800 for the purchase and installation of window or portable air conditioners or fans. For wall-mounted sleeve units, assistance can go up to $1,000. However, each household is only eligible to receive one cooling device. The allocated funds may also be used to cover administrative costs associated with the installation and delivery of the cooling units.
The application period for the program began on April 15 and will run through the end of August. However, because funding is limited, the program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and may close earlier if funds are exhausted.
Residents of New York City can submit their applications online through the city’s official website at access.nyc.gov. Those living outside of the city are encouraged to apply at their local county social services office.
State officials are urging eligible households to apply as soon as possible to ensure access to this crucial assistance before the summer heat intensifies.