Free Air Conditioner and Staying Cool this Summer
New Yorkers can access free air conditioners in two ways:
HEAP Cooling Program
Essential Plan Cooling Program
In addition, New York City runs cooling centers where individuals can visit certain locations that are air conditioned and provide a respite from the heat!
HEAP Cooling Program
The HEAP Cooling program is available for low-income households to help with the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan. Benefits are provided on a first-come, first-served basis until funding has been exhausted.
To qualify, households must meet regular HEAP income and citizenship/immigration criteria or be in receipt of Cash Assistance, SNAP, or SSI live alone benefits. For detailed income limits, click here. In addition, at least one member of the household must have a medical condition exacerbated by extreme heat.
NYC Residents can apply via ACCESS HRA, calling 718-557-1399 or visiting a local HEAP field office, click here for location.
Benefits Plus Online subscribers can find the HEAP chapter listed under Utilities, HEAP.
Essential Plan Cooling Program (EPCP)
The EPCP provides free air conditioners to members enrolled in the Essential Plan who have persistent asthma. Air conditioners are delivered and installed by an approved vendor. This program is funded through New York’s 1332 Waiver.
Air conditioning units will be available to Essential Plan members on a first-come, first-served basis until August 31, 2025, or until funds run out.
Essential Plan members can apply here. It is expected that applicants will receive a decision on their application within 2-3 weeks of applying. If approved, they will be directed to contact an approved vendor.
Consumers who have questions about the application process can contact the NY State of Health Call Center at 1-855-355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220). Consumers who have already applied and need help connecting with a vendor or have questions about their application can email NYSoHCoolingProgram@health.ny.gov.
NYC Cooling Centers
New York City residents, especially those who are at risk of heat-related illness, who need to cool down in the summer can visit a cooling center. These centers open when National Weather Service issues a heat advisory with a forecasted heat index of:
95 degrees or higher for two or more days, or;
100 degrees for any period of time.
Cooling centers are located in air-conditioned facilities that offer people relief from the heat, such as:
Libraries
Community centers
Senior centers
NYCHA facilities
For details and to find a cooling center click here!
