NEW YORK (PIX11) — With dangerous summer heat on the horizon, some New Yorkers can now apply for a free air conditioner.
The Cooling Assistance Benefit, funded by city and state agencies, offers up to $800 for a new air conditioner or fan and $1,000 to repair an existing wall sleeve unit.
Discover more local reporting on our homepage
Benefits are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Your household must also meet the following criteria:
Have a documented medical condition that worsens with extreme heat.
Be 60 years of age or older, or under the age of 6.
Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
Not have a working air conditioner, or own a unit that is at least five years old.
Not have received a HEAP-funded air conditioner within the last five years.
The maximum monthly household income limit for 2026 is as follows:
Household size
Maximum household income for 2026
1
$3,473
2
$4,542
3
$5,611
4
$6,680
5
$7,749
6
$8,818
7
$9,018
8
$9,218
9
$9,419
10
$9,619
11
$9,820
12
$10,020
13
$10,221
Each additional person
+$687
Interested applicants need to provide proof of residence, income, identity, Social Security, and medical conditions. To apply for assistance, click here or call 718-557-1399.
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.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.