NEW YORK (PIX11) \u2014 With dangerous summer heat on the horizon, some New Yorkers can now apply for a free air conditioner.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Cooling Assistance Benefit<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n Discover more local reporting on our homepage <\/a><\/p>\n Benefits are available on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n Your household must also meet the following criteria:<\/p>\n Have a documented medical condition that worsens with extreme heat.<\/p>\n Be 60 years of age or older, or under the age of 6.<\/p>\n Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.<\/p>\n Not have a working air conditioner, or own a unit that is at least five years old.<\/p>\n Not have received a HEAP-funded air conditioner within the last five years.<\/p>\n The maximum monthly household income limit for 2026 is as follows:<\/p>\n Household size<\/p>\n Maximum household income for 2026<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n $3,473<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n $4,542<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n $5,611<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n $6,680<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n $7,749<\/p>\n 6<\/p>\n $8,818<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n $9,018<\/p>\n 8<\/p>\n $9,218<\/p>\n 9<\/p>\n $9,419<\/p>\n 10<\/p>\n $9,619<\/p>\n 11<\/p>\n $9,820<\/p>\n 12<\/p>\n $10,020<\/p>\n 13<\/p>\n $10,221<\/p>\n Each additional person<\/p>\n +$687<\/p>\n Interested applicants need to provide proof of residence, income, identity, Social Security, and medical conditions. To apply for assistance,\u00a0click here<\/a>\u00a0or call 718-557-1399.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n