$3 MILLION IN COOLING ASSISTANCE FOR NEW YORKERS WITH HEAT-RELATED HEALTH ISSUES

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that $3 million is available to help New Yorkers who have medical conditions that can be aggravated by extreme heat to buy and install air conditioning. Eligible households can apply for cooling assistance through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Home Energy Assistance Program beginning May 2.

Cooling assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program is only available to those households which meet the program’s income guidelines and include a member who suffers from a documented medical condition exacerbated by extreme heat.

Last summer, more than 4,100 households received cooling assistance.

Applicants must provide medical documentation in writing, signed by a physician, physician’s assistant or a nurse practitioner. The document must clearly indicate the need for an air conditioner and must be dated within the previous 12 months.

Cooling assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Local departments of social services will accept applications through August 31, or until funding runs out, whichever comes first.

Information on where to apply in each county can be found here: http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/HEAP-contacts.pdf.