While most people welcome the return of warm weather, for many vulnerable residents without air conditioning, the summer heat can be dangerous.

Gov. Cuomo has announced that $3 million is available to help New Yorkers with medical conditions that can be aggravated by extreme heat to buy and install air conditioning. The program will ensure that some of our most vulnerable residents remain safe and cool when the summer heat is at its worst.

Cooling assistance through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Home Energy Assistance Program is available to those households meeting 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 across the state received assistance.

Applicants must provide medical documentation, 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 are accepting applications through August 31, or until funding runs out, whichever comes first.

Please click here for details on where to apply.

For more information, contact Nina Akopyan, MDC’s Bilingual Housing Counselor, 718-376-0999.