May 6, 2016—Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced that the state of New York would be providing $3 million in LIHEAP funds to help keep low-income, medically-vulnerable households cool this summer through its Cooling Assistance component. Last summer, through this program, more than 4,100 households had EnergyStar-rated air conditioning units or fans installed in their homes.
The $3 million this year will continue to go toward the purchase and installation of window AC units and fans that will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until the cooling season ends on August 31, or until funds run out; whichever comes first.
To be eligible, New York residents must have a total household income that falls at or below 60 percent of state median income and have a household member whose health condition would be verifiably exacerbated by the heat. In addition to these requirements, the household cannot currently have an air conditioning unit that is newer than five years old, and they cannot have received assistance from the Cooling Assistance Program within the past ten years. Subsidized renters whose utilities are included in their rent are also unable to apply.
Sources: New York State LIHEAP website, press release
