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Funding ran out before summer
New York closed 2026 cooling assistance applications on June 5, before summer began, leaving many eligible residents without the program before the hottest months usually arrive.
The early cutoff came as New York City faced extreme heat in July, raising safety concerns for low-income households without dependable cooling equipment at home during summer weather.
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How the cooling benefit works
New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, uses federal funds for a cooling benefit that pays for one unit or fan per eligible household during each season.
Eligibility depends on income, benefit status, age, heat-sensitive health needs, citizenship rules, equipment access, and prior program support within the past five years when applying for program aid.
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Benefits cover equipment costs
The 2026 cooling benefit covered up to $800 for a window or portable unit, while wall-sleeve equipment qualified for $1,000 under New York program rules for eligible households…