The summer’s first heat wave is upon us, and city officials are reminding residents that they may qualify for a free air conditioner. But the units are available first come, first served — so don’t wait to apply.
What would you get?
Anyone eligible would be given one air conditioner, valued at $800 or less including installation. For an appliance that will go in an existing wall-sleeve unit (the metal device that holds the air conditioner in the wall), the city will pay up to $1,000. In spaces where it’s dangerous to have an air conditioner, eligible people will be given a fan.
Who qualifies?
Any individual with a gross monthly income under $3,035. For a four-person household, the maximum gross monthly income to qualify is $4,904.
Other circumstances that may make people eligible include receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits; having a household member with a medical condition exacerbated by heat; or having a household with young children or people older than 60. The complete list of qualifications can be found here.
How do you apply?
People can apply by phone or in person at one of the program’s community contact locations, a list of which can be found here. People can also apply online by visiting access.nyc.gov.
Where does the funding come from?
The money comes from the federal government but is routed through the state and distributed by the city Department of Social Services. Last year, the department distributed about 10,000 air conditioners, said Nicholas Jacobelli, the agency’s deputy press secretary. About $22 million has been allocated to the New York program this year, he said.
Why do this now?
It’s likely to be a hotter-than-average summer, with the season’s first heat wave arriving this week and bringing temperatures in the 90s, said Joe Pollina, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Program administrators will decide whether applicants are eligible within 30 days, and the program will run through the end of August or until the money runs out, whichever comes first. More information is available by calling 311, or the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.
