HEAP & Essential PlanCooling AssistanceFree AC for NYC Residents
Two programs. One goal: keeping vulnerable New Yorkers safe from extreme heat. Free air conditioners for income-eligible households (HEAP) and Essential Plan members with persistent asthma (EPCP). We’re an approved vendor for both.
HEAP Approved
Cooling Assistance Vendor
Essential Plan
Cooling Program Vendor
Licensed & Insured
NYC & Tri-State
Program Details
Full breakdown of both cooling assistance programs — eligibility, benefits, covered equipment, and how to apply.
HEAP Cooling Assistance
A federally funded program that provides eligible low-income NYC households with a free air conditioner or fan — purchased and installed at no cost to you. The state pays the approved vendor (that’s us) directly. Covers the unit, installation labor, materials, and removal of old equipment.
- Household income at or below HEAP guidelines (or receiving SNAP, TA, SSI)
- At least one member age 60+, under 6, or with a heat-sensitive medical condition
- No working AC, or existing unit is 5+ years old
- No HEAP-funded AC received in the past 5 years
- U.S. Citizen or Qualified Non-Citizen in the household
- Window air conditioner
- Portable air conditioner
- Wall sleeve air conditioner
- Standing fan if AC cannot be safely installed
- Online through ACCESS HRA (access.nyc.gov)
- By phone: 718-557-1399
- In person at an HRA Benefit Access Center
Essential Plan Cooling Program
Launched by Governor Hochul in 2025, the Essential Plan Cooling Program provides free air conditioning units to New Yorkers enrolled in the Essential Plan who have persistent asthma. Extreme heat, allergens, and poor air quality can worsen asthma symptoms — this program aims to prevent ER visits and hospitalizations by keeping homes cool.
- Must be enrolled in NY State of Health’s Essential Plan
- Must have persistent asthma (symptoms most of the time or daily medication)
- No HEAP-funded AC received in the past 5 years
- Installation at permanent residential address on file with NY State of Health
- One cooling unit per eligible person every 5 years
- Window air conditioner
- Portable air conditioner
- Wall sleeve replacement
- Standing floor fan if AC cannot be installed safely
- Online through NY State of Health Zendesk portal
- By phone: 1-855-355-5777 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–1pm)
- Decision via email within 2–3 weeks
Both programs are first-come, first-served and funding runs out fast. HEAP Cooling closed in under 2 months in 2025. Apply as soon as each program opens.
How HEAP Cooling Works
The step-by-step process from application to installation.
Apply for the Benefit
Apply through ACCESS HRA online, by phone (718-557-1399), or in person. NYC residents can scan documents via the ACCESS HRA mobile app.
Eligibility Review
HRA reviews your application, income, and household eligibility. Phone interviews are available — you may not need an office visit.
Pre-Install Assessment
An approved vendor (Gotham HVAC) visits your home to assess the space, determine the right cooling option, and schedule installation.
Free Installation
We deliver and install your AC at no cost. Old units removed. Manufacturer warranty registered. System verified working.
HEAP Income Guidelines
For HEAP Cooling, your monthly household income must be at or below these limits. If you already receive SNAP, TA, or SSI — you’re automatically income-eligible.
Automatic HEAP Income Eligibility
You’re automatically income-eligible if your household currently receives any of these:
- SNAP (food stamps) recipients
- Temporary Assistance (TA) recipients
- SSI Code A recipients
- Received a HEAP benefit this program year
Essential Plan Cooling — No Income Test
The Essential Plan Cooling Program does not have separate income guidelines. If you’re already enrolled in NY State of Health’s Essential Plan and have persistent asthma, you meet the eligibility criteria. The Essential Plan itself has income requirements built in.
Cooling Assistance Questions & Answers
Common questions about HEAP Cooling, the Essential Plan Cooling Program, eligibility, and how both programs work.
What’s the difference between HEAP Cooling and the Essential Plan Cooling Program?
HEAP Cooling is income-based and serves low-income households with seniors, young children, or heat-sensitive medical conditions. The Essential Plan Cooling Program is specifically for people enrolled in NY State of Health’s Essential Plan who have persistent asthma. They’re run by different agencies but both provide free AC installation. You cannot receive both within 5 years.
Can I qualify for both programs?
You can apply to both, but if you received a HEAP-funded AC in the past 5 years, you’re not eligible for the Essential Plan Cooling Program (and vice versa for HEAP). The programs are designed to complement each other — covering different populations who need cooling assistance.
How do I apply for HEAP Cooling Assistance in NYC?
Apply through ACCESS HRA online at access.nyc.gov, by phone at 718-557-1399, or in person at an HRA Benefit Access Center. You can scan and upload documents via the ACCESS HRA mobile app. Apply as early as possible — the program is first-come, first-served and funding runs out fast.
How do I apply for the Essential Plan Cooling Program?
Apply online through the NY State of Health Zendesk portal — it takes about 5–10 minutes. You can also call 1-855-355-5777 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Saturday 9am–1pm). Complete the application in one sitting, as progress isn’t saved. You’ll get an email decision within 2–3 weeks.
Does Gotham HVAC participate as an approved vendor for both programs?
Yes — Gotham HVAC is an approved vendor for both the HEAP Cooling Assistance program (vendor agreement with NYS OTDA) and the Essential Plan Cooling Program (enrolled through Health Research, Inc.). We handle pre-installation assessments, equipment delivery, installation, and warranty registration for both programs.
Can I get a mini-split or central AC through these programs?
No — both programs cover window ACs, portable ACs, wall sleeve ACs, and fans only. Mini-splits and central air systems are not covered. However, you may qualify for NYSERDA heat pump rebates for those systems — check our NYSERDA rebates page for details.
I’m on SNAP / food stamps — do I automatically qualify for HEAP?
You’re automatically income-eligible if you receive SNAP, Temporary Assistance, SSI Code A, or a current HEAP benefit. You still need a vulnerable household member (60+, under 6, or heat-sensitive medical condition) and must not have a working AC under 5 years old.
What does ‘persistent asthma’ mean for the Essential Plan Cooling Program?
Persistent asthma means you experience asthma symptoms (shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing attacks, chest tightness, or chest pain) most of the time, OR you need to take daily medication to control your asthma symptoms. You’ll need to attest to this on the application.
When do these programs open for 2026?
HEAP Cooling Assistance is scheduled to open April 15, 2026. The Essential Plan Cooling Program’s 2026 dates haven’t been announced yet — it’s pending funding. In 2025, EPCP ran June through September 30. Both programs are first-come, first-served.
What areas do you serve for cooling assistance?
We serve all five NYC boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island — plus Lower Westchester and Long Island for HEAP Cooling. The Essential Plan Cooling Program covers all of New York State.
Need Help With Cooling Assistance?
Whether you need help with HEAP Cooling, the Essential Plan Cooling Program, or understanding which program you qualify for — we’re here to help.