Program gives A/Cs to NYers in need

ALBANY, N.Y. (RELEASE) - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Friday assistance for low-income New Yorkers whose health issues pose a medical emergency during the extended period of hot weather forecasted for the state in the coming days. 

"The late spring and early summer have already brought several heat waves, which can be life-and-death matters for New Yorkers with serious medical conditions," Governor Cuomo said. "Senior citizens and children are especially susceptible to heat-related illness, and this initiative will provide low-income homes with much-needed air conditioners so that New Yorkers have the assistance they need to stay cool and healthy."

In order to protect vulnerable New Yorkers, New York State has set aside $3 million in funding through the federally-funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Eligibility for the program is determined by:

1) LIHEAP low-income guidelines. (For a four-person household, the maximum gross annual income to qualify is approximately $49,500.)
2) Having at least one household member who has been diagnosed with a chronic or acute medical condition which is aggravated by exposure to extreme heat situations.
3) A doctor providing written documentation (dated within the last six months) that air-conditioning assistance is critical to prevent a heat emergency.

Households that have a working air conditioner or have received one from the State in the last 10 years are not eligible.

The cooling program is administered by HCR with funding provided from the federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funds, through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). HCR's network of 63 local Weatherization agencies will provide delivery and installation of cooling program services, and funds have been allocated to ensure coverage in each of the state’s 62 counties.

These agencies will accept applications, determine eligibility, and oversee the installation of the air-conditioning units. Under the terms of the grant, one air conditioner will be awarded to an eligible household or dwelling unit, with installation and labor included. Grants do not include an additional HEAP cash benefit to cover the cost of operating the air conditioning unit.

The full list of local cooling program administrators is below:

Cattaraugus Community Action, Inc.
Allegany
(716)945-1041

Cattaraugus Community Action, Inc.
Cattaraugus
(716)945-1041

Chautauqua Opportunities Inc.
Chautauqua
(716)661-9430

Neighborhood Housing Services of South Buffalo, Inc.
Erie, City of Buffalo
(716)837-0071

Lt. Col. Matt Urban Human Svces. Ctr. of Western NY
Erie, City/Outside of City
(716)893-7222

Supportive Services Corporation
Erie, Outside of City
(716)685-6252

Orleans Community Action Committee, Inc.
Genesee
(585)343-7798

Niagara Community Action Program, Inc.
Niagara
(716)285-9681

Orleans Community Action Committee, Inc.
Orleans
(585)589-5605

Wyoming County Community Action Inc.
Wyoming
(585)237-2600

Questions regarding the HEAP program should be directed to local providers listed above or the NYS HEAP Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.

Those who want to see if they qualify under HEAP’s income guidelines should visit www.mybenefits.ny.gov