Residents Encouraged To Apply For Heap Assistance As Summer Months Approach

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci is encouraging local residents to apply for part of the $3 million being made available to provide air conditioners to eligible low-income New Yorkers with documented medical conditions exacerbated by extreme heat. The Cooling Assistance Component of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s (OTDA) Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will begin May 1.

“Many residents, especially the elderly, face increased health complications during the warm summer months,” said Lupinacci. “The Cooling Assistance Component of HEAP is a great way to provide some needed relief to those with illnesses that are exacerbated by the heat. I strongly encourage anyone who has a serious medical issue to complete the application and reach out to my office directly if you need assistance.”

The program provides financial resources for low-income New Yorkers with medical needs to get air conditioning and maintain a healthy living environment.

OTDA has set aside $3 million in HEAP funding to provide air conditioning units to eligible households statewide. Households must meet 2013-14 HEAP income guidelines and have written documentation from a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner noting that a member of the household suffers from a medical condition exacerbated by extreme heat. The documentation must also indicate that an air conditioner is required and must be dated within the previous 12 months.

HEAP cooling assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis beginning May 1. For more information on the program or to file an application for assistance, please contact the Suffolk County Department of Social Services at (631) 853-5593 or click here.