Senator Murphy says be cool... HEAP is on the way

Albany, NY - It no longer has to be a long, hot summer for families struggling to make ends meet. Senator Terrence Murphy is pleased to announce that a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Cooling Assistance benefit is now available to help households chill out in the summertime.

"There are a number of residents in the community suffering from COPD as well as other medical problems who would benefit from the addition of an air conditioning unit," Senator Murphy said. "The HEAP Cooling Assistant Benefit program is a convenient, economical way for families and individuals to replace old, inefficient units and make their living space more comfortable during the hot summer months."

"We are very cognizant of the effects of heat stroke and heat prostration, especially when it comes to our senior citizens. The more we can encourage them to create a safe and healthy environment during the summer months, the better their overall health will be," said Michael J. Piazza, Jr., Commissioner for the Putnam County Department of Social Services and Mental Health. "Many senior citizens with obstructive pulmonary diseases and other health problems get discharged and wind up back in the hospital soon after. One of the easiest methods to keep them from being readmitted is to buy an air conditioner. It helps them breathe better and can ultimately reduce health care costs."

To be eligible for a Cooling Assistance HEAP benefit, a household must meet the following criteria:

• Your gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted in this table, or
• You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamp) benefits, or
• You receive Temporary Assistance (TA), or
• You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone), and
• You and your household members are United States Citizens or qualified aliens, and
• Includes an individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by heat, and
• You received a Regular benefit greater than $21 in the current program year, and
• You currently do not have a working air conditioner or the air conditioner you have is five years old or older, and
• You did not receive a HEAP funded air conditioner within the past ten years.

Eligibility requirements include filing an application with the local department of social services, providing all necessary documentation, and the household must reside in an eligible living situation.

Eligible applicants can receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan. In instances where an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be provided. Only one air conditioner or fan will be provided per applicant household. The cost of the air conditioner or fan cannot exceed $800 and no additional HEAP cash benefits are available.

A participating Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) vendor list can be obtained by contacting your HEAP Local District Contact. It will be each household's responsibility to maintain the air conditioner. This includes the responsibility to remove, cover, store, and/or reinstall the unit or the installation sleeve after the vendor installs it.

Households can apply for the HEAP Cooling Assistance through their Local District contacts.