Hot weather shouldn’t mean health risks or high bills. If you’re feeling the heat this summer, New York and New Jersey both offer free help to keep your home cool. These state-run programs are here for working families like yours.
Apply early. These programs often run out of funds fast.
For Drivers in New York: Free Air Conditioners Through HEAP
If you live in New York, you may qualify for a free air conditioner (NYC) through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
Application period: Open now, as of April 15, 2026 until June 5th, 2026.
What’s offered:
- One air conditioner (window or portable) per eligible household
- A fan if an air conditioner cannot be safely installed
- Up to $800 for a window unit, portable air conditioner, or fan
- Up to $1,000 for an air conditioner installed in an existing wall sleeve unit
- Installation, labor, materials, and removal of an old unit are included in the benefit.
Note: This program does not help with electricity bills.
You may qualify if:
- Your household meets the income limits (for example: $3,473/month or less for 1 person, or $6,680/month or less for a family of 4)
- You or someone in your home has a medical condition made worse by extreme heat
- There is a child under age 6 or an adult age 60 or older in your household
- A member of your household is a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
- You do not currently have a working air conditioner, or your current unit is at least 5 years old
- You have not received a HEAP-funded air conditioner within the past 5 years
How to apply:
- Online:
- NYC Residents
- Outside New York City? Contact your county’s DSS or HEAP office to apply. Find your local office through New York State’s HEAP Contact Directory or call 1-800-342-3009 for help.
- By Phone: Call 718-557-1399 for more information on eligibility, the application process, and required documentation.
What to bring:
- Photo ID
- Social Security numbers (if applicable)
- Proof of income for the past month
- Proof of address or residency
- Medical documentation (if applying based on a heat-related medical condition)
- A copy of your current electric bill
- Documentation for all household members who live in the home
For Drivers in New Jersey: Help With Cooling Bills Through LIHEAP
New Jersey’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may help pay for cooling costs if cooling is medically necessary.
Application period: October 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
What’s offered:
- Up to $300 toward your cooling bill
- The money is applied directly to your electric account
You may qualify if:
- You pay for cooling costs, either directly or through your rent
- Your household income is within the program limits
- You have a documented medical condition that requires cooling
- You are responsible for your household’s cooling costs
Note: Residents whose utilities are fully covered through certain housing assistance programs may not qualify for this benefit.
How to apply:
- Online: Apply through the NJ DCA portal: https://dcaid.dca.nj.gov/en-US/
- Through Local Agencies: Apply through your county’s designated local community action agency or non-profit organization.
- By Phone: Call the NJ LIHEAP hotline at 1-800-510-3102 to find your local application agency or get more information.
What to bring:
- Photo ID for adult household members (if available)
- Social Security numbers for household members (if available)
- Proof of household income
- Proof of address
- A recent electric bill (or utility statement)
- Medical documentation showing that cooling is medically necessary (if applying for that benefit)
Housing Support for Drivers
Worried about a housing-related issues? Through IDG Legal, Uber, Lyft, and black car drivers have access to free legal support for housing issues. We can help with landlord disputes, small claims court, understanding your lease, and applying for HEAP benefits.
Tap below to get started today.
