The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) today announced that its Cooling Assistance Program is making a limited number of home air conditioners available to eligible New Yorkers with medical conditions exacerbated by heat. The program, supported with $3 million in funding from the Home Energy Assistance Program, is now accepting applications.

“As the summer months approach we want to ensure that those with existing health issues are prepared to safely cope with high temperatures and avoid what can often be life-threatening situations for some,” said OTDA Acting Commissioner Kristin M. Proud. “This effort focuses on assisting some of the most medically vulnerable New Yorkers, including senior citizens and children.”

OTDA has set aside $3 million in HEAP funding to provide air conditioning units to eligible households statewide. To be eligible, households must meet 2012-13 HEAP income guidelines and have at least one member that suffers from a documented medical condition which is exacerbated by heat.

Households that already have a working air conditioner less than five years old, and households that have received a HEAP-funded air conditioner within the past 10 years, are not eligible.

HEAP Cooling Assistance Program benefits will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Local Departments of Social Services will accept applications through August 30, or until all funding has been exhausted, whichever comes first. Households determined eligible will receive one air conditioner that will be installed at no charge to the household.

Applications for cooling assistance are being accepted at Local Departments of Social Services. To find out how to contact your local Department of Social Services, visit http://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/dss.asp.