Submitted by Briana Snyder, AOA
Did you know there is HEAP Cooling Assistance?
The 2020-2021 Cooling Assistance benefit will open on May 3, 2021.
To be eligible for a Cooling Assistance benefit the applicant or somebody in the household must have a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat.
If you are eligible, you may receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool.
Only one air conditioner or fan, not to exceed $800 with installation, will be provided per applicant household. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.
You may be eligible for a Cooling Assistance HEAP benefit if:
• Your household’s gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size, or
• You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 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 or reside in government subsidized housing with heat included in your rent, 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 five years.
Your household eligibility requirements include filing an application with your local department of social services, providing all necessary documentation, and the household must reside in an eligible living situation.
Contact AOA Options Counselor, Briana Snyder at (716)945-8991 if you have any further questions.
