Apply for Cooling Assistance by Monday, June 23, 2025 + Extreme Heat Tips

New York State has announced that the 2024–2025 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Cooling Assistance benefit will close on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Applications submitted online through ACCESS HRA or postmarked and received by the deadline will be processed. Households are encouraged to apply before Monday’s deadline.

When temperatures are very high, air conditioning is one of the most effective ways to stay safe. If you don’t have it at home, consider visiting a friend’s place or a public, air-conditioned space such as a museum, mall, library, or a cooling center. On less extreme days, shaded areas, parks, sprinklers, and pools can also help.

To help New Yorkers stay safe during extreme heat, cooling centers will open across the five boroughs during heat emergencies. These centers provide free, air-conditioned spaces for anyone needing relief from the heat. To find a nearby cooling center, including accessible locations, call 311 (Video Relay: 212-639-9675 | TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit NYC’s Cool Options Map for locations near you. The Cool It! NYC Map on NYC Parks’s website is an additional resource to help you locate places to stay cool, hydrate, and find shade throughout the city.

During a heat advisory, indoor spaces without air conditioning can become much hotter than the temperature outside. Some neighborhoods may be up to 10 degrees warmer than surrounding areas, increasing the risk of heat-related illness. Older adults and people with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable. If you can, take a moment to check in on family members, neighbors, or others who may need extra support.

For more information and tips on staying safe in hot weather, visit these resources: