Stay Cool, IAM Members! Summer 2025 Cooling Aid for NY & NJ

Summer heat shouldn’t mean a health risk or a busted budget for IAM union families. Both New York and New Jersey offer cooling assistance through the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP/LIHEAP) to help eligible households stay safe and comfortable!

Key Reminder: These programs generally operate on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out. Apply as early as possible!

For IAM Members in New York State: HEAP Cooling Assistance

New York’s HEAP Cooling Assistance Component can help you get an air conditioner to beat the summer heat.

• Application Period: The program opened on April 15, 2025. Apply soon!
• What’s Offered:
  • One air conditioner (window or portable unit) or a fan if an air conditioner cannot be safely installed. This includes the cost of the unit and installation.
    • Up to $800 for a window/portable air conditioner or fan.
    • Up to $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit.
  • Important: This program primarily provides equipment; it does not offer cash benefits to pay electric bills for cooling.
• Who Is Eligible?:
  • Your household’s gross monthly income must be at or below the current NYS HEAP income guidelines for the 2025 cooling season:
    • Household Size 1: Max Monthly Gross Income $3,322
    • Household Size 2: Max Monthly Gross Income $4,345
    • Household Size 3: Max Monthly Gross Income $5,367
    • Household Size 4: Max Monthly Gross Income $6,390

(For larger households, check the official OTDA HEAP guidelines)

• You might also qualify if you receive SNAP, Temporary Assistance, Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone), or meet certain criteria from a recent HEAP regular benefit.
• Your household includes at least one individual with a documented medical condition worsened by extreme heat, OR an adult aged 60 or older, OR a child under age 6.
• A member of your household must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
• You must currently not have a working air conditioner, or the one you have is 5 years old or older.
• You must not have received a HEAP-funded air conditioner in the past 5 years.

• How IAM Members in NY Can Apply:
  • Online:
    • NYC Residents
    • Residents Outside NYC 
  • By Phone: Contact your HEAP Local District Contact. NYC residents can call the HRA Infoline/HEAP Phone Number at 718-557-1399.
  • In Person: Visit your local Department of Social Services office or HEAP contact.
• Documents You’ll Likely Need (NY):
  • Proof of identity for all household members
  • Social Security numbers
  • Proof of residency
  • Proof of all household income for the past month
  • Documentation of a medical condition (if applicable)
  • A copy of your current electric bill

For IAM Members in New Jersey: LIHEAP Cooling Assistance

New Jersey’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) includes assistance for medically necessary cooling costs.

• Application Period: The general LIHEAP application period (which covers cooling) is from October 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. It’s vital to apply within this window and indicate your need for cooling assistance.
• What’s Offered for Cooling:
  • For FFY 2025, eligible households may receive a $300 benefit for medically necessary cooling needs.
  • This benefit is typically issued as a direct credit to your active electric utility account or, if that’s not possible, as a one-party check to you.
• Who Is Eligible?:
  • Your household must be responsible for home cooling costs (either directly or as part of rent).
  • Your household’s gross income must be at or below 60% of the New Jersey State Median Income:
    • Household Size 1: Max Monthly Gross Income $3,991
    • Household Size 2: Max Monthly Gross Income $5,219
    • Household Size 3: Max Monthly Gross Income $6,448
    • Household Size 4: Max Monthly Gross Income $7,676

(For larger households, check the official NJ DCA LIHEAP guidelines)

• Generally, assistance for cooling requires a medically documented need.
• Households in public housing or receiving rental assistance where utility costs are included in rent are usually not eligible unless they pay their cooling costs directly to a supplier.

• How IAM Members in NJ Can Apply:
  • Online: Visit www.energyassistance.nj.gov 
  • 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.
  • Mail/Home Visit Options: If you are aged 60 or over, or disabled, you may be able to apply by mail or request assistance with the application at home.
• Documents You’ll Likely Need (NJ):
  • Proof of identity for all household members
  • Social Security numbers (for those who have them)
  • Proof of residency
  • Proof of all household income
  • A copy of your electric bill 
  • A clear medical documentation stating that cooling is medically necessary.

IAM Members: Take Action to Stay Cool!

These HEAP/LIHEAP cooling assistance programs are in place to help IAM families like yours manage summer energy challenges. Don’t wait until the worst of the heat hits.

• Review the eligibility criteria for your state carefully.
• Gather your documents in advance.

Apply as early as possible during the open enrollment period for your state.