Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) today is raising awareness among local residents about the $3 million being made available to provide air conditioners to eligible low-income New Yorkers with documented medical conditions exacerbated by extreme heat. The Cooling Assistance Component of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s (OTDA) Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will begin May 1.

“The Cooling Assistance Component of the HEAP program provides seniors on fixed incomes and other families needing assistance with the ability to ensure their homes are cool all summer long,” said McDonough. “As the temperatures begin to increase, it is important that families prepare for the upcoming summer. I strongly encourage anyone on a fixed income or who believes they may be eligible to apply for the HEAP Cooling Assistance Program.”

The program provides financial resources for low-income New Yorkers with medical needs to get air conditioning and maintain a healthy living environment.

OTDA has set aside $3 million in HEAP funding to provide air conditioning units to eligible households statewide. Households must meet 2013-14 HEAP income guidelines and have written documentation from a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner noting that a member of the household suffers from a medical condition exacerbated by extreme heat. The documentation must also indicate that an air conditioner is required and must be dated within the previous 12 months.

HEAP cooling assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis beginning May 1. For more information on the program or to file an application for assistance, please contact the Nassau County Department of Social Services at 1-855-355-5777 or visit http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/dss/.