Low income New Yorkers with health issues posing a potential medical emergency during extended periods of hot weather can take advantage of $3 million set aside for air conditioner purchases through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

“The late spring and early summer have already brought several heat waves, which can be life-and-death matters for New Yorkers with serious medical conditions,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo, who announced the program.

“Senior citizens and children are especially susceptible to heat-related illness, and this initiative will provide low-income homes with much-needed air conditioners so that New Yorkers have the assistance they need to stay cool and healthy,” the governor said.

Eligibility for the program is determined by:

• LIHEAP low-income guidelines. (For a four-person household, the maximum gross annual income to qualify is about $49,500.)

• Having at least one household member who has been diagnosed with a chronic or acute medical condition which is aggravated by exposure to extreme heat situations.

• A doctor providing written documentation (dated within the last six months) that air-conditioning assistance is critical to prevent a heat emergency.

Households that have a working air conditioner or have received one from the state in the last 10 years are not eligible.

The cooling program is administered by HCR with funding provided from the federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funds, through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).

These agencies will accept applications, determine eligibility, and oversee the installation of the air-conditioning units. Under the terms of the grant, one air conditioner will be awarded to an eligible household or dwelling unit, with installation and labor included. Grants do not include an additional HEAP cash benefit to cover the cost of operating the air conditioning unit.

More info is available from the St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services HEAP Unit at 379-2303 or the county Community Development Program, 386-1102

Those who want to see if they qualify under HEAP’s income guidelines should visit www.mybenefits.ny.gov.