An allocation of $3 million has been approved to provide air conditioners to low-income North Country residents and others around the state who suffer from medical conditions aggravated by extreme heat.

Prolonged exposure to high indoor temperatures poses health risks that disproportionately affect those already suffering from medical ailments, according to the announcement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office.

Local departments of social services are accepting applications to the program. The Home Energy Assistance Program is overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Last summer, the program provided cooling assistance to 3,400 households.

To qualify for the subsidized air conditioning units, households must meet income guidelines and have a member that suffers from a documented medical condition exacerbated by extreme heat. Acceptable written documentation can be from a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner and must clearly indicate the need for an air conditioner. The document must be dated within the last 12 months.

A household of one may have a maximum gross income of $2,194 a month to be eligible; a household of two, a maximum of $2,869; three, $3,544; four, $4,219; five, $4,894; six, $5,569.

Cooling assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Information is available from the St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services at 379-2111.