Learn more at the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance by visiting their website at otda.ny.gov/programs.
Updated on February 27, 2024
SNAP is a program run by the government that gives you money every month to buy healthy food at grocery shops, Walmart, and Amazon. Based on the size and income of your family, you may or may not qualify to apply. After you apply to SNAP and get certified, you will receive cash loaded onto a card. The amount of money authorized will be determined by how much of your salary covers your food expenses.
Obtain additional information at hungersolutionsny.org/find-food-help/snap.
WIC is a government-run program that provides supplemental nutritious food for pregnant, breastfeeding people, and children under 5. Through WIC, you would receive a “food debit card” with a monthly food allowance that you can use at supermarkets or online retailers like Amazon or Walmart. Medicaid holders may qualify automatically, and income and child age determine eligibility.
Learn more about WIC and approved foods at www.wicstrong.com.
Health Bucks are coupons that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at all NYC farmers markets.
Updated on February 8, 2024.
Visit nyc.gov/site/hra/help/cash-assistance.page or call the HRA Infoline at 718-557-1399 for questions.
Updated on February 26, 2024
Go to any Fair Fares NYC location for assistance with the application process or to get a replacement card if yours is damaged or stolen. Go to nyc.gov/site/fairfares/contact-us to find an office.
Updated on February 27, 2024
You are eligible to earn weekly UI payments for up to 26 weeks per year. People who work part-time may be able to get assistance.
For questions about eligibility and the application process, please visit dol.ny.gov/unemployment-insurance-top-frequently-asked-questions or call the Department of Labor at 888-209-8124, Monday-Friday 8 AM-6 PM.
Learn more at dol.ny.gov/unemployment/file-your-first-claim-benefits.
Updated on February 26, 2024.
For questions or information about special situations, go to ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html.
Learn more at www.ssa.gov/ssi.
Updated on February 27, 2024
The federal government manages Children’s Medicaid, a type of public insurance that doesn’t charge you a monthly fee. However, sometimes you have to pay a small fee for some services, and other times you don’t have to. Under Medicaid, the most you would ever have to pay in copays in a year is $200.
Your child is eligible for Children’s Medicaid if:
• It is 1-18 years old
• It resides in NYS and is a U.S. Citizen, National, or a Non-Citizen legally admitted into the U.S
• The amount of money you make is equal or lower than on a portion of the Federal Poverty Level that is set by New York State. See if your income qualifies by checking this Glance Card.
Every year, the insurance must be renewed. See details at info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/COVID-19-Changes. To apply go to nystateofhealth.ny.gov.
Child Health Plus is New York State’s child health insurance program. Depending on your income, the amount you pay each month may be fully subsidized, somewhat subsidized, or not subsidized at all. The monthly fee however is capped at three children for bigger families. Families with income above the low-income threshold for subsidies may have to pay the whole premium, which varies by health plan. In contrast, low-income households are not required to pay a premium.
One of the good things about Child Health Plus is that there are no annual deductibles. You can also sign up your kid for it at any time of the year through the NY State of Health.
Your child is eligible for Child Health Plus if:
– It is less than 19 years old
– It is not eligible for Children Medicaid
– It cannot be covered by other health insurance
– It resides in New York State, no matter its immigration status
For more information about Child Health Plus, check out this Glance Card. Every year, Child Health Plus must be renewed. See details at info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/COVID-19-Changes.
Learn if your child qualifies for either Medicaid or Child Health Plus at health.ny.gov/health_care/child_health_plus/eligibility_and_cost. For other questions, call this toll-free number: 1-800-698-4KIDS (1-800-698-4543), and ask about Child Health Plus or Children’s Medicaid. If you are hearing impaired, call the TTY number, 1-877-898-5849.
Updated on February 27, 2024
Likewise, you can get free dental and vision care or pay for these benefits, depending on your income. Find more information about the Essential Plan at info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/essentialplan.
Updated on February 27, 2024
To learn more about Medicaid for Pregnant Women go to access.nyc.gov/programs/medicaid-for-pregnant-women.
Updated on February 26, 2024
Learn more at irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-tax-credit.
Updated on February 27, 2024
Drop-Off Service
In-Person Tax Prep
To learn more, visit nyc.gov/taxprep.
Updated on February 27, 2024
Lifeline Assistance
Telephone Carrier Program
New York State Lifeline Discounted Telephone Service is an assistance program offered by many telephone providers, including some wireless and cable companies, to help income-eligible consumers save money on their phone bills.
Services
Qualifying consumers can apply to “Lifeline” to receive a monthly discount on either their landline telephone service or their wireless service.
Eligibility
In New York State, consumers can qualify for the “Lifeline Program” based on the following eligibility criteria:
Income-Based: Your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Government Assistance Programs: You participate in one of the following programs.
Federal Programs | State Programs | ||
► Medicaid | ► Family Assistance/Safety Net Assistance | ||
► Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | ► Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) | ||
► Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | ► National School Lunch Program | ||
► Federal Public Housing Assistance | ——– | ► Veteran’s Pension and Survivors Benefit | ——– |
Application
–Federal program participation: Apply online.
–State program participation: Contact a telephone carrier and ask about their Lifeline Program.
Updated on January 16, 2021
Energy Assistance by NYC the Human Resources Administration Office
NYC HEAP locations
HEAP Infoline 800-692-0557
Heat Line 212-331-3150
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income people pay the cost of heating or cooling their homes. HEAP runs different benefit programs that will pay for: fuel, your utility source, equipment, and/or repairs depending on your needs. As a household, you could either apply for regular or emergency HEAP benefits. Remember, you may still be able to receive benefits even if your heat is included in your rent.
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria vary by program. Generally, criteria are based on:
-Household income
-US Citizenship or satisfactory immigration status
Find about your eligibility in the Energy Assistance website or call the HEAP Infoline at 800-692-0557.
HEAP programs
–Regular HEAP benefit: a one-time supplement to your annual energy costs. The base amount of money given depends on your living situation. Find more information at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap.
–Emergency HEAP benefit: Emergency benefits are available if your heat has been turned off or is in danger of being turned off. The Emergency HEAP benefit opens January 3, 2022 and closes March 15, 2022 or until funds run out.
–Cooling assistance: The Cooling Assistance benefit helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan up to a cost of $800. The program opens May 2, 2022. Applicants are only eligible for a Cooling Assistance benefit once every five years. For more information call the HEAP Conference Line at 212-331-3126 or apply with your HEAP local district contact in NYC.
–Utility Assistance Program (UAP) (once the link opens scroll down): UAP assists families or individuals who are elderly, blind, disabled, mentally impaired or those residing in a neglected or hazardous environment who require financial assistance for their energy bills. Contact the Heat Line if you are having trouble paying your utilities bill calling to (212) 331-3150. Here are some other situations that may make you eligible for cash assistance.
–One Shot Deal- Cash Assistance Program: Starting December 31st, 2021, the One Shot Deal Program provides emergency assistance grants if you get a utility shut-off notice. To help pay utility expenses owed, visit access HRA and select one-shot deal at the top of the page.
How to Apply
– By phone: (212) 331-3126
– In person: See offices at nyc.gov/programs/home-energy-assistance-program-heap/#how-to-apply
– Mail: Applications should be mailed to New York City Home Energy Assistance Programm P.O. Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY, 10008. Download application form at otda.ny.gov/programs/applications/3421.pdf
To find more information about your eligibility visit the Energy Assistance website and apply.
ESPANOL/SPANISH
El Programa de Asistencia para la Energía (HEAP por sus siglas en inglés) ayuda a personas con bajos ingresos a pagar el costo de la calefacción y/o ventilación de sus hogares. HEAP tiene diferentes programas de beneficios que pagarán por: combustible, fuente de electricidad, equipos y/o reparaciones dependiendo de su necesidad. Como familia, podrá aplicar para los beneficios regulares o de emergencia de HEAP.
Nota: El período de aplicación para beneficios regulares o de emergencia HEAP esta activo desde el 1ro de Octubre de 2021 hasta el 15 de marzo de 2022.
Elegibilidad
Los criterios de elegibilidad varían por programa. Conoce si calificas entrando a la página de Energy Assistance.
Como Aplicar
Por telefono: (212) 331-3126
Personalmente: Ubica oficinas en el enlace nyc.gov/programs/home-energy-assistance-program-heap/#how-to-apply
Correo: Las aplicaciones deben ser enviadas a New York City Home Energy Assistance Programm P.O. Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY, 10008. Download application form at otda.ny.gov/programs/applications/3421.pdf
Updated on January 27, 2022
Home Water Assistance Program Website
Department of Environmental Protection
311
If you’re an eligible low-income homeowner, you can get an annual, non-refundable credit of $115.89 through the Home Water Assistance Program (HWAP). You do not have to enroll in the Home Water Assistance Program.
If you’re an eligible homeowner, you will automatically get a credit on your water and sewer account. A credit for $115.89 will appear on the first DEP bill received after the credit is applied. The transaction will be labeled “NYC Home Water Assistance Credit.”
Call 311 for assistance.
Learn if you qualify here.
Updated on September 2, 2020
Home Repair and Preservation Financing
HomeFix
Lead Hazard Reduction and Healthy Homes Program
If you are a homeowner in one of the five boroughs and need heating upgrades, plumbing or electrical repairs, lead paint removal, roof and window repairs, or other repairs you could receive a homeowner repair loan through the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. The program provides access to affordable low- or no-interest and potentially forgivable loans for home repairs to eligible owners of one- to four-family homes in New York City
For more information about this program by clicking on HomeFix. To find out if you qualify please visit Determine Eligibility.
Si es dueño de una casa en uno de los 5 condados de Nueva York y necesita modernizar su sistema de calefacción, hacer reparaciones eléctricas o de plomería, remover pintura a base de plomo, reparar techos y/o ventanas, o necesita hacer otro tipos de reparaciones, usted puede recibir un préstamo para propietarios a través del departamento de salud. Para más información siga el enlace HomeFix. Para conocer si califica para otros programa visite esta página.
Updated on December 6, 2020
Federally Declared Disasters Areas
FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (800) 621-3362 | TTY: (800) 462-7585 | 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS): (800) 621-3362
American Red Cross Greater NYC (877) 733-2767
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (888) 209-8124
A disaster is an occurrence disrupting the normal conditions of existence and causing a level of suffering that exceeds the capacity of adjustment of the affected community. Some examples are nor’easters, severe storms with flooding, and power outages.
Learn how to prepare and what resources are at your disposal.
Find the Nearest Hospital
Find the nearest hospitals in your area and view what services each provides with the US Hospital Finder.
Find a Safe Place to Go
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to talk with someone in person for guidance or information. To find a center near you, use the DRC Locator or text DRC and your ZIP code to 43362. Example: DRC 10029.
Disaster Relief Resources and Temporary Sheltering Assistance
► You can apply online or with the FEMA App to manage your disaster application. Your Social Security Number (SSN) is required.
► If you are eligible for Transitional Sheltering Assistance, FEMA will pay the cost to stay in certain lodging providers for a limited period. Costs covered are for the cost of the room and taxes, and any other expenses are not included. Search the list of participating locations to see if they have availability in the area you have selected.
► Find open shelters with the American Red Cross Greater NYC
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
DUA is a federal program that provides payments to people in a federally declared disaster area who have lost work or income as a direct result of the disaster. You must first file for regular Unemployment Insurance by calling the NYS Department of Labor at 888-209-8124.
Help with Expenses After a Disaster
You can apply to the NYC Human Resources Administration for a one-time emergency grant, also called the “One Shot Deal.” Call (718) 557-1399 for more information.
Coping with Stress Related to Disasters
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene helps New Yorkers. Contact NYC Well at 888-692-9355 for counseling and resources.
Information Resources
► Preparedness Actions Education
► NYC Emergency Management Office 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115)
► Notify NYC App
► Know Your Zone (Hurricanes)