Learn more at the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance by visiting their website at otda.ny.gov/programs.
Updated on September 18, 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.
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.
Cash Assistance generally includes assistance with utility and shelter expenses. It is obtained through a debit card that is loaded twice a month, which can be used at ATMs or at stores that accept EBT cards.
The size of your household, where you live, your income, the type of income you make, and your US residency or immigration status, can affect your ability to get Cash Assistance; eligibility is determined on a case by case basis.
The following are some important qualifying criteria:
For a complete list of qualifying criteria, visit: access.nyc.gov/programs/cash-assistance.
Before you apply, you must gather important documents you must submit with your application. Please see a list of documents required at www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/W-119D-E_POS_Mapped.pdf.
Application:
Apply online at www.nyc.gov/accesshra or apply in person by visiting a Benefits Access Center. Find a Bebefits Access Center near you at www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/job-locations-and-service-centers.page.
Visit nyc.gov/site/hra/help/cash-assistance.page or call the HRA Infoline at 718-557-1399 for questions.
Updated on September 18, 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
The Omny Students Metro Cards free rides includes a free transfer between the subway and local, limited, and Select bus service, or a free transfer between buses. Make sure to request one from your public school. NYC Public Schools collaborates with schools to hand out these cards to their students.
For more information, please visit: omny.info/students
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.
To qualify, you must be or have recently been employed when your condition arose and file a claim within 30 days using the Employee Claim (C-3) form. Notify your employer in writing about the injury or illness details as well. More information is available at www.wcb.ny.gov/content/main/onthejob/howto.jspat.
Contact the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board at (877) 632-4996 for more information or visit the website wcb.ny.gov.
Remember that disability benefits begin after eight days of disability and can be collected for up to 26 weeks, with payments every two weeks. Note that there’s a 7-day waiting period with no benefits, and you can receive 50% of your weekly wage, capped at $170 per week.
Updated on November 17, 2024
Social Security Disability Insurance provides benefits to you and eligible family members if you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Monthly benefits are based on your average lifetime earnings and start six months after the disability onset, up to 12 months before application. Payments are deposited directly into your bank account or onto an SSA Direct Express Card.
Under Social Security guidelines, you are deemed disabled if:
Apply online at secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib.
Updated on November 18, 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
Most employees who work for private employers in New York State are eligible to take paid family leave. See the eligibility requirements below.
How to Apply (steps)
You can take leave all at once or on separate days, but it must be in full-day increments. If you know that you need leave, tell your employer at least 30 days before it starts. If you cannot foresee the need for leave, inform your employer as soon as possible. If you work more than one job, you can take Paid Family Leave from both jobs, but you must request it from both employers at the same time. Make sure to collect all forms and documents you need. Complete them, attach the necessary paperwork, and submit everything to the insurance carrier.
*Find your employer’s insurance carrier visiting wcb.ny.gov/content/ebiz/icempcovsearch/icempcovsearch_overview.jsp. Otherwise, ask your supervisor or, if applicable, your employer’s Human Resources or payroll department.
For more information, visit paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/bonding-leave-birth-child or call the Paid Family Leave Helpline for assistance at (844) 337-6303 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Updated on November 18, 2024
Childcare vouchers can help pay for various types of care, like center-based programs, home-based care, or care from an approved friend, family member, or neighbor. Available hours depend on the provider and can be up to 24 hours. Hours for regular days are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; for extended days, the hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parents are not required to be U.S. citizens to apply for a voucher. However, the child receiving care must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or have satisfactory immigration status. The size of your family, where you live, your income, and the reason you need care play a role in determining eligibility.
You also need to have ONE of the following reasons for care (in a two-parent household, both parents will need a reason for care):
Find out your eligibility for a childcare voucher or an affordable childcare program at mycity.nyc.gov/s/screening-flow.
Note that if you are receiving cash assistance and are interested in child care assistance, you must apply through the Human Resources Administration. Please contact your Benefits Access Center or visit the Human Resources Administration’s website at https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra.
If you’ve met with your HRA Benefits Access Center Case Planner and they’ve directed you to apply for child care assistance through MyCity, please proceed to the application at mycity.nyc.gov.
Once you submit your application for a childcare voucher, you can expect to hear back within a month with a letter. After you get your letter from ACS or get your request approved through HRA, please show your voucher to the childcare center of your selection. To locate childcare centers near your home, visit www.myschools.nyc.
For more information on applying for childcare vouchers or affordable childcare, visit mycity.NYC.gov and select “childcare” from the “Services” menu.
Updated on October 30, 2024
Learn more at irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-tax-credit.
Updated on February 27, 2024
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.
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
Drop-Off Service
In-Person Tax Prep
To learn more, visit nyc.gov/taxprep.
Updated on February 27, 2024
To receive mobile internet and/or phone discounts, check if your current phone or internet provider offers it or enroll in a company that does. Check the companies’ lifeline programs below.
– AT&T www.att.com/wirelesslifeline
– Spectrum www.spectrum.net/support/home-phone/new-york-lifeline-phone-credit
– T-Mobile en.t-mobilepr.com/Lifeline
– Verizon www.verizon.com/support/residential/account/manage-account/lifeline-discount
–> Your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines OR
–> You participate in one of the following programs
— Supplemental Security Income (SSI) OR
— Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly Food Stamps OR
— Medicaid OR
— Federal Public Housing Assistance OR
— Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) OR
— Family Assistance/Safety Net Assistance OR
— National School Lunch Program
Household Size
1 $18,347
2 $24,719
3 $31,091
4 $37,463
5 $43,835
6 $50,207
7 $56,579
8 $62,951
Add $6,372 for each additional person.
Visit www.lifelinesupport.org or call 1-800-234-9473 for the latest income guidelines.
Lifeline eligibility is automatically verified annually. Each household gets one Lifeline discount. You can apply to Lifeline in two different ways, depending on the type of benefit you get, whether federal or state-based.
If you receive benefits from state programs like HEAP or the school lunch program, ask your phone company about their Lifeline Program when you call them.
If you receive benefits from a federal program like SNAP or Medicaid, you should send your application to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which runs the government Lifeline program. To see if you are eligible for the program and to apply, go to www.usac.org.
Updated on July 14, 2024
It’s important that you continue to pay your energy bills as usual.
Through several program components, HEAP provides people with cash benefits to:
— Help pay heating and electricity bills every month 2 (HEAP Regular)
— Get a window- or portable- air conditioner (AC) – (Cooling Assistance)
— An emergency cash benefit to help pay bills when utilities are about to be turned off (HEAP Emergency)
— Cash to clean hot equipment – (Clean and Tune)
— Cash to help fix or replace hot or cold equipment – (HERR)
The amount of cash benefit you will receive depends on your household’s income, the number of people in your household, and whether heat and utilities are included in your rent or paid separately. If you pay your electricity provider directly, you may receive cash or credit from them, and New York State will reimburse the provider.
To be eligible for the HEAP Regular program:
— Someone in your family is a citizen or qualified non-citizen of the United States (lawful permanent resident; refugee; asylee; battered spouse and children; victim of trafficking; or individual from certain countries), AND
— Your monthly income from all sources, like returns, discounts, and allowances before taking out any costs or taxes for your family, is at or below the current income guidelines for the size of your family, AND
— You get assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP,) OR
— You are given temporary assistance (TA), OR
– Your Social Security Income (SSI) code is A, which means you receive additional funds for living alone.
Find the most current income guidelines at access.nyc.gov/programs/home-energy-assistance-program-heap/#determine-your-eligibility.
**HEAP regular applications usually begin in November**
To apply for financial aid, create a Human Resource Administration (HRA) account at a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra and start your application. The HEAP application form is also available at www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/heap_application.pdf. **Remember that your name must be on the electricity bill to get the benefit**
For instructions on how to fill out the HEAP Regular benefit application form, go to page 2 of this PDF www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/heap_application.pdf. After you send in your application, you may be called for a phone interview to determine your eligibility. Apply in person by going to an HRA Benefits Access Center or a community outreach location near you otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/default.asp?county=New%20York%20City#result.
**Certain types of income, including loans, reimbursement for employment or medical expenses, foster care payments, and earned income tax credits, are not considered in determining eligibility for HEAP. Also, assets are not considered eligible for HEAP.**
You may be eligible for an Emergency HEAP benefit if:
— The heating and/or electric bill is in your name, AND
— Your household’s available resources are:
—less than $2,500 OR
—less than $3,750 if any member of your household is age 60 or older or under age 6.
AND
— Your household’s total monthly income is at or below the current income guides for your household size as posted in the table below, OR
— You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, OR
— You receive Temporary Assistance (TA), OR
— You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Living Alone
Apply Over the phone by contacting the Human Resources Administration (HRA) at (718) 557-1399. Their working hours are Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We advise to call at 8 a.m. to get to staff. You may need your own interpreter.
HEAP Emergency Application Form: www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/services/energy_assistance/LDSS-3421.pdf.
Benefit amounts are based on the cost of providing Clean and Tune services, up to a maximum of $500.
You may be eligible for the clean and tune benefit if:
— You are the homeowner
— Your household’s monthly income from all sources, like returns, discounts, and allowances before taking out any costs or taxes for your family is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size https://access.nyc.gov/programs/cooling-assistance-benefit/#determine-your-eligibility,
— Your primary heating equipment is more than 12 months old
— Your primary heating equipment or chimney has not been cleaned within the last 12 months
— You do not have a service contract with your vendor that includes clean and tune services
Apply Online
Agency: Human Resources Administration (HRA), (718) 557-1399.
Business Hours: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call staff during business hours and get assistance in most languages.
Apply in Person
You can apply in person by going to an HRA Benefits Access Center or a community outreach location near you otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/default.asp?county=New%20York%20City#result.
For information on how to apply, call 718-557-1399.
— Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Benefits Access Center Locations: www.nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/home-energy-assistance-program.page
— Tracking Your Application Status: a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra
— HEAP Benefits by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance OTDA: otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#repair-benefit
To be eligible for the benefit, you must:
— Own your home, and
— A partner vendor must document the heating system as: dysfunctional or unsafe, needing repair or replacement.
You must also meet the HEAP regular eligibility requirements. See above for details.
Heating equipment that harms family members can be replaced under specific conditions and with medical documentation. A doctor, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner must explain why the heating system damages the household member.
Apply Over the Phone
Agency: Human Resources Administration (HRA), (718) 557-1399.
Business Hours: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call staff during business hours and get assistance in most languages.
Apply in Person
You can apply in person by going to an HRA Benefits Access Center or a community outreach location near you otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/default.asp?county=New%20York%20City#result.
The benefit application form is the same for HEAP regular and is available online at www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/heap_application.pdf. Applicants require an interview that can be completed over the phone or in person. For additional help, please call the Infoline at 718-557-1399.
The Human Resources Administration (HRA) is required to notify applicants of their eligibility decision within 30 business days after receiving the final vendor invoice for payment. If additional paperwork is required, the process may take up to 10 additional business days.
— Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Benefits Access Center Locations: www.nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/home-energy-assistance-program.page
— HEAP Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement Reference Tool:otda.ny.gov/policy/directives/2022/LCM/22-LCM-12-Attachment-1.pdf
— HEAP Regular Application Form: www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/services/energy_assistance/LDSS-3421.pdf.
— Documents To Support Qualifying Requirements: www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/services/energy_assistance.
— Tracking of Application Status: a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra
— HEAP Benefits by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance OTDA: otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#tune-benefit
For more information, visit access.nyc.gov
Updated on July 9, 2024