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Federal/State Programs

Temporary Assistance for Families

For low-income families dealing with issues like homelessness, eviction, underemployment, steep medical expenses, etc., the government offers financial aid in the form of temporary assistance (TA) also known as public assistance (PA). There is a lifetime limit of 60 months for which you can use TA.

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 TA.
To find out if you are eligible file an application with your local Benefits Access Center. Find the nearest one at www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/job-locations-and-service-centers.page.
Apply for TA online at www.nyc.gov/accesshra.
More information about eligibility and documentation required on this document.
Within 7 working days of applying, your interview will be scheduled . If your temporary assistance application is granted or declined, you will be notified within 30 days.

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

Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment insurance (UI) gives temporary income to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, such as being laid off instead of being fired for bad behavior, or having quit on their own for reasons that were not the employer’s fault.

To apply for UI, create a NY.GOV account at labor.ny.gov/signin and hit the button “Create an NY.GOV account.” If you already have an account, do not create a new one.
Get ready your social security number, ID (Driver’s License or Motor Vehicle ID number, Alien Registration Card Number), phone number, address, bank account number or routing number.
Collect the names, addresses, phone numbers of all employers for the last 18 months and wage details.
Submit the required information and documentation on the Department of Labor website.
Once a claim is filed, it takes three to six weeks to receive your first payment.

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.

Child Tax Credit

The Child Tax Credit helps parents lower their tax bills per qualifying child. Parents and guardians with higher incomes may be eligible to claim a partial credit. If you are New York resident, you can receive tax credits when filing for state taxes.

Tax credit amounts are mostly based on three factors: marital status, income, and the number of dependent children.
Children must have a Social Security number for families to be eligible to receive the tax credit.
Check if you qualify with an IRS Interactive Tax Assistant at irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-for-other-dependents
You can claim the Child Tax Credit by entering your children and other dependents on Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and attaching a completed Schedule 8812, Credits for Qualifying Children and Other Dependents
For Child Tax Credit with New York State, there are income criteria. Check if you qualify at www.tax.ny.gov/pit/credits/empire_state_child_credit.htm.

Learn more at irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-tax-credit.

Updated on February 27, 2024

Medicaid for Pregnancy

People who are pregnant can get free Medicaid care through the New York State Department of Health.

If you’re pregnant and uninsured, you may qualify. How much you earn will determine if you qualify. Call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 800-522-5006 for information to see if you qualify.
Coverage is available regardless of immigration status.
To sign up, go to the NY State of Health Marketplace at nystateofhealth.ny.gov even if the enrollment period has closed.
Call 311 for assistance with your application.
Your baby will receive health care for at least one year after its birth.

To learn more about Medicaid for Pregnant Women go to access.nyc.gov/programs/medicaid-for-pregnant-women.

Updated on February 26, 2024

Benefits for Long-Term Disabilities

Two long-term disability programs for children and adults are available to New Yorkers. These are the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Adults are eligible for SSDI if they have worked in the past but are now unable to do so because of a new impairment. On the other hand, SSI is a program that helps low-income children and others with disabilities by providing funds to cover basic needs, including food, clothing, and housing.

To receive SSDI benefits

You must have held positions that were eligible for Social Security benefits and have a medical condition that qualifies as a handicap according to Social Security’s rigorous guidelines.
Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance online at secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib. To apply in person, go to a local social security office. Find an office near you with the SSO locator at secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp#officeResults. Otherwise, call 1-800-772-1213 (TYY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm.
After a five-month wait, SSDI will send you your first payment six full months after the date SSDI found when your disability began.

For questions or information about special situations, go to ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html.

To receive SSI benefits

There is no online SSI application.
Schedule an appointment with a local Social Security office to file an application.
Find an office near you with the SSO locator at secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp#officeResults. Otherwise, call 1-800-772-1213 (TYY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm.

Learn more at www.ssa.gov/ssi.

Updated on February 27, 2024

Disaster Relief & Recovery

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)

Discounted Telephone Service by Lifeline Assistance

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

Home Water Assistance Program

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 Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

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

Fair Fares NYC

FairFaresNYC is a transportation benefit program that gives a 50% discount on MetroCards to help low-income New York City residents. Residents have to meet the qualifications in order to apply.

To learn if you qualify, go to www.nyc.gov/site/fairfares.
To apply online, go to nyc.gov/accessfairfares.
To complete your application submission, get the ACCESS HRA Mobile App to submit any documents related to your application. See a list of suggested documents.

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