usa.gov/benefits
Human Resource Administration a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/
718-557-1399 | 311
Public Benefits are help from the government for basic needs like health care, housing, food, or cash. They can be from the federal, state, or local government.
Eligibility
Benefits received from social welfare programs are usually based on a low income means-tested eligibility criteria.
How to Apply
Benefit programs are managed by different offices and there may be different ways to apply. To find out about benefits available in NYC and how you can apply, please call 311. If you reside out of NYC, please call 211.
To learn about common social welfare programs offered in New York read this handout cap4kids.org/newyorkcity/files/benefitsfornycfamilies.pdf. For information about more programs, please see below.
Benefits for New York City Families
Food
Women, Infant and Children (WIC)
Supplementary Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP/Food Stamps)
Health Care
Children Health Insurance (CHIP)
Medicaid for Pregnant People
NYC Care
The Essential Plan
Housing
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
New York City Housing Authority (Public Housing)
Cash Assistance
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Unemployment Insurance
Utilities
Free phone line
Emergency Broadband Benefit
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Learn more at the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance visiting their website at otda.ny.gov/programs.
Updated on January 25, 2022