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
Intake shelters will do their best to place these clients in a TGNC-coded unit. For a list of LGBTQ+ shelter centers please read below.
The Ali Forney Center is dedicated to providing support for LGBTQ youth who are experiencing homelessness and helping them develop the skills necessary for independent living.
Their 24-hour Drop-In Center is located in a convenient location near public transportation in Midtown Manhattan, and it offers access to essential resources such as food, medical care, mental health services, and more for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.
An Emergency Housing Program is also offered in Queens and Brooklyn for LGBTQ+ youths. However, due to high demand, there is a long waiting list. Housing is not immediately available, with a wait time of approximately two weeks for ages 16-20 and up to six months for ages 21-24.
For further information, please visit the website: www.aliforneycenter.org. Contact them via phone at (212) 222-3427 ext. 300.
Destination Tomorrow (DT) is an LGBT Center located in the Bronx. It offers direct services to the community and focuses on economic empowerment.
DT provides free GED courses, job readiness training, professional development, life skills, and financial literacy programs. Additionally, it offers housing for migrant individuals and special LBTQ populations.
Their migrant housing facilities are located in Long Island City and Chinatown and house over 1,000 invidividuals.
Their SWITCH program provides a 90-day housing program for TGNCGNB (transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender non-binary) individuals who have experienced domestic and sexual violence, been victims of sex trafficking crimes, or are currently participating in or have participated in sex work.
For further information, please visit the website: www.destinationtomorrow.org/housing-programs or contact them by phone at (646) 723-3325 or via email at info@destinationtomorrow.org.
JQY is a nonprofit organization supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth in the Jewish community with a special focus on teens and young adults from Orthodox, Chasidic, and Sephardic communities.
Their services include monthly support groups, hot kosher meala, social work and more. To learn more visit: jqyouth.org.
Updated on October 10, 2024
Many places of worship in New York City serve as shelters. They usually have a capacity of 20 people and are only open at night.
Find a faith-based shelter at www.emergencyshelternetwork.org/our-shelters.
Respite Centers welcome single adults and adult families. Please note that families with minor children will not be assigned to a respite shelter.
These centers are usually located in repurposed office buildings, churches, or schools. Residents are provided with a cot, blanket, meals, and access to a bathroom. It’s important to mention that respite centers offer fewer services than long-term shelters.
For locations of specific locations, please visit this link: www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/crisis-emergency-services-respite-centers.page.
At the shelter, sleeping spaces will be shared with other individuals, but families with minors have access to private rooms or cubicles for their comfort and privacy. In addition to accommodation, HERRCs offer meals, laundry services, healthcare, relocation support, and case management to assist individuals and families. The locations of HERRC shelters are provided upon request after a new arrival at the Roosevelt Hotel. Some of the HERRC locations include:
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Updated on October 7, 2024.
The Arrival Center at the Roosevelt Hotel
45 E 45th Street, New York, NY, 10017.
Open 24 hours per day, including weekends and holidays.
When you first arrive in New York City as a New Arrival, visit the Arrival Center. There, they will help you find shelter in NYC or in your city of choice. Please note, new arrivals cannot choose their shelter placement. The Arrival Center will help you pay for transportation and tickets.
If desired, they can also help you enroll in health insurance and school, as well as access medical assistance or mental health services. Single adult new arrivals under 23 can stay in their initial shelter placement for up to 60 days, while new arrivals over age 23 can stay in their initial shelter placement for up to 30 days before requesting an extension of their placement.
Living Room
800 Baretto Street, Bronx, NY 10474.
(718) 893- 3606.
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.
In-person services include laundry and showers; nutrition; housing placement and benefits assistance; drug and alcohol treatment referrals; medical and psychiatric care; medication monitoring; Nutrional assistance; substance abuse counseling
Main Chance
120 East 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016.
212-883-0680.
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.
In-person services include emergency overnight shelter; medical care; social work; nutrition.
Olivieri Center for Homeless
257 West 30th Street (between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue).
212-947-3211.
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.
In-person services include meals, access to showers and restrooms, clothing, case management, mental health and rehabilitation services, housing placement assistance, and referral to an emergency respite center.
The Gathering Place
2402 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11233
718-385-8713.
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.
In person services include three meals a day; shower/laundry and access to clothing; mail and phone services; therapeutic recreational activities; case management services/benefits assistance; medical/mental health services and referrals to treatment resources.
Breaking Ground
100-32 Atlantic Avenue (at 102 Street), Jamaica, NY 11416
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.
In person services include nutritious meals; showers and bathrooms; laundry; medical and psychiatric services; case management and benefits assistance; assistance with housing.
Project Hospitality
150 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY, 10301.
718-720-0079.
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.
In person services include assistance with benefits; 3 meals/day; laundry and showers; referrals; assistance with housing; arranges referrals to overnight faith-based shelters.
Updated on October 7, 2024
In order to access the NYC shelter system, adults must apply for shelter at a designated intake center, and do the same for their children. Single men and single women will go to different shelter intake locations. Individuals can stay at an intake center for up to 30 days without needing to provide an application or proof of eligibility. Following an interview, the intake center will decide on the appropriate shelter plan.
The intake center will need to see documents verifying your identity and your need for shelter to confirm your eligibility for shelter. Below are the recommended documents to bring to the shelter intake process. Dial “311” to access the NYC emergency shelter hotline and for any questions related to the shelter intake process.
You can schedule an appointment for an interview with your shelter if you wish to extend your stay at the shelter. You are eligible to extent your stay as a new arrival at a shelter if:
*PRUCOL refers to a residency status in New York City for individuals who are not U.S. citizens but have been permitted to stay in the U.S. by the Department of Homeland Security. This status is important as it makes individuals eligible for public benefits, such as Medicaid. It’s worth noting that PRUCOL is not officially recognized as an immigration status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
There are a variety of shelters NYC residents can go to. See a list of shelter types below.
For a list of additional shelters go to www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/get-help/i-need-shelter.
The Team Little Shop of Kindness (TTLCNYC) is a “shop” that provides clothing and toiletries free of charge to asylum seekers. Find the TTLNYC shop inside the Avenue Church Building at 1745 FIRST AVENUE, AT 90TH STREET, 3RD FLOOR. Asylum seekers must have an “A” alien number when visiting.
The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Guests can choose clothing and supplies for free, but you’ll need to make a reservation through this link: www.ttlcnyc.org. This will ensure access to clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other essentials.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to infoteamtlcnyc@gmail.com. For more details, take a look at www.ttlcnyc.org.
The Bowery Mission, located at Bowery Campus 227, provides food and clothing services free of charge to individuals of all ages.
No ID or referral letter is required to access this service. The Bowery Mission is open only on Mondays for women, who must arrive at 8 a.m. Only the first ten women are served for clothing services. Men can come from Wednesday through Friday and must arrive at 8 a.m. The first 20 men who arrive are served.
For questions and concerns, call 212-226-6214 or visit www.bowery.org.
The Samaritan’s Closet is a clothing Pantry at St. James Church at 865 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10021. It is open only on Sundays from 12-3 pm. For questions, please call 212-774-4200 or contact stjamesChurch@stjames.org.
The Prodigal Center provides clothing free of charge to individuals in need. Find the Prodigal Center at 709 Tiffany Street, Bronx, New York 10474.
No ID is required to access this service. Sign-in is requested with a number in households. The Prodigal Center is open on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays by appointment. You must arrive by 10 a.m. to access it.
For further questions or concerns, call 718-644-8523 for an English speaker or 917-626-2099 for a Spanish speaker. Or visit theprodigalcenter.org.
St. Mary’s Clothing Drive is a pick-up clothing service located at 230 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205. The drive is open on Monday-Friday from 8 am-4 pm. A referral letter from a shelter is required to access this service or an ID if you have one.
For questions, call 718-529-6070 or contact contact@stmarysclothingdrive.com.
Updated on August 2, 2024
That’s when you rent a house or apartment from someone else, not the government. You are the tenant in a private property, and the owner is the lessor.
Action steps to report damage or living conditions issues:
1. Contact your super and/or landlord about the needed repair, either directly or with the management company.
2. If your superintendent or building management company is not responsive, write a letter to the owner of the building. For assistance with writing a letter to your landlord, refer to the template provided below.
Date
Landlord Name
Landlord Address
Landlord City, State and ZIP Code
Re: Address of the Property
Dear [Landlord’s Name]
On [date], the [short description of the problem]. I notified you of the problem by phone on [date]. You informed me [resolution suggested by the landlord].
Please consider this letter as a follow-up to my initial telephone call informing you of the problem and a confirmation of your promise to remedy the situation by [date].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
3. If the problem is still not fixed, file a complaint with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) by calling 3-1-1. Follow up your case online at
hpdonline.nyc.gov/hpdonline
4. If maintenance problems are severe, consider filing an HP Action in Housing Court. Learn how at nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/housing/startinghp.shtml.
Justfix.nyc is a valuable and secure tool for tenants to use when requesting repairs from their landlord. The platform enables tenants to send a formal letter via USPS Certified Mail, ensuring that the request is both official and documented. Additionally, the service follows up with the tenant to verify whether the landlord has addressed the issue. To access these benefits, simply create a password-protected account with your first and last name, address, lease type, and phone number.
Visit justfix.org to create an account, and address a repair request to your landlord.
If your apartment is rent-stabilized and the problem is not fixed, file a complaint about maintenance issues online with the NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) at rent.hcr.ny.gov/RentConnect/Tenant/DecreasedServicesOverview.
1. If you live in a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) property, call the NYCHA Customer Contact Center Report at 718-707-7771 or create a maintenance ticket at my.nycha.info/MyNYCHA.
Have in hand the following information before your call:
► Your name, address, telephone number, and the name of your development
► The location of the emergency (if it applies): apartment, lobby, hallway, stairwell, etc.
► The floors affected
► When and how the problem began
► Previous work ticket number (if applicable)
2. If your superintendent or building management company is not responsive, consider asking your doctor for a letter of advocacy. Your doctor can find useful templates at nyscheck.org/clinician_letters.
3. If maintenance problems are severe, consider obtaining services from a non-profit legal organization to get repairs done. For example, Legal Services NYC offer free services to the community at legalservicesnyc.org. You can also call 311 and ask for the “Tenant Helpline”.
Learn more at nyc/gov/hpd.
Updated on March 14, 2024
FHEPS provides rental housing support specifically for families with a minor who are receiving cash assistance. It may cover your rent debt without needing repayment. It’s important to remember that families eligible for FHEPS may not qualify for other city housing subsidy programs.
Requirements
You must have a child under the age of 18 in your household and an active Cash Assistance (CA) case.
Application
To access FHEPS, you’ll need to reach out to a qualified center such as HomeBase. Only HomeBase centers are able to process CityFHEPS applications to move and to stay.
You can find a list of HomeBase centers at www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/homebase-locations.page. These centers are very busy, so if you can’t get an appointment right away, don’t be disheartened. Keep persisting, and you’ll eventually secure an appointment. Remember that wait times for appointments can be quite lengthy, often stretching until six months.
Household Share Letter and Shopping Letter
If you want to keep living in your current home, you will get a Household Share Letter. If you are looking for a new place, you will receive a Shopping Letter. If you plan to stay where you are for now but want to move later, you can ask for both letters.
This Shopping Letter serves as a helpful tool when speaking with potential landlords or working with a broker to find a new home. Once you have the letter, you can begin your housing search. It’s up to you to find and secure your new place.
It’s also important to remember that if HomeBase agrees to pay your overdue rent, you will NOT have to repay the amount provided to cover the past due rent. If otherwise, you apply to other similar programs like Community CityFHEPS, you would have to repay the debt covered. For further questions or concerns about FHEPS, visit www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/cityfheps-documents/DSS-7n-(E).pdf.
When you find housing, please inform your housing specialist or case manager at HomeBase. They will assist you in submitting the required documents. This will help Department of Social Services (DSS) to determine your eligibility and ensure that your housing meets the program’s requirements.
How much CityFHEPS will pay depends on household income, number of people in the household, number of rooms in the apartment, utilities, and program rent levels. For more information about how much FHEPS will cover, talk to your assigned FHEPS case manager.
CityFHEPS is a rental housing subsidy for some NYC residents facing eviction. It can help pay a portion of your rent and any rental arrears that have built up over time. Arrear payments with CityFHEPS are loans. Rental subsidies can be renewed for up to 4 years more.
Requirements
To qualify:
Household must be at risk of homelessness and meet of the following:
In addition, the household must have an income at 200% of the federal poverty line and have at least one household member who is a US citizen or resident. All the above is not an exhaustive list of requirements; for a complete list of requirements go to www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/cityfheps-documents/dss-7r-e.pdf.
There is no specific limit on the amount of rent debt, but any case involving an amount over $20,000 needs to be justified. Offering a comprehensive explanation for larger amounts is always advantageous, particularly when combining charitable or client funds.
Regarding income, all adults in the household must have income and support their children; no exceptions. If the adults do not have income, they must apply for cash assistance, and their children must be part of the case unless they receive SSI, foster care, or adoption subsidies.
Application
To access the CityFHEPS program, you’ll need to reach out to a qualified center such as HomeBase. Only HomeBase centers are able to process CityFHEPS applications to move and to stay.
You can find a list of HomeBase centers at www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/homebase-locations.page. These centers are very busy, so don’t get discouraged if you can’t get an appointment right away. Some centers have just 10 walk-ins and others have a wait time of months to make an appointment.
Once you are at a Homebase office, a caseworker will collect the information needed by Department of Social Services (DSS) to assess your potential eligibility for CityFHEPS. The caseworker may refer you to apply for other public benefits, including federal and state rental assistance programs.
If trying to move to a new place, HomeBase may take up to three months to get a rental voucher or “shopping letter”. This letter lets you search for a new apartment or room to rent. It’s valid until its expiration date, even if your case was closed at HomeBase. If you are interested in moving to other counties in NY State CityFHEPS vouchers can be used.
Household Share Letter and Shopping Letter
If you want to keep living in your current home, you’ll receive a Household Share Letter, and if you’re looking for a new place, you’ll get a Shopping Letter. If you’d like to stay where you are for now but plan to move later, you can request both letters. If HomeBase approves the payment of rent arrears of your apartment, you must pay back the amount given to pay the backed-up rent. Most of the CityFHEPS cases will end up in offering a voucher for a new rental home.
The Shopping Letter serves as a helpful tool when speaking with potential landlords or working with a broker to find a new home. Once you have the letter, you can begin your housing search. Just remember, it’s up to you to find and secure your new place.
When you find housing, please inform your housing specialist or case manager at HomeBase. They will assist you in submitting the required documents. This will help DSS determine your eligibility for CityFHEPS and ensure that your housing meets the program’s requirements.
How much CityFHEPS will pay depends on household income, number of people in the household, number of rooms in the apartment, utilities, and program rent levels.
Living in the Shelter System
If you or someone you know is in the shelter system and needs help with subsidized rent, the shelter will help, and you may qualify for a different type of voucher with different requirements.
For further questions or concerns about CityFHEPS, please go to https://www.healthandhousingconsortium.org or email info@hhconsortium.org. Otherwise go to www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/cityfheps-documents/DSS-7n-(E).pdf.
The One-Shot Deal is an emergency aid program intended to meet the immediate needs of low-income New Yorkers. This aid can be utilized to address a variety of scenarios, including rental assistance to prevent or postpone an eviction.
You need not be a recipient of public assistance to get an offer. Remember that most one-shot deals will have to be repaid over time with regular monthly payments.
Check out the program information at access.nyc.gov/programs/one-shot-deal.
If the program could fit your needs, apply at access.nyc.gov. In addition, on the second page of this handout, check the documents you need to submit with your application.
After all documents have been submitted, a ruling may take 30–45 days, depending on the case’s urgency. Access the HRA website at access.nyc.gov or call the HRA InfoLine at (718) 557-1399 to know if your case has been decided.
Free legal services under the Right-to-Counsel program are made available to residents of New York in any ZIP code, regardless of their immigration status. In the five boroughs, organizations offer free legal representation or guidance to tenants facing administrative eviction from the New York City Housing Authority or the Housing Court.
Call 311 and ask for the “Tenant Helpline”. Learn more at https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/legal-services-for-tenants.page.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) had been suspended for several years, but a waiting list application reopened on Monday, June 3, 2024. Just a reminder, all applications closed on Sunday, June 9, 2024. If you’re on the waitlist, you may need to update or submit a complete application.
Learn more about the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) and what you may need to do if you’re on the waitlist at “Applying for Section 8”.
Housing options for low-income renters and homeowners are available through the New York City Housing Lottery, NYC Connect. Sign up at housingconnect.nyc.gov to get on the waiting list for any developments that interest you.
Learn about the application process visiting the link housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/about-us.
Find affordable and accessible homes and apartments across New York State at www.nyhousingsearch.gov. In the application process, your credit score may be requested.
Updated on August 12, 2024
If you are unable to use public transportation and need to request a medical service pick-up, you may be eligible if you don’t have a valid driver’s license, don’t have a working vehicle available in your household, are unable to travel or wait for services alone, or have a physical, cognitive, mental, or developmental limitation.
How to Request Medical Transportation Services
CANCELLATIONS
To find more information about requests of transportation with the Medical Answering Services (MAS) visit emedny.org/ProviderManuals/Transportation/PDFS/Ordering_Guidelines_Manual.pdf.
Updated on September 24, 2024
While there isn’t a central intake center available, youth can directly go to a drop-in center where they can find the assistance they need. Below, please find a list of options.
Eligibility
Young people between the ages of 14 to 24.
Services
Food, clothing, showers, laundry, and case management services are available.
The Door Manhattan
555 Broome Street, New York NY 10013.
(212) 941-9090. Mon-Thurs: 11 am-6 pm.
Ali Forney Center Manhattan
321W 125th Street, New York NY 10027.
(212) 206–0574. Mon to Friday, 10am to 6pm.
Safe Horizon Streetwork Project Manhattan
209 West 125th Street, New York NY 10027.
(212) 695–2220. Mon, Tues, Thurs–Sun: 12pm–6pm
Safe Horizon Streetwork Project Manhattan LES
33 Essex Street, New York NY 10002.
(646) 602-6404. Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri. 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Covenant House
460 West 41st Street, New York, NY 10036.
(212) 613-0300. 24/7.
Cardinal McCloskey
333 East 149th Street, Bronx NY 10451.
(718) 993-5495 | (917) 304-5118. 24/7.
Services Brooklyn
774 Rockaway Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11211.
(718) 685–3850. 24/7.
Sheltering Arms (Brooklyn)
1600 Central Avenue, Far Rockaway NY 11691. Tuesday through Saturday 11am – 7pm.
In person services: Social distancing and other DOH health guidelines will be followed.
Sheltering Arms (Queens)
89-74 162nd Street, 3rd Floor, Jamaica NY 11432.
(718) 526–2400 ext. 2077. 24/7.
Project Hospitality
27 Port Richmond Avenue, Staten Island NY 10302.
(718) 876–4752. 10am – 7am (21 hours).
For more information about shelter locations and services for youth, please visit www1.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/runaway-homeless-youth.page
or call 311.
Updated on October 7, 2024.
The store may assist families facing emergencies by offering free goods to East Harlem residents who have previously engaged in services with LSA. LSA also food pantry services every Wednesday, health services, education, and family support, actively helping families in crisis throughout East Harlem and nearby areas.
To make the most of their sales, visit the store located at 333 East 115th Street, New York, NY 10029. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For further details or to confirm holiday hours, please check www.thesharingplacenyc.com or call (646) 672-5203.
Updated on October 28, 2024
Once an adult family arrives at AFIC, a caseworker interviews them. The caseworker inquires about their living situation and explains the services that may help them avoid shelter altogether.
Families may be assigned a temporary shelter placement for up to 10 days while DHS investigates the information provided during the interview. Based on the investigation, DHS determines whether the family is eligible or ineligible for shelter based on whether they have fully cooperated with the application and eligibility process and/or have other housing options available to them.
Learn more about the intake and documentation process at www.nyc.gov/site/dhs/shelter/families/adult-families-applying.page.
Updated on October 7, 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
If you’re an eligible low-income homeowner, you can get an annual, non-refundable credit of $145. You do not have to enroll in the Home Water Assistance Program. A credit will appear on the first DEP bill received after the credit is applied. The transaction will be labeled “NYC Home Water Assistance Credit.”
Learn if you qualify here.
To learn more, go to portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02789
Updated on November 7, 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.
Eligibility
Families who do not have alternative housing options will be offered a permanent shelter placement. Families with children younger than 21, families with a pregnant woman, and pregnant women are eligible.
Services
PATH will identify housing needs, provide resources to help prevent homelessness, and place families experiencing homelessness in a shelter. All families will be offered a temporary shelter placement during the application process. Interpreter assistance will be available.
How It Works
Once you arrive at PATH, you will first be interviewed by a Human Resources Administration (HRA) caseworker. The caseworker will inquire about your living situation and explain the services that may help you avoid entering shelter, including family mediation, anti-eviction legal services, out-of-city relocation assistance, the Family Homelessness Eviction Prevention Supplement (FHEPS), or a One-Shot Deal through HRA.
You may be assigned a temporary shelter placement for up to 10 days while DHS investigates the information provided during the interview. Based on the investigation, DHS determines whether you are eligible for shelter based on whether you have fully cooperated with the application and eligibility process, and have other housing options available. Reasons you might be denied shelter include:
If the shelter system deems you ineligible for shelter, you have the right to reapply by phone. The phone number will be provided on your denial notice. However, if you are logged out of the shelter system, you must visit the shelter in person to reopen the application process.
Updated on October 7, 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