Financial aid in the form of temporary assistance (TA), which is also known as Cash Assistance (CA), is available for some low-income families dealing with issues like homelessness, eviction, underemployment, steep medical expenses, etc. There is a lifetime limit of 60 months for which you can use CA.
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:
- Children and parents are living together.
- Household members have a social security number.
- If you can work, you will either need to be working, be in an education or training program, or participate in a program assigned to you to get Cash Assistance. If you’re 60 or older, you are waived from this requirement.
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.
- Login in your HRA App, select the “Cash Assistance” option, and select “Cash Assistance for Families in Need” to open a case.
- Go to “Required Documents” tab and upload your their pictures from your smartphone. Then check the tab called “My Documents” to confirm that your documents have been successfully downloaded.
- Submit your application and check your assigned case number within two hours. A notification about completing an interview should show up when this happens.
- The immediate next step is to do an interview. To complete the interview contact 929-273-1872 anytime between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. The best time to call is early in the morning. Otherwise, it can take 2-3 hours to get to an agent. Have the following numbers ready to put in the phone when you call: your case or confirmation number, and SSN.
- If your Cash Assistance application is granted or declined, you will be notified within 30 days.
- Upon the approval of your application for Cash Assistance, you will receive a card called EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) in the mail; it will be loaded with cash. This card will get cash transfers twice a month.
- To learn how much cash you have on your EBT card, please call 888-328-6399 and provide your EBT card number.
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
