Each program here has different eligibility criteria. If you are unsure what programs you or your family may be eligible for, you can complete a free eligibility screening though Access NYC. To apply for most of these programs, you can make an account and apply through AccessHRA. Child care is through MyCity. See more options to apply below.
Cash and Expenses | NYC offers direct cash to families in three main ways:
- Family Assistance (FA), offers cash assistance to families with children or “dependents” under the care of a relative or guardian, for a maximum of 60 months in their lifetime.
- Safety Net Assistance (SNA), provides cash assistance for families who reached the 60-month limit on FA, as well as for certain others, including childless adults, children eligible independently of their parents, or those living separately from their parents. Immigrants not covered by FA may qualify for this aid.
- Emergency Cash (or One-Shot deals) for temporary emergencies such as housing insecurity (experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing); facing an electricity or gas shut off; loss of items due to a theft, a fire, or a natural disaster; being affected by domestic violence; or other health and safety concerns. You may be required to pay the full or a partial amount back.
For FA and SNA, the cash benefit amount includes some assistance for utilities and rent that is either paid directly to the gas or electric company, or the landlord.
Basic Needs Support | NYC offers these public benefit programs:
Food
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) can help cover food costs. Money is loaded on a debit card which can be spent on groceries in select locations. Amount is determined based on income and family size.
- WIC (Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children) can also help cover food costs, and provides nutrition and breastfeeding support. WIC is for pregnant women, new and breastfeeding moms, and children under age five. Money is loaded on a debit card (eWIC) which can be spent on certain foods and can supplement formula needs. Through September 30, 2024, most WIC kids and moms will also get $26-$52/month to buy fruits and veggies.
Health
- Low or no-cost Insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can cover costs for children and adults with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Monthly payment depends on income, savings, and living situation.
Housing – Emergency Assistance
- Homebase NYC – city-wide program designed to help families and individuals overcome immediate housing problems that could result in becoming homeless, and to develop a plan for long-term housing stability. Support can include: family or tenant/landlord mediation, household budgeting, emergency rental assistance, job training and placement, or benefits advocacy (child care, food stamps, tax credits, public health insurance).
NOTE: When families enter shelter, all families must apply for, or already be receiving public assistance.
Childcare
- Free or low-cost early childcare includes center-based or home-based care for up to 10 hours a day for infants and toddlers. Cost is determined based on income and family size.
- Childcare vouchers can cover a portion of the cost of childcare (how much it covers depends on your income and family size) for children 6 weeks to 13 years old. Children with disabilities up to 19 years old are also covered.
Transportation
- FairFares provides half-off Metrocards to use on NYC transit (subway and non-express buses) as well as lower cost Access-A-Ride services.
Miscellaneous
- Tax Preparation to support families in receiving tax credits they may be eligible for.
- Discount on your phone or internet service (up to $9.25 monthly on phone or internet service for eligible households.)
Who is Eligible and How to Apply
Each of these programs varies in terms of eligibility. If you are unsure what programs you or your family may be eligible for, you can complete a free eligibility screening though Access NYC.
For most of these programs, you can make an account and apply through AccessHRA. Child care is through MyCity.
Benefits Centers in NYC
If you are seeking support with program applications, benefits maintenance, or other services such as legal services, family counseling, tax preparation support, you can visit a benefits center. Here is a list of centers you can visit or call in NYC.
Guaranteed Income Programs in NYC
There are several programs running in NYC that provide unconditional cash support to families. Programs currently accepting applications:
The Bridge Project is a guaranteed income program for mothers with low-incomes during pregnancy and the earliest years of their children’s lives. The Bridge Project provides consistent, unconditional cash on a biweekly basis. The program lasts 36 months, and mothers who are part of The Bridge Project receive $1,000 a month for the first 18 months of the program and $500 a month for the last 18 months, all on a biweekly basis.
If you live in NYC, you can find the application here. To be eligible, you have to meet these criteria:
- Be 18 years old or older
- Be 23 weeks pregnant or less with your first child
- Have an annual household income under $52,000
- Live in New York City
Is there an economic support or program for families not listed here? Let us know: info@familypolicynyc.org.
We will continue to update this page as we hear of other opportunities.
If you came to this page because you are facing an investigation, find information on your legal rights and the investigation process here: https://yourfamilyyourrights.org/