Free Benefits & Assistance Programs in New York, NY

NYC Human Resources Administration provides cash assistance, SNAP benefits, and other support services to eligible New Yorkers through ACCESS HRA.

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is the largest public housing authority in North America, providing affordable housing to over 339,900 residents.

NYC Health + Hospitals provides healthcare services regardless of ability to pay or immigration status, including NYC Care for uninsured New Yorkers.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits to help low-income households buy nutritious food. Benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card at grocery stores.

WIC provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) helps very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford decent, safe housing in the private market. Participants find their own housing and the program pays a portion of the rent.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, provides weatherization services, and assists with energy-related home repairs.

Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private coverage.

Head Start promotes school readiness for children ages 3-5 from low-income families through education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services. Early Head Start serves infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.

211 is a free, confidential service that connects people with local resources for food, housing, employment, healthcare, and crisis intervention. Available 24/7 in most areas.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance and support services to low-income families with children. Benefits include cash payments, job training, childcare, and transportation assistance.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. SSI benefits help cover basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.