Public Assistance in New York — Cash Assistance, HRA, who qualifies

Introduction

NYC offers a wide range of assistance programs through HRA (Human Resources Administration). The most important are: Cash Assistance (cash benefit), SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid (insurance), Emergency Assistance (urgent). Each program has its own criteria, but you can apply for all at once through ACCESS HRA.

Immigration Status — Who Qualifies

• Cash Assistance (CA):
  • U.S. Citizens — YES
  • Green Card 5+ years — YES
  • Refugees, Asylees — YES immediately
  • VAWA, T-visa — YES
  • Temporary visas (B, F, H, L) — NO
  • Undocumented — ONLY emergency for U.S. citizen children
• Medicaid (NY State Of Health):
  • Very broad access — all citizens, most immigrants with work authorization
  • NY offers Emergency Medicaid regardless of status
• SNAP: see SNAP food stamps

Cash Assistance Programs

1. Family Assistance (FA) — TANF

• For families with children up to 18 years old (or up to 19 if in high school)
• Time limit: 60 months in a lifetime
• Requirements: job search, training (work activities)
• Partially federally funded (TANF)

2. Safety Net Assistance (SNA)

• For adults without children (or who have exceeded 60 months of FA)
• Lower amount than FA
• No time limit, but after 24 months — socratic assistance (vendor pay instead of cash for 30% of the amount)
• NY State only — not federal

3. Emergency Assistance to Families (EAF) / Emergency Safety Net (ESN)

• Urgent situations: job loss, eviction, theft of documents, natural disaster
• One-time assistance up to 4 times a year
• Check to landlord, utility company, etc. (not to you)

Cash Assistance Rates (NYC 2026)

• 1 person without children (SNA): ~398 USD/month.
• 2 people: ~525 USD/month.
• 3 people (e.g., mom + 2 children, FA): ~745 USD/month.
• 4 people: ~870 USD/month.
• Plus rent supplement (Shelter Allowance): ~277-400 USD/month for the family
• Plus Heating Allowance in winter
• Rates in NYC are lower than actual rent — often insufficient

Recognized Expenses (deductions)

• Rent
• Utilities (electricity, gas)
• Medical care for the elderly
• Child care (for work)
• Transportation to work

Resource Limits

• FA: 2,500 USD per family (3,750 USD if someone is disabled or 60+)
• SNA: 2,500 USD
• Car: 1 (usually exempt); second car counted
• Bank accounts, stocks, cash — included
• Primary residence — exempt
• Retirement accounts 401(k), IRA — exempt

How to Apply

Step 1: ACCESS HRA

• Online: access.nyc.gov
• Application: ACCESS HRA Mobile
• You can apply for Cash Assistance, SNAP, Medicaid, Child Care in one application
• Time: 30-60 minutes

Step 2: Job Center

• Select the nearest HRA Job Center (there are 22 in NYC)
• Some operate only in selected boroughs
• Greenpoint/Brooklyn: Bushwick Job Center, Williamsburg JC
• Queens: Jamaica JC, Astoria JC

Step 3: Interview and Documents

• Phone or in-person interview (45-90 min)
• Required documents:
  • ID (passport, Green Card, driver's license)
  • SSN for each household member (eligible for CA)
  • Children's birth certificates
  • Proof of address (lease, gas bill)
  • Proof of income (paystubs, or statement of no income)
  • Bank statements for 3 months
  • Children's vaccination card (under 18 years old)
• Free translator — Polish available

Step 4: Decision

• 30 days for CA, 30 days for SNAP, 45 days for Medicaid
• Emergency CA: 7 days
• First payment usually 5-15 days after approval
• EBT card by mail or pick up at Job Center

Work Requirement

• Adults on FA must participate in "work activities" 35 hours/week:
  • Work
  • Subsidized employment
  • Job search
  • Vocational training
  • Community service
• Without this — sanctions (reduction of benefits) or loss
• Exemptions: disability, care for a child under 12 months, 60+ years, pregnancy

Emergency Assistance — Urgent Situations

• Eviction — help with overdue rent payment
• Utility shutoff — payment to Con Edison / National Grid
• Theft of documents — replacement
• Disasters (fire, flood)
• Apply at Job Center or through HRA Emergency Hotline

Domestic Violence (DV)

• DV victims — special treatment, ability to obtain CA without spouse
• Domestic Violence Liaison at HRA
• Shelters + CA + counseling
• Without immigration status — VAWA may be a pathway

After Approval — What Next

• Monthly payment on EBT card
• Recertification every 6-12 months
• Report any changes within 10 days: income, address, household members
• Work activities (if required)

Common Mistakes

• Not applying out of unjustified fear about status (many Poles incorrectly withdraw)
• Not reporting income changes — loss of benefits + repayment
• Failure to participate in work activities — sanctions
• Violating EBT rules (buying prohibited items)
• Not collecting proof of expenses (rent, children)
• Missing recertification deadline — loss