There are many cash benefits offered at both the City- and Federal-level. They can help you pay your bills, or you can receive monthly funds on a debit card.
What help can I get?
If you need help with day-to-day expenses, cash benefits are available to a wide range of New Yorkers.
- For monthly funds on a debit or ATM card, see Cash Assistance.
- For reductions on internet and phone bills, see Lifeline.
- For reductions on heating bills, see Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). For reductions on air conditioning bills, see Cooling Assistance Benefit.
- For 50% off Metro subway and bus fares, see Fair Fares NYC. Parents of children enrolled in an NYC Department of Education (DOE) school may be eligible for a free monthly MetroCard. Talk to a family assistant at your shelter or an STH School-Based Liaison at your child’s school for more information.
If you have a disability, you can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and receive money from the US government. SSI helps people with disabilities who have little or no income. They can provide cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. Visit the SSI website or call 1-800-772-1213 to learn more.
How do I get started?
- Go to Access NYC and fill out a short online survey. The survey results will let you know what City benefits you’re eligible for, including some of the ones listed here. Follow the instructions on the result page to apply for benefits. You can also email your results to City staff at your child’s school or your shelter for help.
- Speak to City staff who can help. In schools, there may be an STH Community Coordinator or STH School-Based Liaison who can answer questions. If your child’s school doesn’t have those roles, reach out to the school’s regional manager. In a shelter, speak with a social worker, case manager, or family assistant.
- Gather your documents. You may need certain documents to apply for services. Common ones include proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of income. Don’t let missing documents keep you from applying. City staff can help you replace missing documents.
Undocumented immigrants can access many city services, regardless of their status. City employees will not ask about immigration status unless it is necessary to do their jobs. They must keep information about immigration status confidential.
What benefits and programs does NYC offer?
Click an entry to learn more.
Advance payments to parents for tax year 2021.
Child Tax Credit
Cash & expenses | NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) / Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) helps families afford the everyday expenses of raising a child. All tax filers with qualifying children are eligible for the credit, even if they have no earned income or dont owe income taxes. The value of the CTC has been increased for tax year 2021, including up to $3,000 (per child under age 18) or $3,600 (per child under age 6) and can be received as advance payments starting July 15, 2021.
Cash help when you are in need
Cash Assistance
Cash & expenses | NYC Human Resources Administration
Your family can get cash if you are in need. The funds come on a debit card that you can use at any ATM or store where EBT cards are accepted.
Discount on your phone or internet service
Lifeline
Cash & expenses | Federal Communications Commission (FCC) | Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)
Lifeline is a federal program that gives up to a $9.25 monthly discount on phone or internet service. You can only use Lifeline for either phone or internet, but not both.
Federal stimulus payments
Economic Impact Payments
Cash & expenses | Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Adults and families with work-eligible social security numbers (SSN) can receive economic impact payments from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and previous Federal actions. Some mixed-status families are eligible. The IRS issues a direct deposit, check, or pre-paid debit card.
Financial help to cover the cost and installation of an air conditioner or fan
Cooling Assistance Benefit
Cash & expenses | NYC Human Resources Administration
The Cooling Assistance benefit helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan up to a cost of $800.
Free financial counseling and coaching
NYC Financial Empowerment Centers
Cash & expenses | NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
NYC Financial Empowerment Centers provide free, one-on-one professional financial counseling and coaching to help you reach your goals.
Money for funerals due to COVID-19
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
Cash & expenses | Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Get help paying for funerals of people who died due to COVID-19.
Money for heat and utility expenses
Home Energy Assistance Program
Cash & expenses | NYC Human Resources Administration
HEAP helps eligible households meet the cost of heating their homes. The benefit can pay for fuel, your utility source, heating equipment replacement and repairs. The benefit is paid either directly to the heating vendor or utility company. You can apply for HEAP every year when the program is open.
NYC Free Tax Prep
NYC Free Tax Prep
Cash & expenses | NYC Department of Consumer Affairs
If you earned $68,000 or less in 2020, the City can help you file your taxes for free. You can file for free online or in person.
Payment for workers with low income who are excluded from other benefits
Excluded Workers Fund
Cash & expenses | NYS Department of Labor
Payment to workers with low income who lost income due to COVID and who are not eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) due to immigration status or other factors.
Payments for eligible unemployed adults
NYS Unemployment Insurance
Cash & expenses | NYS Department of Labor
If you lost your job and it was not your fault, you might be able to get Unemployment Insurance (UI) payments. UI will give you some money based on what you earned. You must be looking for a new job to get UI.
Ride for half price
Fair Fares NYC
Cash & expenses | NYC Human Resources Administration
Fair Fares NYC is a City program that helps low-income New Yorkers manage their transportation costs. Eligible New York City residents receive a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares, as well as Access-A-Ride paratransit trips. Pay-Per-Ride, 7-Day (Weekly) and 30-Day (Monthly) Unlimited Ride options are all available.
Tax refund for workers and families
Earned Income Tax Credit
Cash & expenses | NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) / Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
EITC can provide a tax refund of up to $8,991 (combined Federal, State, and City). An eligible New Yorker receives $2,400 on average. The credit is meant for low- to moderate-income working individuals and couples, particularly those with children. You claim the credit when you file your taxes.
Tax relief for dependent care
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
Cash & expenses | NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) / Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
This tax credit helps working families pay for the care of children, adult dependents, or disabled spouses. You can claim up to $3,000 in expenses for one dependent or $6,000 for more than one when you file your taxes.
Temporary discounted internet service for your home
Emergency Broadband Benefit
Cash & expenses | Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) gives a temporary discount on your household’s monthly broadband internet service if you are eligible. Participating broadband providers will apply this discount to your broadband plan.