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.
Discount on your phone or internet service
Lifeline
Cash & expenses | Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Lifeline is a federal program that gives up to a $9.25 monthly discount on phone or internet service.
Financial help to cover the cost and installation of an air conditioner or fan
Cooling Assistance Benefit
Cash & expenses | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
The Cooling Assistance benefit helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan.
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.
Free tax prep services
NYC Free Tax Prep
Cash & expenses | NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
You qualify for free tax filing with NYC Free Tax Prep (http://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/file-your-taxes.page) if your family earned $85,000 or less or if you’re a single filer who earned $59,000 or less in 2023. IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparers are available to help you file.
Money for funerals due to COVID-19
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
Cash & expenses | Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
You can get reimbursed for funeral costs up to $9,000 for someone who died due to COVID-19.
Money for heat and utility expenses
Home Energy Assistance Program
Cash & expenses | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
HEAP helps low-income households meet the cost of heating their homes. The benefit can pay for fuel, your utility source, and heating equipment replacement and repairs. The benefit is paid directly to the heating vendor or utility company.
Monthly cash help when you are in need
Cash Assistance
Cash & expenses | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
Your family can get cash if you’re in need. Many families will get the funds on a debit card that can be used at any ATM or store where EBT cards are accepted. Some families may only qualify to get funds paid directly to their landlord.
Monthly discount on internet service
Affordable Connectivity Program
Cash & expenses | Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) gives your household a $30 discount on internet service every month. ACP stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 8, 2024. If you’re a NYCHA resident enrolled in (https://www.nyc.gov/assets/bigappleconnect/) Big Apple Connect, your service is not affected
One-time cash help during an emergency
Emergency Assistance / One Shot Deal
Cash & expenses | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
You may be able to get cash help if you cannot pay your bills because you lost your job, are getting less pay from your job, or had another emergency like an unexpected medical situation. This help is called “Emergency Assistance” or a “One Shot Deal.”
Payment for workers with low income who are excluded from other benefits
Excluded Workers Fund
Cash & expenses | NYS Department of Labor (DOL)
Payment to workers with low income who lost income due to COVID and who are not eligible for (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/nys-unemployment-insurance/) Unemployment Insurance (UI) due to immigration status or other factors.
Payments for eligible unemployed adults
NYS Unemployment Insurance
Cash & expenses | NYS Department of Labor (NYSDOL)
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 (HRA)
Fair Fares NYC helps low-income New Yorkers save 50% on public transportation including subway fares, eligible bus fares, and Access-A-Ride paratransit trips.
Stimulus payments during COVID-19
Economic Impact Payments
Cash & expenses | Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The IRS sent three Economic Impact Payments (stimulus payments) to adults and families with work-eligible Social Security Numbers (SSN). These payments were sent in 2020 and 2021. If you did not get your payments, claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 or 2020 tax return.
Tax credit for families with children
Child Tax Credit
Cash & expenses | NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP); Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
When filing taxes for 2023, families can claim this tax credit worth up to $2,000 for each qualifying child under 17 years old.
Tax credit for working individuals and families
Earned Income Tax Credit
Cash & expenses | NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP); Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The EITC is a tax credit for qualifying families, noncustodial parents, and individuals who work full time or part time or are self-employed.
Tax refund if you paid for child and dependent care
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
Cash & expenses | NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP); Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit reimburses up to 50% of costs for caring for a child or adult dependent. On your 2023 tax return, you can claim up to $3,000 for the cost of care for one qualifying person and $6,000 for care for two or more qualifying persons.
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.
