The Human Resources Administration is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality for New Yorkers in need. HRA provides essential benefits such as food and cash assistance, rental vouchers, and Medicaid.
Where can I go for help?
Access HRA
Use the Access HRA portal to apply for or recertify programs such as SNAP, Cash Assistance, FairFares NYC, health insurance, and more. You can also manage your case by viewing appointments and notices, receiving payments, and uploading documents. If you have questions, dial 311 and ask for ACCESS HRA.
A Homebase Center
If you’re at risk of getting evicted or need help making ends meet, Homebase can help. They offer emergency grants, information about public benefits, and other services to keep you in your home. Find the Homebase location closest to you and make an appointment.
An HRA Center
Use the HRA Locations map to search for SNAP Centers, Job and Service Centers, and Medicaid offices near you.
Your Shelter
Talk to your case manager about benefits and applying for HRA programs.
Your Child’s School
Ask the school’s STH Community Coordinator about the support available to your family. They can introduce you to other NYC Department of Education (DOE) staff and shelter staff who can help.
What services do they offer?
Click an entry to learn more.
A free City ID card
IDNYC
City ID Card | NYC Human Resources Administration
IDNYC is a free government-issued photo ID card for people 10 years and older who live in NYC. It can help you get City services, museum memberships, and more.
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.
Child support services
Office of Child Support Services
Family Services | NYC Human Resources Administration
The program helps mothers, fathers, and guardians with child support. People who receive child support can get help collecting it. People who pay child support can get help finding a job and managing their child support debt. Other services are also available.
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.
Get emergency food now
Emergency Food Assistance Program
Food | NYC Human Resources Administration
There are two ways to get free food quickly: get groceries from a food pantry, or a cooked meal from a community kitchen. Find the closest food pantries and community kitchens by using the Get Food NYC map.
Help for at-risk disabled and impaired adults
Adult Protective Services
Family Services | NYC Human Resources Administration
If you have a mental and/or physical disability that makes it hard to live alone and manage your affairs, and no one can help you, APS can. APS’s caseworkers make home visits, help you apply for benefits and services such as healthcare and managing money, and look into reports of abuse.
Long-term care at home
Home Care Services Program
Health | NYC Human Resources Administration
People who need care can get it at home instead of having to move into a nursing home or institution. There are different types of care for people with different needs. Home Care Services Program can give you a home nurse, house cleaning, physical therapy, and more.
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.
Money to buy food
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Food | NYC Human Resources Administration
Get help paying for groceries with SNAP. SNAP benefits are sometimes called food stamps. They come on a debit card that you can use at many grocery stores and farmers markets.
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.
Services for people with HIV or AIDS
HIV/AIDS Services Administration
Health | NYC Human Resources Administration
HASA helps people and families living with HIV or AIDS be healthier and more independent. People with HASA are connected with a caseworker who gets them the help they need. This help includes applying for public benefits and services.
Support for housing stability to avoid shelter entry
Homebase
Housing | NYC Human Resources Administration
Homebase is a homelessness prevention network with 26 locations across NYC’s five boroughs. If you’re at risk of homelessness, you can get services through Homebase to help with a housing crisis and support housing stability.
Low-cost and free health insurance
Health Insurance Assistance
Health | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA), NY State
Every New Yorker can get health insurance. There are low-cost and free plans for people who qualify, and counselors to help you choose a plan.