Assistance programs in New York
Explore public benefits and assistance resources by the kind of help you need. Agencies decide eligibility and availability.
Find programs for your situationFood assistance
New York WIC
New York WIC provides food and nutrition support to eligible pregnant or postpartum participants, infants and children younger thanfive.
SNAP Food Benefits (New York)
New York SNAP helps eligible households buy food through EBT. Application routes differ between New York City and other counties.
Housing assistance
LawHelpNY.org (Eviction & Legal Help)
LawHelpNY offers free legal information and a directory of civil legal aid providers. Search by location and legal issue.
Utility assistance
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)
New York HEAP helps eligible households with heating costs. Regular, emergency and equipment assistance have separate intake rules and funding windows.
Weatherization Assistance Program (NYS HCR)
New York weatherization improves efficiency in eligible homes through local providers. Renters and homeowners can apply.
Health coverage
Child Health Plus
Child Health Plus provides health coverage for eligible New York children younger than19 who are not eligible for Medicaid.
New York Medicaid
New York Medicaid application routes depend on age and eligibility category. The marketplace and local districts serve different applicants.
Cash and income support
New York State Earned Income Credit
New York’s earned income credit is claimed on the state income-tax return. It is linked to the same-year federal EITC.
Temporary Assistance (Family Assistance & Safety Net)
New York Temporary Assistance includes Family Assistance and Safety Net Assistance. Local districts assess regular and emergency requests.
Unemployment Insurance (NYS DOL)
New York unemployment insurance provides temporary payments to eligible workers. Initial claims and weekly certifications are separate.
Additional support
2-1-1 New York
211 New York connects people with local services through regional providers covering the state around the clock.
Program names come from our existing directory. Funding and rules can change; confirm details with the administering agency before applying.