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 (HRA)
IDNYC is a free government-issued photo ID card for people 10 and older who live in NYC. It can help you get City services, museum memberships, and more.
Child support services
Office of Child Support Services
Family Services | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) makes children the priority through helping mothers, fathers and guardians in opening and maintaining child support cases. A child can get child support until age 21 even if the other parent isn’t involved in the child’s life. Parents 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 (HRA)
The Cooling Assistance benefit helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan.
Food from pantries and community kitchens
Community Food Connection
Food | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
There are ways to get free food quickly – get groceries from a food pantry, or a cooked meal from a community kitchen. Use the Food Help NYC (https://foodhelp.nyc.gov/) map or call 311 to find your closest food pantry and community kitchen.
Get text messages with new job openings
Text 2 Work
Work | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
TXT-2-WORK sends you text messages with new job openings. Many pay above minimum wage and you can choose to get alerts from areas of work that you are interested in working.
Help for adults in danger of abuse, neglect or exploitation
Adult Protective Services
Family Services | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
APS helps adults in danger of abuse, neglect or exploitation. If you or someone you know needs help, refer them to APS by calling 718-557-1399.
Homes for adults who cannot live alone
Family Type Homes for Adults
Housing | NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS); NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
Family-Type Home for Adults (FTHA) are state licensed, adult care facilities that offer a comfortable, home-like atmosphere to residents. Residents are dependent adults who require support services, but do not need skilled medical or nursing services.
Long-term care at home
Home Care Services Program
Health | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
You can get care at home instead of moving into a nursing home. Different types of care include a home nurse, house cleaning, physical therapy, and more depending on your needs.
Low-cost and free health insurance
Health Insurance Assistance
Health | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA); NYS Department of Health (NYS DOH)
Health insurance helps pay for planned or unexpected medical care. Health insurance options are available to all New Yorkers, even if you are not a citizen. Counselors can help you choose a health insurance plan.
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.
Money to buy food
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Food | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
Get help paying for groceries with SNAP, previously known as food stamps. You’ll get money on a debit card that can be used at many grocery stores and farmers markets.
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.
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.”
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.
Services for people with HIV or AIDS
HIV/AIDS Services Administration
Health | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
HASA connects people with HIV/AIDS to services that help them live healthier and independent lives.
Services to help you keep your housing
Homebase
Housing | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
Homebase can help if you’re at risk of becoming homeless. They have locations across New York City’s five boroughs and offer a wide range of services to help you if you have a housing crisis.
Low-cost and free health insurance
Health Insurance Assistance
Health | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA); NYS Department of Health (NYS DOH)
Health insurance helps pay for planned or unexpected medical care. Health insurance options are available to all New Yorkers, even if you are not a citizen. Counselors can help you choose a health insurance plan.
