Public Benefit Resource Guide

Federal, state, and local agencies offer many benefits, subsidies, credits, and other supports for New Yorkers who meet certain income thresholds.

Home care providers are an important asset for community outreach on the availability of these benefits.

Please share these resources widely with individuals in need and read on for further information.

STATEWIDE & FEDERAL BENEFITS

Locate Low-Cost Internet

Several internet providers offer low-cost internet plans (typically less than $25/month) for certain customers meeting specific eligibility requirements. 

Also, more than a dozen New York internet providers participate in the Federal Lifeline program, which offers a discount of $9.25 on any service that includes a broadband component, and a discount of $7.25 on a telephone voice-only service.

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Emergency Broadband Benefit

Beginning May 12, 2021, eligible households can sign up for an Emergency Broadband Benefit of up to $50 off your monthly broadband bill through the Federal Communication Commission’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. 

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Internet Options for Low- and Fixed-Income Households

Having access to reliable internet service is more important than ever, but many plans are expensive for low- and fixed-income customers. Fortunately, you can take advantage of multiple plans and programs to secure low-income internet service or free high-speed internet.

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Medicare Advantage Plans in New York

This guide to Medicare Advantage plans in New York state includes information about the plans available, what benefits they offer and who is eligible for coverage. It also provides helpful information about how to apply for Medicare Advantage in New York.

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Supporting Children and Families in Accessing Federal Tax Benefits in the Recent American Rescue Plan

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) includes important changes to tax credits that support families with infants and toddlers.

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Workforce development Institute – Child Care Subsidy Program

Enrolled families receive income-based childcare subsidies to help offset the high cost of childcare. Individuals will still be responsible for a portion of the cost (called the family share) which is determined by a family’s income.

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Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

The New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will provide significant economic relief to help low and moderate-income households at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability by providing rental arrears, temporary rental assistance and utility arrears assistance. A Call Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1-844-691-7368 or TTY number 1-833-843-8829.

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Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income people pay the cost of heating their homes.

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Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Cooling Assistance Component Flyer

If the heat affects your health, you may be eligible for HEAP cooling assistance to obtain an air conditioner.

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Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit 

The American Rescue Plan expands the size of the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Parents are eligible if they needed care for any child under age 13 or a dependent with a disability of any age while working or looking for work.

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Free SUNY/CUNY Tuition through Excelsior Scholarship Program

The Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other aid programs, allows eligible full-time students to attend a SUNY or CUNY two-year or four-year college tuition-free.  Applications will be accepted through August 31, 2021.

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NYC BENEFITS

Discount on Subway/Bus Fares

Through Fair Fares NYC, participating New York City residents can receive a 50 percent discount on either subway and eligible bus fares, or Access-A-Ride.

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Funeral Assistance Fact Sheet

Funeral assistance is available through the Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) and the NYC Human Resource Administration COVID-19 Burial Assistance. 

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Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Office/Section 8 Vouchers 

Client Services are available by appointment. Click here for a list of housing services and staff contacts to provide help. Follow this link for HPD staff email addresses.  

Any Section 8 voucher holders with questions or concerns about their voucher status should reach out to the Division of Tenant Resources (DTR) at DTRInitials@hpd.nyc.gov. Clients who need more time should submit a request for an extension within 30 days of their voucher expiration date. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Extension Request form may be uploaded to the DTR Portal or emailed to DTRInitials@hpd.nyc.gov for applicants or Portability@hpd.nyc.gov for participants that are moving or porting with their voucher.