NY State Financial Assistance and Housing Information Financial Assistance

• For a comprehensive list of benefits through NY State for households facing financial hardship, visit: https://mybenefits.ny.gov/screening/ScreeningWelcome_input.nysmybw

• NY State Residents who have experienced unemployment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for unemployment benefits here: https://www.labor.ny.gov/home/ Both full-time and part-time workers are eligible. Whether you qualify – and how much you are allocated– depends on how much you worked during the past 15 months. Housing Information

• As of March 16th, all evictions in NY State are currently on hold. Still, just like with mortgages, it’s best to try to work out a plan with your landlord now, rather than later. Eviction proceedings will restart at some point. For general information about eviction proceedings in NY State, visit this website: https://www.nycourts.gov/COURTS/nyc/housing/eviction.shtml

• Banks will waive 90 days’ worth of mortgage payments and are suspending/postponing foreclosures for NY State Residents. Outreach to your bank directly to report and discuss your changing financial needs. The mortgage payment waivers will be based on financial hardship and are aimed at New Yorkers who suddenly find themselves out of work or unexpectedly working part time. The waived payments won't have a negative impact on borrowers' credit reports. Certain bank fees, including overdraft penalties, will also be waived during the crisis.

• PSEG of Long Island has agreed to suspend shutting off power and fuel during the pandemic. Contact PSEG at 1-800-490-0025

• The HEAP Program through NY State helps low-income residents pay the cost of heating their homes. If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/