Financial Assistance

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers, a program operated by the City of New York's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, provides one-on-one professional, financial counseling, and coaching to support you in reaching your goals at no charge.  

Counselors work with individuals to reduce debt; understand rights and responsibilities when it comes to student loans; strengthen personal credit score; make saving a part of the routine; balance a budget; open a bank account; separate personal and business finances and much more.

Click here to find more information about NYC Financial Empowerment Centers.

SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families and individuals so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency. The City of New York can provide Emergency Food Benefits to those who qualify.

Click here for more information about SNAP and application information.

Visit the Case Management & Benefits Access Programs section for assistance in applying for SNAP Benefits.

The City of New York's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection operates the NYC SafeStart Account program. This program allows every New Yorker a banking account at participating banks and credit unions. 

The NYC SafeStart Account does not have overdraft fees; monthly fees, if the minimum balance requirement is maintained (usually $25.00 or less); and an ATM Card is provided.

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers can provide more information on SafeStart accounts and finding the right account for you.

IDNYC is accepted at some participating banks and credit unions as primary identification. Depending on policies of the banks and credit unions some may require proof of address, Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and/or a small initial deposit. Credit Unions may have additional membership requirements like residency, employer, or relational requirements.

A voucher is required to open an account at a participating bank or credit union. The voucher is available to download from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection website.

Click here to find more information about the NYC SafeStart Account program. 

The Cooling Assistance benefit helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan up to a cost of $800. The deadline to submit applications is May 2, 2022. 

Air conditioners are provided on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants. Applicants are only eligible for a Cooling Assistance benefit once every five years. If eligible, a household can get only one air conditioner or one fan, and the cost can’t go above $800 including installation fees. The benefit is not applied to an electric bill or issued as a cash benefit.

HEAP Application Assistance is available, or if you're home-bound home visits are available, by calling 212.331.3126.

The Home Energy Assitance Program (HEAP) is administered state-wide by the State of New York Office of Temporary and Disability (OTDA).  Residents of New York City apply for the program through the City of New York's Human Resources Administration (HRA).

If you are homeless, facing depossession, eviction, utility disconnect, a victim of a fire, domestic violence, or other hardship you may be eligible for the Short Term Emergency Grant and Loan program called "The One-Shot Deal" from the City of New York.  

Click here for more information about The One Shot Deal.

If you are facing eviction or entertaining the shelter system the City of New York's Human Resources Administration has several programs that can help you with your housing issues.  

Click here to find more information about Rental Assistance Programs.

Through the Federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) you can get help from the City of New York to help pay your electric, gas, or heating costs if you have received a disconnect notice.  

Click here for more information for assistance in paying your utilities.