How To Get
Assistance

If you are low on funds and trying to stretch out what little you have, there are some ways to get back on your feet before you fall into despair. Help is available for families and single people in need of health insurance, rent assistance and food. The Human Resources Administration provides most of these services. Below is a listing of some of those services from the HRA for New York City residents who need a helping hand.

Health Insurance Assistance:
For those whose jobs do not offer health insurance, cannot afford health insurance or cannot obtain health insurance for any other reason, there is Medicaid.

To find out if you qualify, or to set up an appointment, call the Human Resources Administration at (718) 557-1399 or (877) 472-8411.

Welfare - Financial Assistance:
If you have a job and are still not making ends meet; are suddenly unemployed or if the major breadwinner in your family passes away or leaves, you could qualify for the Welfare to Work program through the Human Resources Administration.

This temporary solution helps those who qualify meet their financial needs and provides free job training. To see if you qualify, call or visit one of the offices listed below:

Family Service Call Center:
33-28 Northern Blvd.,
Long Island City, NY 11101;
(718) 752-3937,
(718) 392-6454,
(877) 472-8411

Child cases only when the adult payee is not in receipt of public assistance. No walk-in service.

Jamaica Welfare Center:
165-08 88th Ave.,
Jamaica, NY 11432;
(718) 523-2146

Queens Job Center:
32-20 Northern Blvd.,
Long Island City, NY 11101;
(718) 784-5919

Food Stamps:
The Food Stamp Program helps people with a limited income purchase food. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It provides food stamp benefits by assigning an electronic benefits card that can be used in place of cash to purchase food items at participating grocery stores and supermarkets.

To learn more about the program's qualification guidelines; how to apply and how to obtain an application, call the HRA Info line at (877) HRA-8411 or visit one of the Welfare to Work Job Training Centers listed above.

Housing Assistance:
If you cannot afford the ever-increasing rent payments of New York City apartments, you may qualify for free or reduced-cost public housing. To be considered you must first fill out an application. Queens residents can pick up an application at The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) located at 155-09 Jewel Ave. in Flushing, or call (718) 969-9361. All applications must then be mailed to New York City Housing Authority, Post Office Box 1342, Church Street Station, NY, NY 10008.

The process includes a criminal background check. The Housing Authority will contact your old landlord and visits to your home will be conducted by an outside contractor.