This article is for people living in NYC. Learn more about benefits for New York State.
If you're struggling to afford basic needs like food, rent, or medical care, there are government benefit programs that can help. These programs provide monthly payments, food assistance, health insurance, and help with rent.
Even if you're not a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for cash assistance, SNAP, and Medicaid. In many cases, you can qualify with just a pending application to USCIS and a receipt notice.
Legal Services NYC offers free legal help with any benefit problem (denied, reduced, or cut off). Call Legal Services NYC at 917-661-4500 Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for help.
Legal Services NYC also has a guide that answers common questions about:
- SNAP (food stamps) - Monthly money to buy groceries
- Cash assistance - Cash payments twice a month to help with basic needs
- Medicaid - Free health insurance that covers doctor visits, medicine, hospital stays, and more
- Medicare - Health insurance for people 65+, people with disabilities, or certain medical conditions
- Housing help - Programs like Section 8, FHEPS, and One-Shot Deals to help pay rent
- Unemployment insurance - Money if you lost your job through no fault of your own
- SSI & SSD - Monthly payments for people with disabilities who can't work
- Summer EBT - Food money for school-age kids during summer break
Last Reviewed: February 12, 2026