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Need Help Applying for Benefits?
Start Here!
Our counselors can help you understand eligibility, organize and upload required documents, prepare for interviews, complete renewals and recertifications, understand notices or letters, troubleshoot delayed or denied applications, and connect you to other helpful community resources.
Benefits Guidance for Cypress Hills & East New York
Applying for benefits shouldn’t feel impossible. Our Public Benefits team helps Cypress Hills and East New York residents understand their options, complete applications, and stay on track through every step of the process. We provide free, one-on-one support so individuals and families can access the resources they need with confidence. Please note that appointments are required to meet with one of our team.
We offer free one-on-one support to help residents apply for city, state, and federal assistance programs.
Appointments are required
Public Benefits
Helping You Access What’s Available
We can help you understand eligibility, organize documents, complete applications, and troubleshoot issues if something goes wrong. We assist residents with city, state, and federal benefit programs, including:
SNAP Program
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps eligible New Yorkers—including individuals, families, older adults, and people with disabilities—purchase groceries using an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Our Community Advocates team can help you determine potential eligibility, complete and submit your SNAP application through Access HRA, and upload required documents throughout the process.
Helping individuals and families afford groceries and put food on the table.
Cash Assistance
Temporary financial support
Cash Assistance is a benefit offered to individuals and families who reside in NYC. Eligible families may receive up to 60 months of federally funded cash assistance. This benefit includes SNAP and MEDICAID as well. A part of the cash assistance benefit may also include a shelter allowance. A shelter allowance helps pay a set amount of your rent, which goes directly to the landlord.
One Shot Deals
Emergency financial support
A One Shot Deal, also known as Emergency Assistance, is a one-time payment through NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) that may help residents facing urgent financial hardship. This support can be used for situations such as rent or utility arrears, preventing homelessness, shutoff notices, fire or disaster losses, domestic violence, or other emergencies affecting your or your family's health and safety. Eligibility is based on your individual situation rather than fixed income guidelines, and some grants may require repayment. Our Community Advocates team can help review your circumstances, determine potential eligibility, and guide you through the application process.
Fair Fares
Reduced transit costs
The Fair Fares program helps eligible low-income New Yorkers reduce transportation costs by providing 50% off subway, bus, and Access-A-Ride fares, including weekly and monthly unlimited options. Immigration status is not required to apply. Residents ages 18 to 64 may qualify by providing identification, proof of address, and proof of income. If you currently receive Cash Assistance, you automatically qualify, and cash benefits can be used through your EBT card to add funds to your MetroCard. Approved applicants typically receive their Half Fare MetroCard by mail within 2–3 weeks.
Reduced Fare Metrocard
Lower transit costs for seniors and qualifying residents with disabilities
The Reduced Fare Metrocard Program offers a discounted fare for eligible seniors and individuals with qualifying disabilities. The reduced fare for subways, the Staten Island Railway, and local, limited, and Select Bus Service buses is $1.45 (half the $2.90 base fare) at all times of the day. No income verification required, however, you need a valid photo ID to apply.
Talk with our team & let's help you understand your options
In need of immediate assistance? Visit the HRA office at 2400 Fulton St (right across from the Broadway Junction J stop).
Our team helps residents apply and navigate benefits, but eligibility decisions and benefit amounts are determined by government agencies such as HRA. If there is a problem with your application, we may be able to help advocate or troubleshoot.
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