Financial Assistance

in New York City

Everyone gets behind on bills and other financial matters from time to time.  helpNYC maintains a list of organizations and programs that provide New Yorkers with various financial services.


Please check the Housing Assistance section for additional resources as well.

Please check our COVID-19 Resources section for additional resources as well.

Visit the Technology Resources section for information on financial assistance programs for communications and technology.

If you're in danger of being evicted or losing your current housing, 

please visit our COVID-19 Resources section for more financial assistance programs.

Case Management & Benefits Access Programs

These programs provide case management and help with applying for public assistance programs such as SNAP, Cash Assistance, Medicaid, Social Security Benefits, and other programs.  They also can help with eviction prevention, and tax preparation. 

Tax Assistance Programs

Programs like VITA can help New Yorkers file their taxes for free.  Check out our listings for assistance with various other services related to taxes.

Personal Identification Services

Identification is key to access many services.  Here is a list of types of personal and government issued identification.

Mail Assistance Programs

Mail Assistance Programs provide families and individuals experiencing homelessness or those who do not have a stable mailing address with a mailing address they can use when applying for benefits such as supplementary food assistance (SNAP/food stamps), public assistance, disability, and social security income, medications, and other vital services that require a permanent address. It also allows those without homes to provide a private – non-shelter – address to potential employers when seeking a job.

Burial Assistance Programs

Loosing a loved one is always hard on the ones left behind.  Some people don't have the finances to cover the cost of burial.  helpNYC has gathered some resources to help those in need help with a loved one's burial expenses.

Public Financial Assistance Programs

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers

Department of Consumer and Worker ProtectionCity of New York
website
Listing ID: 1567900717

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.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Human Resources AdministrationCity of New York
website
Listing ID: 1548040057

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.

NYC SafeStart Account

Department of Consumer and Worker ProtectionCity of New York
website
Listing ID: 1567918996

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. 

Cooling Assistance 

Human Resources Administration (HRA)City of New York
website | 212.387.1639
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)State of New York
website | 800.342.3009

Program is open May 2022 through August 31, 2022
Listing ID: 1548059958

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).

One-Shot Deal

Human Resources AdministrationCity of New York
website
Listing ID: 1547993988

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.

Rental Assistance

Human Resources AdministrationCity of New York
website
Listing ID: 1547994331

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.

Utilities Assistance

Human Resources AdministrationCity of New York
website
Listing ID: 1547994610

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.

Community Based Financial Assistance Programs

Financial Assistance

at Xavier Mission

Program Hours

Monday - Friday

11:00a - 4:00p

212.627.2100

website | email

Xavier Mission

55 West 15th Street

between Sixth Avenue and Fifth Avenue

New York, New York 10011

Chelsea, Manhattan

Transportation

Bus: M7, M55 to Ave of The Americas/W 15 St or M14A/D to E 14 St/Union Sq W

Subway: F, M, L to 14 St / 6 Av

ADA Accessible

Yes, fully

Listing ID: 3803492654

Program Summary

Program Details

Program Requirements

Program Restrictions