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Resources for Working Families
The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is providing this information to assist Working Families in accessing valuable resources to help make ends meet. The information includes: program descriptions, eligibility requirements, benefits and how to apply. The program information provided is from various New York State agencies; if you have any questions regarding individual programs please call the number or visit the website address provided with the information.
- myBenefits - Find out about a number of work support programs that you may be eligible for by quickly entering some basic information about you and your family.
- Food Stamps - The Food Stamp Program issues monthly benefits redeemable at authorized retail food stores.
- Nutrition Programs - Information on how to participate in the School Breakfast and Lunch Programs, Women, Infants and Child program, Food Banks in New York State, and New York States Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program.
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - HEAP is a federally funded program that assists eligible households in meeting their home energy needs.
- Weatherization Assistance Program - The Weatherization Assistance Program assists income-eligible families and individuals by reducing their heating/cooling costs and improving the safety of their homes through energy-efficiency measures.
- Child Support Program - The Child Support program helps strengthen families by placing the responsibility for supporting children on those parents with the financial resources to provide such support. The program assists custodial parents in establishing paternity, and obtaining, modifying and enforcing financial and medical support obligations. Child support services are available free of charge to anyone who applies.
- Child Care Subsidies - New York State offers many resources including subsidies to low-income families to make safe, quality child care accessible and affordable.
- Tax Credits - Information on the following tax credit programs: Earned income Tax Credits, Earned Income Credits Advance Payment, New York State Noncustodial Parent Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credits and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) - VITA is a free IRS-sponsored program to help low- and medium-income workers have their taxes prepared and electronically filed at no cost, and it ensures that workers receive all the tax credits to which they are entitled.
- Health Programs - New York state Health insurance programs: Medicaid, Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus.
- NYC Residents - Find out if you are eligible for benefits? - ACCESS NYC, a free service that identifies and screens for over 30 New York City, State, and Federal human service benefit programs. You may use this service anonymously or you have the option to create an account.
- Job Placement Services - In New York State, the Food Stamp Employment and Training Program provides employment and training services for recipients of Food Stamp Benefits to help them toward self-sufficiency.
- Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Programs - The Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.
- Unemployment Benefits - Unemployment insurance is temporary income for eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own and who are ready, willing, able to work and have sufficient work and wages in covered employment.
- Veteran’s Benefits - If you ever served in the United States Armed Forces you are a veteran and you may be eligible for benefits.
- Refugee and Immigrant Assistance - Services and assistance to certain immigrant populations, including refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking and other immigrants.
- Temporary Assistance - Temporary help for needy men, women and children. If you are unable to work, can't find a job, or your job does not pay enough, temporary assistance may be able to help you pay for your expenses.
- Local Departments of Social Services - A listing of Local Departments of Social Services by County