New York Family Assistance

New York Family Assistance (FA) is one of the two programs that provides temporary cash assistance to very needy families with children under the age of 18 as well as pregnant women.

Family Assistance (FA) provides benefits for up to 60 months over a lifetime. Once this limit is reached, households that remain eligible may transition to Safety Net Assistance (SNA).

As a condition of eligibility, recipients of Family Assistance (FA) ages 18—59 who aren’t exempt are required to comply with federal work requirements  to receive benefits.

FAQ

What is the income limit for cash assistance in NY?

Based on the current Standard of Need  (SON), a family of three in New York is considered “needy” if its countable income is less than $789 per month.

How much cash assistance will I get in NY?

How much cash assistance you’ll get in New York depends on the family’s income and size. For a family of three with no other income, New York pays a maximum of $789 per month — one of the most generous among the 48 states and the District of Columbia.

How do I apply for cash assistance in New York?

You may apply for cash assistance online through myBenefits.ny.gov  or in person with your county Department of Social Services or if you live in one of the five boroughs of New York City, with your local Job Center. ¹

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Temporary Assistance (TA) Customer Service
(800) 342-3009

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in New York?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in New York, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

• A valid photo ID
• Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
• Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
• Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
• Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
• Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
• Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
• Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact myBenefits (OTDA) at (800) 342-3009 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

How long does it take to get cash assistance in NYC?

Once your application is received, an interview will be scheduled to determine your eligibility, usually within 7 days. An eligibility determination will then be made no later than 30 days after completing the application process.

If you or your family are experiencing an emergency situation, you will be interviewed and told in writing about the decision on your emergency the same day you apply.

Some examples of emergency assistance programs include, but are not limited to:

• Payment of shelter arrears
• Payment of utility arrears
• Payment of fuel and/or cost of fuel delivery
• Payment of Domestic Violence Shelter costs
• Payment of Temporary Housing (Hotel/Motel) costs