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.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $460 |
| 2 | $575 |
| 3 | $789 |
| 4 | $952 |
| 5 | $1,120 |
| 6 | $1,238 |
| 7 | $1,358 |
| 8 | $1,455 |
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.
| Household Size | Payment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $460 |
| 2 | $575 |
| 3 | $789 |
| 4 | $952 |
| 5 | $1,120 |
| 6 | $1,238 |
| 7 | $1,358 |
| 8 | $1,455 |
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
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
Footnotes
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This is a map and list of HRA Benefits Access Center (BAC) locations. ↩