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Grants for Single Mothers in New York

New York Single Mother’s Guide to Benefits, Grants, and Support Programs (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

If you’re facing an immediate crisis, here are three steps you can take right now:


  1. Call 2-1-1 – Free 24/7 help finding emergency assistance for housing, food, utilities, and more
  2. Apply for Emergency SNAP at myBenefits.ny.gov – you can get benefits within 1-3 days
  3. Contact Food Bank for New York City at (212) 566-7855 for emergency food delivery

Quick Summary for Busy Moms

New York offers comprehensive assistance for single mothers through 30+ programs. Emergency help available within 1-3 days. Key programs include food assistance for families earning under $4,108/month, educational grants up to $5,665/year, and emergency housing support.

Top Programs by Urgency:

  • Emergency Food: SNAP benefits up to $768/month for family of 3
  • Emergency Cash: Family Assistance up to $789/month in NYC
  • Emergency Housing: Section 8 vouchers and emergency rental assistance
  • Tax Benefits: EITC up to $8,046/year, Child Tax Credit up to $2,000 per child
  • Education: TAP grants cover up to $5,665/year in tuition

Main Points

New York state has one of the highest costs of living in the nation, particularly in New York City where the maximum monthly benefit for a single mother of two with no income living in New York City is $789 — one of the highest among the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia. However, the state also provides extensive support systems for single mothers.

According to recent data, 1 in 4 children under the age of 18 – a total of approximately 17.4 million – are being raised by single mothers. Nearly half (45%) are living below the poverty line.

What you need to know:

  • Real assistance exists – Programs like Family Assistance provide immediate cash help, while TAP grants can cover full tuition costs
  • Emergency help is available – You can get food assistance within days and utility help within weeks
  • Tax credits provide major help – EITC and Child Tax Credit can provide thousands annually
  • Long-term support matters – Education and job training programs can change your family’s future
  • The system is complex – But this guide breaks it down step by step

Reality Check: New York’s benefits are among the highest in the country, but the cost of living is also extremely high. Some programs have long waiting lists or strict requirements. Apply for multiple programs and don’t get discouraged if the first one doesn’t work out.

Emergency Cash and Basic Needs

When you need help paying bills or buying food, these programs can provide immediate relief.

Family Assistance (New York’s TANF Program)

According to New York State OTDA, Family Assistance provides cash assistance to eligible needy families that include a minor child living with a parent/parents or a caretaker relative.

Current benefit amounts (per NYC HRA):

  • Single mothers with two children and no income can get up to $789 per month in New York City
  • Lower amounts for smaller families and those with income
  • Benefits vary by county – NYC has highest amounts

Income limits (2025):

Family Size Monthly Income Limit (Gross) Annual Income Limit
1 person $1,697 $20,370
2 people $2,291 $27,490
3 people $2,885 $34,610
4 people $3,479 $41,730

Important Time Limit Warning: Under FA, eligible adults are limited to receiving benefits for a total of 60 months in their lifetime, including months of TANF-funded assistance granted in other states.

Requirements:

  • Must be U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident
  • Must live in New York
  • Must have children under 18 (or under 20 if in school)
  • Must participate in work activities unless exempt
  • Must cooperate with child support enforcement

How to apply:

  1. Apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov
  2. Call (800) 342-3009 to request application
  3. Visit local Department of Social Services office

Processing time: Up to 45 days from application date

Reality Check: The maximum monthly benefit for a single mother of two with no income living in New York City is $789 — one of the highest among the contiguous 48 states, but this still may not cover basic living expenses in high-cost areas like NYC.

SNAP (Food Assistance)

According to New York State OTDA, SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families.

Maximum benefit amounts (2025):

  • 1 person: $292/month
  • 2 people: $536/month
  • 3 people: $768/month
  • 4 people: $975/month

Income limits (185% of Federal Poverty Level):

Family Size Monthly Gross Income Limit Annual Gross Income Limit
1 person $2,414 $28,970
2 people $3,260 $39,110
3 people $4,108 $49,300
4 people $4,956 $59,490

Special New York advantage: New York has expanded eligibility beyond the standard federal SNAP eligibility requirements and Most households applying for SNAP no longer have to pass a savings/resource test in order to get SNAP benefits.

How to apply:

  • Online: myBenefits.ny.gov
  • Phone: (800) 342-3009
  • In person: Local Department of Social Services office

Emergency SNAP: If you qualify for expedited service, you can get benefits within 1-3 days.

Reality Check: New York households saw an average loss of $151 per month when pandemic emergency allotments ended, while some saw monthly benefits drop to just $23.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

According to New York State programs, HEAP is a federally funded energy assistance program to help low-income families pay the cost of heating their homes.

 

  • Eligible households will receive between $21 to $996 of HEAP assistance. Those with the lowest incomes and the highest cost for energy will get the most help paying their bills
  • Emergency HEAP for disconnection notices
  • Cooling assistance (seasonal program)

Application periods:

  • Based on additional program funding, the 2024-25 Regular HEAP benefit reopened January 25, 2025 and will run through March 17, 2025
  • Applications are scheduled to open on April 15, 2025 and run through July 14, 2025, or until funding runs out, whichever comes first for cooling assistance

How to apply:

  • NYC residents: Apply through ACCESS NYC
  • Outside NYC: Apply at myBenefits.ny.gov
  • Emergency: Contact local Department of Social Services

Reality Check: Funding is limited and available first-come, first-served. Apply early in the program year.

Educational Grants That Change Lives

These are true grants – money you never have to pay back for education.

New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

According to HESC, TAP helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State.

What they provide:

  • An annual TAP award can be up to $5,665. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back
  • $1,000 to $5,665 for 2024-25 academic year (the minimum award increased to $1,000 effective 2024-25)
  • Available for full-time and part-time students

Eligibility requirements:

  • Must be New York State resident for 12 continuous months
  • Must be U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Families with New York State Net Taxable Income (gross income less deductions and allowances for exemptions) of $80,000 or less qualify to receive a TAP grant
  • Must attend approved New York State college or university
  • Must maintain satisfactory academic progress

How to apply:

  1. Complete FAFSA first at studentaid.gov
  2. Complete TAP application at HESC website
  3. The TAP application deadline is June 30 of the academic year for which aid is sought

Special programs:

  • TAP is also available for students attending a SUNY, CUNY and not-for-profit independent degree-granting college on a part-time basis
  • Students may apply after completing the FAFSA, TAP application and the CUNY Financial Aid Supplement form

Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS)

Aid for Part-time Study (APTS) program provides grant assistance for eligible part-time students enrolled in approved undergraduate studies in New York State. APTS is not the same as the Part-time TAP. Awards provide up to $2,000 per year for eligible part-time undergraduate students to help pay tuition expenses but will not exceed tuition charges.

Reality Check: Please note that this program has been sunsetted as of the end of the 2024-2025 award year.

Tax Credits and Federal Benefits (Often Overlooked!)

Many single mothers miss these programs that provide significant annual income.

Federal Tax Credits

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

  • What it provides: Up to $8,046 for families with 3+ children (2025 tax year)
  • Who qualifies: Working families with income under $59,899 (single filers with 3+ children) for 2025
  • How to claim: File tax return with IRS Form 1040, even if you don’t owe taxes
  • Reality Check: This is refundable – you get money back even if you pay no taxes

Income Limits for EITC (2025 Tax Year):

Children Single Filer Income Limit Maximum Credit
1 child $47,915 $4,213
2 children $53,057 $6,960
3+ children $59,899 $8,046

Child Tax Credit (CTC)

  • What it provides: Up to $2,000 per child under 17, with up to $1,700 refundable
  • Who qualifies: Single mothers with income under $200,000
  • How to claim: File tax return, may be partially refundable

Child and Dependent Care Credit

  • What it provides: 20-35% of childcare costs, up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two+ children
  • Who qualifies: Working parents paying for childcare to work or look for work
  • How to claim: Keep receipts, file with tax return using Form 2441

Contact for Free Tax Help: IRS VITA Program at 1-800-906-9887

Childcare Help While You Work or Go to School

New York Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

According to New York State OCFS, the CCAP may be available for most families who need child care to work, look for work, attend employment training, attend an education program.

Who qualifies:

  • Your family may qualify for child care assistance if your family’s income falls below 85% of the State Median Income
  • Must have approved reason for care (work, school, training)
  • In 2024, an average of 111,000 children were covered by the subsidies each month

Income limits (85% of State Median Income):

Family Size Monthly Income Limit
2 people $7,083
3 people $8,958
4 people $10,833
5 people $12,708

How much you pay:

  • If a family is not exempt from paying an income based family share, the family share is 1% of the amount of the family’s gross annual income that exceeds the state income standard (SIS) divided by 52 weeks per year and rounded to the nearest 50 cents, or a minimum of $1 per week

How to apply:

  • Outside NYC: Apply through OCFS Child Care Application portal
  • No applications for New York City or Schenectady County can be made using the Child Care Assistance Application portal. If you reside in New York City and want to apply online, you must apply through MyCity

Reality Check: Due to insufficient funding, the City is no longer able to offer child care vouchers to families that are not on cash assistance. While you may submit an application for child care assistance, please be aware that, if you meet income and programmatic eligibility criteria, your child(ren) will be placed on a waitlist for a voucher.

Head Start and Early Head Start

Free comprehensive early childhood programs for low-income families.

Head Start (Ages 3-5):

  • Free preschool education
  • Full-day or part-day options
  • Meals and snacks included
  • Health and dental screenings
  • Family support services

Early Head Start (Birth to 3):

  • Childcare for infants and toddlers
  • Home visiting programs
  • Pregnant women services
  • Parenting education

Income requirements:

  • Family income at or below 130% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Automatic qualification for families receiving TANF, SNAP, or SSI

How to apply:

  • Call Head Start locator: 1-866-763-6481
  • Contact local programs directly
  • Visit ECLKC website for program finder

Housing Help That Works

Finding safe, affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges for single mothers.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

According to HUD, eligible families are issued a housing voucher to search for a unit in neighborhoods of their choice.

How it works:

  • The program works as a rent subsidy allowing families to pay a reasonable share of their income for rent with NYCHA making up the difference up to a specific limit
  • You find your own rental, voucher pays portion of rent
  • Covers most of New York State

Current status:

  • NYCHA is currently not accepting applications from the public. When NYCHA begins accepting applications, there will be a public notice and you may apply based on that notice’s requirement

Income limits (30% of Area Median Income):

Household Size Maximum Annual Income (NYC Metro)
1 person $31,200
2 people $35,650
3 people $40,100
4 people $44,550

How to apply:

  • Monitor NYCHA website for application openings
  • Apply to multiple housing authorities statewide
  • Contact local Public Housing Authority in your area

Reality Check: Waiting lists are typically 1-3 years. Apply as soon as possible and to multiple authorities if eligible.

Emergency Rental Assistance

Several programs can help if you’re behind on rent or facing eviction.

NYC Programs:

  • Erie County Department of Social Services offers multiple emergency cash assistance programs for Buffalo residents in need, such as a place to stay for those experiencing homelessness, one-time mortgage or rent payment help, and one-time grants to assist families with buying necessary household furniture and supplies
  • Emergency rental assistance through HRA
  • One Shot Deal program for emergency assistance

Statewide Emergency Assistance:

  • Call 2-1-1 for local emergency rental programs
  • Contact local Department of Social Services
  • Many nonprofits provide one-time emergency assistance

Healthcare for You and Your Kids

New York expanded Medicaid, which means more single mothers can get comprehensive health coverage.

Medicaid (New York State)

According to New York State of Health, Medicaid provides comprehensive health coverage.

Income limits (138% of Federal Poverty Level):

Household Size Monthly Income Limit Annual Income Limit
1 person $1,801 $21,597
2 people $2,433 $29,180
3 people $3,064 $36,763
4 people $3,696 $44,346

Coverage includes:

  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Prescription medications (most covered)
  • Mental health and substance abuse treatment
  • Hospital and emergency room care
  • Preventive care including mammograms and cancer screenings
  • Dental and vision care

For children:

  • Children 18 and under can get coverage if family income is up to 400% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Automatic enrollment for children in families receiving SNAP or TANF

How to apply:

  • Online: NY State of Health
  • Phone: 1-855-355-5777
  • In person: Local Department of Social Services

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

According to New York State Department of Health, WIC helps many families with low to moderate incomes.

Who qualifies:

  • You’re automatically income eligible if you already receive Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), TANF (cash assistance), Essential Plan, or Head Start/Early Head Start benefits
  • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women
  • Children under age 5
  • Income at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Level

Benefits include:

  • Monthly food packages with items like milk, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, baby formula
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Breastfeeding support and breast pump loans
  • Referrals to healthcare and social services

How to apply:

  • Chat with Wanda to get connected to your local WIC Office. A WIC office staff member will reach out to check if you qualify
  • Find local WIC office at NY State Health Department
  • Apply in person (phone interview not available)

Real Grants for Single Mothers

Beyond government benefits, several organizations provide actual grants – free money you don’t have to pay back.

Moms for Moms NYC

According to their official website, this organization specifically supports single mothers in New York City.

What they provide:

  • Newborn Baby Bundles: We support new mothers with the essential items needed most after the birth of a child, such as diapers, wipes, clothes, baby wash, blankets and more
  • Postpartum Recovery Kits: We create and distribute care packages to pre- and post- natal women filled with the self-care items new mothers need most after childbirth

Who qualifies:

  • Single mothers living in unsafe situations
  • New mothers with newborns up to 6 months
  • Must be NYC residents

How to apply:

Rochester Area Grants

The nonprofit also offers a grant of up to $6,000 for Rochester residents to return to school or attend training programs for certain occupations. Job seekers can find the list of eligible jobs that qualify for the training grant online.

What they provide:

  • Up to $6,000 for education and training
  • Job placement assistance
  • Career counseling

City-Specific Home Purchase Assistance

The City of Rochester’s Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) offers grants of up to $6,000 to help first-time homebuyers with down payment and closing costs.

Reality Check: True grant opportunities for single mothers in New York are limited compared to government benefit programs. Most “grants” are actually benefit programs or loans. Focus on maximizing government benefits first, then look for small emergency assistance grants from local nonprofits and churches.

Child Support Enforcement

Don’t overlook this important source of financial support. New York’s Child Support Services helps single mothers get support from the other parent.

New York State Child Support Services

What they provide:

  • Locate absent parents using federal databases
  • Establish paternity through genetic testing
  • Establish and modify support orders through court system
  • Collect and distribute support payments automatically
  • Enforce support orders through wage garnishment, asset seizure

Who qualifies:

  • Any parent or caregiver who has custody of a child
  • No income requirements or restrictions
  • Available regardless of marital status

How to apply:

Costs:

  • $25 application fee for families not receiving TANF
  • Fee waived for TANF recipients
  • No other costs – services are free

Reality Check: Even if the other parent doesn’t have a job now, establishing support orders helps when their situation changes. Current support orders can be modified if circumstances change.

Support for All Types of Single Parent Families

Single Fathers

Most programs in this guide also serve single fathers raising children alone:

Available programs:

  • SNAP (food assistance) – same eligibility and benefits
  • Family Assistance (cash assistance) – same income limits and requirements
  • Medicaid – full family coverage available
  • Child support services – help collecting from other parent
  • Housing assistance – Section 8 and emergency rental help
  • Childcare assistance – same work/school requirements

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Special considerations for kinship families:

Family Assistance eligibility:

  • Income limits may be more flexible when grandparent applies only for grandchild
  • Grandparent’s needs not included in benefit calculation
  • May qualify even if grandparent receives Social Security

Kinship care support:

  • Contact local Department of Social Services for kinship services
  • Respite care and support groups available
  • Legal assistance for custody issues

LGBTQ+ Single Parents

All New York State programs serve LGBTQ+ parents without discrimination.

Support organizations:

  • Empire State Pride Agenda: LGBTQ+ advocacy and resources
  • LGBT Community Center (NYC): (212) 620-7310
  • GLAAD: Media advocacy and support resources

Legal protections:

  • New York law prohibits discrimination in state programs based on sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Same-sex couples eligible for all family programs
  • Name change and gender marker assistance available

Native American Families

Tribal services:

  • Some tribes in New York operate their own assistance programs
  • Contact your tribal government for specific programs
  • Indian Health Service available for enrolled tribal members

Note: You cannot receive both state and tribal benefits simultaneously for the same type of assistance.

Rural New York Families

Additional challenges in rural areas:

  • Limited public transportation
  • Fewer service providers
  • Longer travel distances to offices

Rural-specific resources:

  • Mobile food pantries serve rural areas
  • Telehealth covered by Medicaid
  • 2-1-1 especially important for finding local resources
  • Some programs offer home visits

Resources by Region

New York City Area

Emergency Assistance:

  • NYC Human Resources Administration: (718) 557-1399
  • Food Bank for New York City: (212) 566-7855
  • NYC Emergency Rental Assistance: Apply through ACCESS HRA

Legal Aid:

  • Legal Aid Society: (212) 577-3300
  • New York Legal Assistance Group: (212) 613-5000

Upstate New York (Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo)

Food Resources:

  • Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York: (518) 786-3691
  • Food Bank of Central New York: (315) 437-1899
  • Foodlink (Rochester): (585) 328-3380

Housing Help:

  • Contact local Public Housing Authority
  • Regional homeless services coalitions
  • Local Community Action Programs

Long Island

Nassau County:

  • Nassau County Department of Social Services: (516) 227-8000
  • Long Island Cares: (631) 543-0946

Suffolk County:

  • Suffolk County Department of Social Services: (631) 854-9100
  • Long Island Council of Churches: (516) 565-0290

Common Questions Single Mothers Ask (FAQs)

Q: Can I get help if I’m working? A: Yes! Most programs allow working families to qualify:

  • SNAP: Up to 185% of poverty level ($4,108/month for family of 3)
  • Medicaid: Up to 138% of poverty level ($3,064/month for family of 3)
  • Childcare assistance: Up to 85% of state median income
  • TAP grants: Available for families earning up to $80,000/year

Q: How long do applications take to process? A: Processing times vary by program:

  • SNAP: 1-30 days (1-3 days if emergency)
  • Family Assistance: Up to 45 days
  • Medicaid: Usually 30 days or less
  • Housing vouchers: Months to years due to waiting lists
  • Childcare assistance: 30-45 days

Q: Can I apply for multiple programs at once? A: Yes! myBenefits.ny.gov allows you to apply for SNAP, Family Assistance, and Medicaid with one application. You can also apply for other programs separately at the same time.

Q: What if I get denied? A: You have the right to appeal any denial within 60 days. Common reasons for denial include missing documents or income calculation errors. Contact Legal Aid Society at (212) 577-3300 for help with appeals.

Q: Do I have to pay anything back? A: Most programs don’t require repayment:

  • Never repay: SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, HEAP, tax credits, TAP grants
  • Overpayments: If you receive too much due to unreported income changes, you may need to repay the difference
  • Emergency assistance: Some emergency programs may require repayment

Q: Can undocumented immigrants get help? A: Some programs are available:

  • Emergency Medicaid: Emergency medical care only
  • WIC: Available regardless of documentation in many areas
  • Food banks: Most don’t require documentation
  • Emergency assistance: Many nonprofits provide help regardless of status
  • Call 2-1-1 for guidance on what’s available

Q: What if I live in rural New York? A: Rural residents face additional challenges but have options:

  • Mobile food pantries serve rural areas
  • Medicaid covers telehealth appointments
  • 2-1-1 is especially important for finding local resources
  • Some programs have special provisions for rural residents

Q: How do I get help filling out applications? A: Free application assistance available:

  • Department of Social Services offices: Staff provide in-person help
  • 2-1-1: Can connect you with local navigators
  • Legal Aid Society: (212) 577-3300
  • Local Community Action Programs: Case managers often help with applications

Q: What if my English is limited? A: Language assistance is available:

  • All state programs provide free interpreters
  • myBenefits.ny.gov website available in multiple languages
  • Request interpreter when scheduling appointments
  • 2-1-1 has multilingual operators

Q: Can I get help paying for school while receiving benefits? A: Yes, education is encouraged:

  • TAP grants: Cover up to $5,665/year in tuition
  • Pell Grants: Federal education funding (apply via FAFSA)
  • Family Assistance work requirement: Education/training counts as work activity
  • Childcare assistance: Available for parents in approved education programs

Warning Signs and Red Flags

Scams to Avoid

Grant scams:

  • Red flag: Requests upfront fees for “guaranteed grants”
  • Reality: Legitimate government programs never charge application fees (except $25 for child support)
  • Action: Hang up and report to New York State Attorney General: (800) 771-7755

Benefits card scams:

  • Red flag: Calls asking for your EBT card number or PIN
  • Reality: Department of Social Services will never call asking for your card information
  • Action: Never give card information over phone; call DSS directly if questionable

Housing scams:

  • Red flag: “Guaranteed Section 8 approval” for a fee
  • Reality: No one can guarantee housing voucher approval
  • Action: Only apply through official housing authorities

Program Warnings

Family Assistance time limits:

  • 60-month lifetime limit strictly enforced
  • Clock starts ticking immediately
  • Very limited extensions available
  • Plan for transition off benefits

Waiting lists reality:

  • Section 8 housing: Often 1-3 year waits
  • Childcare assistance: May have waiting lists in urban areas
  • Head Start: More demand than spaces in many areas
  • Apply early and to multiple programs

Work requirements:

  • Most programs require work, school, or job training
  • Exemptions limited and temporary
  • Sanctions can reduce or eliminate benefits
  • Understand requirements before applying

Financial Reality Checks

Benefit amounts vs. cost of living:

  • Family Assistance: Up to $789/month for family of 3 in NYC
  • SNAP: Average benefit about $260/person/month
  • Housing vouchers: May not cover full rent in expensive areas like NYC
  • Benefits designed to supplement, not replace, income

Income limits are strict:

  • Small increases in income can eliminate eligibility
  • Report income changes immediately to avoid overpayments
  • Understand how income affects each program differently
  • Plan for “benefits cliff” when income increases

Emergency Resources and Crisis Numbers

Immediate Crisis Help

Food emergency:

  • Food Bank for New York City: (212) 566-7855
  • 2-1-1: Find local food pantries and soup kitchens
  • Emergency SNAP: Apply at myBenefits.ny.gov or call (800) 342-3009

Housing emergency (eviction/homelessness):

  • NYC Housing Court Help Center: (646) 386-5730
  • 2-1-1: Emergency shelter and rental assistance
  • Homeowner’s Hotline: 855-HOME-456

Utilities shut-off:

  • HEAP Emergency: Contact local Department of Social Services or call (800) 342-3009
  • Utility company hardship programs: Call your utility provider directly
  • Salvation Army: May provide emergency utility assistance

Medical emergency:

  • 911: Life-threatening emergencies
  • Emergency Medicaid: Available regardless of immigration status
  • Community health centers: Sliding fee scale, call 2-1-1 for locations

Crisis and Mental Health Support

Crisis intervention:

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • NYC Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-NYC-WELL (692-9355)

Domestic violence:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • NYC Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-621-HOPE (4673)
  • New York State Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-942-6906

Legal Emergencies

Eviction and landlord issues:

  • Legal Aid Society: (212) 577-3300
  • New York Legal Assistance Group: (212) 613-5000
  • Housing Court Help Centers: Available at each Housing Court location

Family law and custody:

  • Family Court Self-Help Centers: Available at all Family Court locations
  • Volunteer Lawyers Project: Various locations statewide
  • Legal Services: Contact local legal aid organization

Resources and Important Phone Numbers

Statewide Resources

Primary contact numbers:

  • 2-1-1: Information and referral service (24/7) – Your first call for any crisis
  • New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance: (518) 473-1090
  • myBenefits.ny.gov: Online application portal
  • NY State of Health: 1-855-355-5777

Application and benefits:

Emergency Numbers

Immediate crisis:

  • Emergency services: 911
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Food assistance:

  • Food Bank for New York City: (212) 566-7855
  • Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York: (518) 786-3691

Housing crisis:

  • NYC eviction prevention: (646) 386-5730
  • Homeowner’s Hotline: 855-HOME-456

Legal and Advocacy Help

Free legal assistance:

  • Legal Aid Society: (212) 577-3300
  • New York Legal Assistance Group: (212) 613-5000
  • Empire Justice Center: (585) 454-4060
  • Legal Services: Contact local office through NYS Courts website

Educational Resources

College and financial aid:

  • New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC): hesc.ny.gov
  • Federal Student Aid: studentaid.gov
  • FAFSA help: 1-800-433-3243

Adult education:

  • New York State Education Department: (518) 474-3852
  • Community college system: Contact local campus
  • GED testing: Contact local community college

Specialized Services

Tax assistance:

  • IRS VITA Program: 1-800-906-9887
  • IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service: 1-877-777-4778

Healthcare navigation:

  • NY State of Health Marketplace: nystateofhealth.ny.gov
  • Patient advocate services: Available through Medicaid managed care plans

Transportation assistance:

  • MTA (NYC): (511) from mobile phones
  • Local transit: Call 2-1-1 for local options

Useful Websites

Government portals:

Resource finders:

Nonprofit organizations:

Disclaimer

Important Notice About Information Currency

Program details, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts change frequently due to federal and state policy updates, funding changes, and legislative action. All information in this guide was compiled and verified using official government sources as of August 2025, but policies may have changed since publication.

Verification Requirements:

  • Always verify current information directly with the relevant agency before making decisions
  • Contact program offices for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and benefit amounts
  • Check official websites for any recent policy changes or updates

Limitations:

  • This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or benefits counseling advice
  • Individual circumstances vary and may affect program eligibility
  • Processing times and benefit amounts may differ from those listed
  • Some programs may have waiting lists or limited funding not reflected in this guide

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This New York guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, USDA, IRS, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, USDA, HHS, and New York State Higher Education Services Corporation sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information. available:

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