RESOURCES AROUND NEW YORK CITY

If you are looking for a resource that you don’t see here, please email us at info@rifnyc.org. Please note, if you need to use shelter, a food bank or soup kitchen, or emergency medical services, it will not affect your asylum application and/or green card application. If you have any uncertainty about the effect of using a public service, please email us!

NOTE: NEW NEW YORK STATE BENEFITS AVAILABLE!

There has been a change to when asylum-seekers qualify for financial support from New York state. The previous rule was that asylees don't qualify for SNA (Safety Net Assistance) until they receive their work permit. The new rule is that asylum-seekers need to show their receipt notice from USCIS to qualify. The cash benefit ($180/month per person) is available for up to two years and you can also qualify for non-cash assistance, such as utility and housing vouchers, Fair Fares (a half-priced Metrocard), and Medicaid. See more information here!

Apply for benefits on Access HRA

What do I need to show to qualify for SNA benefits?

  • Confirmation you have filed your application for asylum (receipt notice);

  • Rent letter, letter form a subletter, some confirmation about how much they pay for rent;

  • If you do not have stable housing, you can submit a letter from a shelter;

  • Copies of any IDs for family members (see here to see how to get an ID).

NOTE: If you cannot use computers or do not speak English, you can make an appointment and go to any Human Resources Administration (HRA) Job Center in the city with your documents to apply.

Benefits Available for Asylum Seekers in NYC

The services below are available in NYC regardless of immigration status, not specifically for asylum seekers. All services in NYC provide interpretation in any language by request.

What resources are not available for asylum-seekers?

  • Permanent housing

  • Food stamps (those with children or disabilities may qualify)

  • Financial assistance (See new rule below!)

  • Free childcare

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

NEW YORK STATE SAFETY NET ASSISTANCE (SNA) PROGRAM

  • Asylum-seekers can now submit their receipt notice to qualify for cash assistance from the state ($180/month per person). This cash assistance is available for up to two years and you can also qualify for non-cash assistance, such as utility and housing vouchers, Fair Fares (a half-priced Metrocard), and Medicaid (see below).

  • Learn more here!

  • Apply for benefits on Access HRA https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/

HEALTH & MEDICINE

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

  • You may be covered by Emergency Medicaid if you have an urgent health problem. Most doctors can attend to your needs if it is an emergency.

  • You can also go to a hospital emergency room. Find out what is the nearest public hospital where you live, and make sure it is not a private hospital.

  • Click here for a list of public hospitals and clinics in NYC.

HEALTH INSURANCE THROUGH MEDICAID

  • Medicaid is a publicly sponsored health insurance for low-income residents. There are different insurers who administer Medicaid (Fidelis, Metroplus, UHC, and others). You can go to your nearest public hospital and there are representatives of these insurers who can register you.

NYC CARE (not insurance)

  • NYC Care is a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance regardless of immigration status. All NYC Care services are provided through NYC Health + Hospitals. With NYC Care, you can get a unique membership card to access health services, choose your own doctor, and get affordable medications.

HIV/AIDS

  • All NYC residents with HIV/AIDS who meet financial need requirements are eligible for assistance from HASA.

  • If you are diagnosed with HIV and are low income you may receive cash, housing, medical, food and other assistance.

  • Call 212-971-0626 or visit 400 Eighth Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY.

Cancer Care

  • Sloan Kettering and NYU Langone offer cancer treatment to those who are uninsured and unable to pay for care. Be sure to ask for the financial assistance department when you call to complete the required paperwork prior to your appointment.

MENTAL HEALTH

LIFE NET

  • For information on mental health, a referral to a mental health professional, or if you need to talk to someone:

  • CALL 1-800-LIFENET (1-800-543-3638)

  • TTY: 212-982-5284

  • Spanish: 1-877-AYUDESE (1-877-298-3373)

  • Mandarin, Cantonese, and Korean: 1-877-990-8585

NYC WELL

  • For confidential crisis counseling or to request mental health or substance misuse help from health professionals including nurses, social workers, and psychiatrists at your home:

TEMPORARY SHELTER

FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

FAMILIES WITHOUT CHILDREN AND SINGLE ADULTS

FOOD

FOOD BANKS

PLENTIFUL APP

  • Use the Plentiful App on your phone or computer to find pantries and get the food you need, without waiting in line.

LEGAL SERVICES

FREE LEGAL SERVICES (pro bono lawyers)

  • There are a few legal providers that offer free legal services but be aware that there is a huge demand and waiting lists.

PRIVATE IMMIGRATION LAWYERS

  • There are a lot of private immigration lawyers in the city. Costs to do asylum applications and representations are high between $5,000 and $10,000.

Click here for resources on finding a lawyer.

EDUCATION

PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-18

  • You can enroll children from 3 to 18 years old into public schools for free. Click here for more information.

  • Public schools provide English language instructions, free breakfasts and lunches and other support to children.

FREE ENGLISH (ESL) CLASSES

MORE SERVICES

PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-18

  1. IDNYC (New York City ID)

  2. New York State Non-Driver ID or Driver’s License

PUBLIC LIBRARIES

  • Excellent resources to learn about resources available in New York, including English classes and support for children’s homework.

  • Click here to learn more.

WORK PERMITS

First Steps In New York City

GETTING A PHOTO ID

Check out our resource page that explains how to get a NYS or NYC ID. Getting a photo ID is an important step to establish your identity in the U.S.

shelters

Click the link below to go to access the Department of Homeless Services’ website. Select “Families” or “Single Adults” depending on your circumstances. Then select “Applying for Temporary Housing.”

Health (Non-Emergency)

If you are looking for medical care, we recommend Betances Medical Center, which serves immigrants. They provide low cost health care and can help you sign up for health insurance.

OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT

A bank account is a safe place to store money. Check out our resource page that explains how to open a bank account in NYC.

NEW YORK CITY SERVICES

Food Banks

Click on the link below to see the Food Bank of New York City’s map of food banks and pantries. Many food banks and pantries have changed their procedures during COVID-19. Call ahead to ensure they are open.

Mental Health

Click the link below to see a list of New York City’s free mental health services as well as a list of organizations that provide psychological evaluations for asylum applicants.

Health (Emergency)

Click the link below to find the public hospital closest to you. If you are having a health emergency, go to the emergency room. You will be treated even if you don’t have your asylum status and or if you don’t have health insurance.

English Language Classes

Click the link below to see a list of organizations that provide free English language classes for beginner through advanced speakers.