Public Assistance
Some victims of crime cannot work because of the physical or emotional impact of the crime. This can make it hard to pay for housing, food, utilities, transportation, and daily living costs. If this happens, you may be able to receive government benefits called public assistance.
Who can get public assistance?
Public assistance is for people who are struggling to meet their basic needs. If you have always taken care of yourself and your family on your own, you may be embarrassed to ask for government help. But if you are a crime victim, you have the right to ask. If you qualify, you can get help when you need it most.
Below you can find information on the most common types of public assistance.
What is Temporary Assistance?
Temporary Assistance (TA) is short-term help for individuals and children in need.
TA may be able to help you if:
- You can’t work
- You can’t find a job or
- Your job doesn’t pay enough
TA may help you pay for:
- Your housing
- Food
- Health insurance
- Utilities and
- Other expenses
There are 2 major TA programs:
- Family Assistance, and
- Safety Net Assistance
Family Assistance (FA) provides cash assistance to families that have:
- A minor child living with a parent
- Two parents
- A caretaker relative
You can only get FA for 60 months total in your lifetime.
Safety Net Assistance (SNA) is for people who do not qualify for other programs. This includes:
- Single adults
- Couples with no children
- People who have received 60 months of benefits
If you get TA, you might also qualify for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
If you have children, you might also qualify for child care benefits.
What is Emergency Assistance?
If you have an urgent need, you may qualify for emergency assistance.
Examples of an emergency include:
- Being homeless
- Having little or no food
- Being evicted from your home
- Having your utilities shut-off (or already shut off)
- Being a victim of domestic violence (or having a family member who is)
Emergency assistance can pay for:
- Temporary housing in a hotel or motel
- Past due shelter costs
- Past due utility bills
- Domestic violence shelter costs
You do not have to qualify for Temporary Assistance to get Emergency Assistance.
How do I apply for Temporary Assistance?
Anyone can apply for public assistance.
File an application with your local Department of Social Services. You will have an interview. You must have documents or proof at your interview.
If you have an emergency, you will be interviewed the same day you apply.
To find more information, please visit the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance site.
Is there anything I can do if my application for benefits is denied, or if my benefits are reduced or cut off?
Yes, you can ask for a Fair Hearing. A fair hearing is a chance for you to have your case heard by an Administrative Law Judge. You can explain why you think the decision made by your local services agency is wrong. Many people are able to get benefits after a fair hearing.
For more information about fair hearings, you can go to the NYS website.
If you don’t have an attorney, please go to FairhearinghelpNY.org to learn what you can do to request and prepare for a hearing.
What if I am a victim of domestic violence?
Domestic violence shelters can help you be safe. If you are fleeing abuse, alone or with your children, and enter a domestic violence shelter in New York State, you must apply for public assistance. Public assistance may cover the cost of your shelter stay.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you will get information and a notice about your rights. You also have the right to talk to a staff person called a “domestic violence liaison.”
The domestic violence liaison can help you:
- Find resources and public assistance programs
- Get excused from any program requirements that may put you in danger.
For more information about how the domestic violence liaison can help you, please see Public Benefits and Domestic Violence Fact Sheet.