Resources for immigrants in New York
Free help with housing, legal services, health care, work, school and more, from the guides Documented's reporters research and keep up to date.
Ask in your own words, in English, Español, 中文 or Kreyòl. Try:
Guides for “ayuda para pagar la renta”
Clear searchLanguage Assistance Options for Immigrants in New York City
Applying for affordable housing through Housing Connect requires applicants to create an online account before they can submit an application, and these processes can still be a barrier for many seniors who may not have access to digital tools or may not know …
When visiting or calling a City agency, for example at social welfare, Medicaid, or Food Stamp/SNAP offices, you can always request assistance in your language. New York City agencies have several documents in at least 10 languages (Spanish, Chinese, Russian, …
Unpaid Wages? Get Free Legal Aid for Employment Issues in NYC
How to get in touch: Call (212) 613-5000. They are available Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. When calling, choose the option for a new case intake, then Employment Law Project, and leave a voice message. · Legal Services NYC · Legal Servi…
Always be truthful about your immigration status. Many legal aid organizations offer assistance regardless of status, particularly for issues like wage claims or discrimination. · Check your eligibility first as some organizations prioritize low-income workers…
NYC’s Rent Freeze Program for Seniors Explained
…rent. · You live in the apartment and are named on the lease or rental agreement. · The apartment is rent-controlled or rent-stabilized, or you live in: · Certain Battery Park City and former Mitchell Lama properties · A limited Dividend Housing Company develo…
According to the Department of Finance, SCRIE will freeze your rent at either your prior rent amount or at one-third of your monthly income, whichever is greater. Here’s an example from their website: · To qualify, your rent must be more than one-third of your…
Wage Theft: What to Know If You Think Your Wages Are Stolen
If you are looking for community assistance regarding your potential wage theft case, here are some organizations in New York City that provide support with wage theft cases free of charge, legal or otherwise: · Workers Justice Project (WJP) · WJP is a NYC-bas…
The community-based organization, located in Staten Island, advocates for immigrant workers and their families. In conjunction with other organizations, El Centro del Inmigrante offers wage theft claim assistance at their job community center, and wage theft a…
How To Hire An Attorney, Pay Rent While You Are Detained
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that appoints a person, known as the agent, to act on behalf of another individual, the principal, when they are unable to do so themselves. While often used when a person becomes unable to make decisions due to ag…
No Hot Water or Heat in Your Apartment? That’s Illegal in NYC
If the problem remains unresolved after HPD intervention, contact the NYC Tenant Protection Hotline at 311 for advice. The Tenant Helpline is a free resource available to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. Housing specialists provide personaliz…
New York Food: How to Apply for SNAP, Find Food Pantries, and More
The program, also known as SNAP or food stamps, helps low- and moderate-income people in New York, including working families, seniors, and people with disabilities, shop for food. Food stamp recipients use Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to buy food. …
How Immigrants Can Find Interpreters in U.S. Courts
If you need legal assistance and language support outside of court, many nonprofit organizations in New York can help. These providers often have multilingual staff or interpretation services available: · The Legal Aid Society – Offers free legal help in a wid…
NYC Tenants’ Guide to Eviction Notices and Illegal Lockouts
New York City Tenant Resource Portal This is a helpful online tool created by the Mayor’s Office. It asks you a few simple questions and then shows you what help is available, including legal aid, city programs, and community organizations. Learn more here. · …
You do not have to move out if a judge has not yet ordered you to leave. · If you get an eviction notice or court papers delivered by mail or handed to you by a person other than the landlord, do not ignore them: · Go to court to answer by the deadline listed …
Browse by topic
Most read guides by topic
What readers turned to most in the last 90 days.
New USCIS Rule: What It Means for Your Pending Application
How to Obtain a Disability Parking Permit in NYC
Free Diapers, Cribs, Car Seats and Baby Supplies Available for NYC Families in Need
NYC’s Rent Freeze Program for Seniors Explained
Where to Get Free Security Guard Training in NYC
IDNYC Card: What It Is, How to Apply and Its Benefits
Where You Can Find Free Clothing in NYC
How to Protect Yourself From Rising ‘Pig Butchering’ Scams
What Are the Five Ballot Proposals That New Yorkers Will Vote on This November?
How to Help Victims of the Colombia Earthquake
Free Hispanic Heritage Month Events in NYC
How to Use the New Reduced-Fare OMNY Card on MTA Public Transit