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:
In New York City, free services are available to help you file your taxes, no matter your immigration status. Filing taxes regularly can help strengthen your case if you decide to adjust your immigration status or apply for permanent residency in the future. ·…
The Emergency HEAP benefit provides assistance to help you heat your home if you are facing a heating or heat-related emergency. The 2026-2027 Emergency HEAP benefit is scheduled to open January 4, 2027. · If you are experiencing an emergency, contact your loc…
You must download and fill out a HEAP application form to apply for a HERR benefit. If you can’t download the application, you can find a Benefits Access Center here and start your application in person. · Next, you can return the completed application form at…
New York City’s Tax Prep program provides free virtual and in-person tax services around the five boroughs. The services are available in various languages to all city residents regardless of immigration status. Learn more about NYC’s Tax Prep program and appl…
The program will help families who previously didn’t qualify for other state or federal programs due to their immigration status. In addition, the program will help newly arrived asylum seekers. The city expects the program will help at least 600 families. · C…
An interested parent should reach out to their respective Community-Based Organization (CBO) in their borough, and a Promise NYC worker will take the parent through a facilitated application process. · If the child is eligible for Promise NYC, the CBO staff wi…
The I-864, Affidavit of Support, is a form that family members or employers fill out when they are petitioning on behalf of their immigrant relative or employee. This form is a contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government that states that the petitioni…
Asylum seekers in New York can apply for cash assistance, which provides grants to help cover housing, energy costs and other essential expenses. Many temporary cash assistance recipients must work or participate in approved work activities. You can check elig…
Generally, two criteria must be met to receive a burial allowance. First, the person who passed away must have been a New York resident who did not leave enough resources to cover their funeral. Proof of their income will have to be submitted, like a document …
HCV participants usually need to contribute 30% of their monthly income. Keep in mind that NYCHA will not approve rents that require you to pay over 40% of your family’s adjusted gross income at initial occupancy.
The following information is needed: · Household information (all members): Name, date of birth, Social Security Number (SSN) or confirmation one was never issued, demographic information, disability status. · Head of Household Information: All of the above in…
…(W2), self-employment/part-time job (1099-NEC & work expenses), rental income and expenses, unemployment (1099-G), partner’s share of income (K-1), pension/IRA income (1099-R), Social Security (SSA-1099), interest/dividends (1099-INT, 1099-DIV), sales of stock…
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
PO Box 924
New York, NY 10272