How does Cash Assistance work?

Requires proof of identity, where you live, and income. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for Cash Assistance even if you’re not a U.S. citizen. If you’re able to work, you will either need to be working, be in an education or training program, or participate in a program assigned to you in order to get Cash Assistance. If you’re 60 or older, you are waived from this requirement.

Am I eligible for Cash Assistance?

This program looks at several things to decide if you are eligible. Some of them include: how much money you earn how much money you receive from benefits how many people live in your house resources like cash or a checking account

What do I need in order to apply to Cash Assistance?

To apply for Cash Assistance you will need to prove the following: Your identity: such as a photo ID, driver’s license, passport, naturalization certificate, or hospital records. Where you live: such as a statement from your landlord, current rent receipt, lease, or mortgage records. Your income (if any): such as a current pay stub, business records, current income tax return, or an Unemployment Insurance Benefit statement. Check the Cash Assistance document guide to see what else you can use as proof.

How do I Apply to Cash Assistance?

Apply on ACCESS HRA . You can apply for Cash Assistance, SNAP, and Medicaid at the same time. Use the ACCESS HRA mobile app to track the progress of your application or submit documents. Call the phone number on your confirmation or next steps page for your interview. You can also visit an HRA Benefits Access Center for an in-center interview. Print the application and complete it. Mail it to or drop it off at an HRA Benefits Access Center . You will get a letter with the phone number to call for your phone interview. You can also visit an HRA Benefits Access Center for an in-center interview. Visit an open HRA Benefits Access Center to apply. It will help if you bring proof of your identity, where you live, who lives with you, and your income. A worker will tell you which of these things you must prove.

Cash Assistance – ACCESS NYC

How it Works

Your family can get cash if you’re in need. Many families will get the funds on a debit card that can be used at any ATM or store where EBT cards are accepted. Some families may only qualify to get funds paid directly to their landlord.

Requires proof of identity, where you live, and income.
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for Cash Assistance even if you’re not a U.S. citizen.
If you’re able to work, you will either need to be working, be in an education or training program, or participate in a program assigned to you in order to get Cash Assistance. If you’re 60 or older, you are waived from this requirement.

Determine your eligibility

This program looks at several things to decide if you are eligible. Some of them include:

how much money you earn
how much money you receive from benefits
how many people live in your house
resources like cash or a checking account

Immigration status requirements

If you need help, you should apply no matter what your immigration status is. Your application will still be processed to determine your eligibility.

What you need to include

To apply for Cash Assistance you will need to prove the following:

Your identity: such as a photo ID, driver’s license, passport, naturalization certificate, or hospital records.
Where you live: such as a statement from your landlord, current rent receipt, lease, or mortgage records.
Your income (if any): such as a current pay stub, business records, current income tax return, or an Unemployment Insurance Benefit statement.

Check the Cash Assistance document guide to see what else you can use as proof.

How to apply

Apply on ACCESS HRA. You can apply for Cash Assistance, SNAP, and Medicaid at the same time.
Use the ACCESS HRA mobile app to track the progress of your application or submit documents.
Call the phone number on your confirmation or next steps page for your interview. You can also visit an HRA Benefits Access Center for an in-center interview.

Apply or recertify online

Print the application and complete it.
Mail it to or drop it off at an HRA Benefits Access Center.
You will get a letter with the phone number to call for your phone interview. You can also visit an HRA Benefits Access Center for an in-center interview.

Download the form

Visit an open HRA Benefits Access Center to apply. It will help if you bring proof of your identity, where you live, who lives with you, and your income. A worker will tell you which of these things you must prove.

Find an open HRA Benefits Access Center

Need help?

Visit the website

Visit the Cash Assistance website to learn more about this program.

Call 311

Ask for Cash Assistance.

Call the HRA Infoline

Call the HRA Infoline at 718-557-1399 for more information.

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We can send you a link to this page to help you get back to it when you’re ready.

Last Updated June 17, 2025

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Cash Assistance | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)