Grants for Low Income in New York: 2025 Update

Grants for Low Income in New York: 2025 Overview
1. Financial and Cash Assistance Programs
2. Housing and Rent Assistance
3. Utility Bill Assistance Programs (Energy & Water)
4. Health and Medical Assistance
5. Food and Nutrition Assistance Programs
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

New York remains one of the most vibrant and energetic states in the United States. However, the high cost of living, particularly in major metropolitan areas, continues to pose significant financial hurdles for low-income residents. As of the 2025 financial period, affording housing, utilities, and essential goods requires substantial support. For this reason, the State of New York, federal agencies, and numerous non-governmental organizations provide a comprehensive safety net.

This detailed guide has been updated for 2025 to reflect the current status of key programs. Priority groups—including low-income seniors, single mothers, families with children, veterans, and individuals with disabilities—are strongly encouraged to explore the resources listed below to secure financial stability and access necessary services. For a comprehensive look at general financial grants available nationwide, check our detailed guide here.

1. Financial and Cash Assistance Programs

Cash assistance programs are vital for covering immediate, non-specific expenses like transportation, minor debts, and general living costs. These programs often have strict income and asset limits.

Program/Organization	Target Audience & Eligibility Summary	Type of Support Provided	Current Contact / Link (2025)
Temporary Assistance (TA) Program (State/Federal)	Very low-income families with children and pregnant individuals (income-based).	Monthly cash grants to help pay for food, shelter, clothing, and other essentials.	otda.ny.gov/programs/temporary-assistance/ Apply via your Local DSS.
Catholic Charities of New York	Low-income single mothers, seniors, veterans, and individuals facing unexpected financial crises.	Emergency cash support (often one-time) for utilities, rent, and health expenses. Comprehensive housing, food, and clothing assistance also available.	catholiccharitiesny.org/find-help Help Line: 888 744 7900
Salvation Army Greater New York Division	Individuals and families in financial struggle. Prioritizes low-income seniors, single mothers, and people with disabilities.	Direct emergency financial aid, youth services, and basic needs support (Varies by location).	easternusa.salvationarmy.org/greater-new-york/ Phone: 1 212 337 7200

2. Housing and Rent Assistance

Housing costs are the most significant burden for New Yorkers. These programs are designed to provide safe, sanitary, and affordable housing options, as well as assistance with monthly rental payments.

Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher Program – HCV)

This federal program provides rental subsidies to very low-income New Yorkers, covering approximately 70% of the rent. Eligibility is based on 30%-50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and family size. Participants are free to choose private housing that meets program standards. Warning: Waiting lists for HCV are currently extremely long across New York State.

For more details, visit: hcr.ny.gov/section-8-housing-choice-voucher-hcv-program or call 212 480 6672.

New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC)

HDC focuses on creating and preserving affordable housing opportunities for middle and low-income individuals in NYC. They manage lotteries for affordable rental units in projects like RiverEast and Park West Apartments. The main application portal is NYC Housing Connect.

For more details, visit: nychdc.com/find or call 212 227 5500.

RESTORE Housing Assistance Program (HAPEC)

This program is specifically targeted at low-income older New Yorkers (60+) who own their homes. It provides grants up to $5,000 for essential emergency home repairs (roof, furnace, plumbing) and may offer assistance with mortgage default prevention for seniors struggling to maintain their property.

For more details, visit: hapec.org/programs/home-repair-program/ or call 518 873 6888.

Housing Program	Focus
Section 8 (HCV)	Tenant-based rental subsidy (covers ~70% of private rent).
HDC	Affordable apartment lotteries in NYC.
RESTORE HAPEC	Home repair grants (up to $5k) for low-income seniors (60+).

3. Utility Bill Assistance Programs (Energy & Water)

The burden of heating and cooling bills can be devastating for households on a fixed income. These programs are crucial for preventing shut-offs and ensuring safe living conditions.

Program Name	Purpose	Contact
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)	Direct payments for heating/cooling expenses, including Emergency HEAP for shut-off prevention.	otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/ Hotline: 1 800 342 3009
Utility Company Discount Programs	Monthly credits/discounts on utility bills for customers already enrolled in SNAP/Medicaid (Check provider).	Search: [Your Utility Name] Low-Income Affordability.
Utility Help (American Red Cross)	Emergency financial aid to stop immediate service disconnection (often prioritizing seniors/vulnerable).	redcross.org/local/new-york/ Contact: 877 733 2767

4. Health and Medical Assistance

New York has robust public health insurance programs ensuring that all low and moderate-income residents have access to necessary medical care, including specialized services for children and pregnant women.

New York State Medicaid

Medicaid provides comprehensive coverage for low and middle-income residents, covering hospital stays, doctor visits, eye care, prescription drugs, and much more. Eligibility is income-based and covers various groups including children, single adults, families, and people with disabilities.

For more details, visit: health.ny.gov/publications/0548/ or call 1 800 522 5006.

New York Child Health Plus

This program offers excellent, low-cost or free child health coverage for children under 19 who do not qualify for Medicaid. Benefits include vision care, dental assistance, immunizations, and prescriptions. Premiums are scaled according to family income.

For more details, visit: health.ny.gov/health_care/child_health_plus/ or call 1 800 698 4543.

New York State of Health (The Essential Plan)

This plan bridges the gap for individuals whose income is too high for Medicaid but who need subsidized, low-premium health coverage through the state marketplace. It offers comprehensive coverage with very low out-of-pocket costs.

For more details, visit: nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1 855 355 5777.

Health Program	Target Group
Medicaid	Low-income adults, families, disabled, and seniors. (Comprehensive)
Child Health Plus	Children under 19 (Free or low-cost insurance).
Essential Plan	Individuals just above the Medicaid income limit. (Subsidized insurance)

5. Food and Nutrition Assistance Programs

Access to healthy food is a fundamental right. These programs ensure that low-income individuals and families can purchase nutritious items and receive specialized supplemental foods for vulnerable groups.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP / Food Stamps)

SNAP provides monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to buy groceries at authorized stores. Eligibility is based on household size, income, and assets. It is the most vital program for ensuring food security for low-income New Yorkers.

For more details, visit: ny.gov/services/apply-snap or call 1 800 342 3009.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC is a supplemental food program for low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children up to age five who are identified as being at nutritional risk. It provides vouchers/cards for specific healthy foods (milk, eggs, formula, etc.) and offers nutrition counseling.

For more details, visit: health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/

Food Program	Benefit
SNAP (Food Stamps)	Monthly EBT benefits for grocery purchases.
WIC	Vouchers for specific nutritional foods (infants/children/pregnant women).

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to the most common questions regarding low-income grants and assistance in New York.

What is the easiest way to apply for multiple benefits at once?

The easiest approach is to use MyBenefits.ny.gov. This single portal allows you to screen for eligibility and apply for multiple programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, and HEAP, without filling out separate applications for each. You can also visit your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office.

Can I receive rent assistance if I live with family or friends?

It depends on the program. Section 8 (HCV) and many ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) initiatives generally require a formal lease agreement showing you are responsible for rent. However, some emergency cash programs or transitional housing options offered by non-profits like Catholic Charities may still provide support.

Are there special grants for single mothers in New York?

While there are no specific grants solely named “Single Mother Grant,” many programs prioritize single-parent households because they are statistically more likely to be low-income. The Temporary Assistance (TA) program and WIC are two primary resources that offer significant support and often give priority to single mothers with young children.

What documents should I prepare before applying for aid?

Always prepare the following documents: Proof of Identity (driver’s license, passport), Proof of Residency (utility bill, lease), Proof of Income (pay stubs, tax returns, unemployment letters), and Bank Statements to show assets. Program types (health, housing, etc.) may require additional specific documents.

This guide provides an overview of New York’s support systems, current as of 2025. Due to ongoing legislative and budgetary changes, always verify eligibility criteria and program availability directly with the listed agencies before applying.