Cash Assistance Application Frequently Asked Questions
Submitting an Application
Cash Assistance Application and Recertification Kit
Who can apply?
Every person, regardless of age, citizenship, immigration status or income, is allowed to apply for Cash Assistance (CA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid Assistance (MA).

Anyone over the age of 18 may request to establish his/her own CA case, even while residing in his/her parent(s) home.
Do I need to have a Social Security Number (SSN) to be eligible for benefits?
Generally, to be eligible for Cash Assistance benefits, you and all of the members of your household must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or show proof of having applied for one. ACCESS HRA keeps all of your information private and secure.

If you are applying for Cash Assistance benefits on behalf of your children and you are an undocumented immigrant you do not need to have or show that you applied for an SSN, and the Agency cannot take unfavorable actions against your household. Your children must have a valid SSN or have applied for one to be eligible for Cash Assistance benefits.
What if I don't have an SSN?
If you are applying for Cash Assistance benefits but do not have a SSN, you may still qualify for benefits if you show proof that you applied for a SSN. A worker will discuss your options for benefits during your initial application interview to process your application and will provide information on how to apply for an SSN if needed. If you are an undocumented immigrant applying for benefits for your children only, you do not have to provide or show proof of applying for an SSN for yourself. You can learn how to apply for an SSN here: Social Security Number And Card
Will my immigration status impact my eligibility?
Immigration status and eligibility for Cash Assistance is complicated, but you should still apply for benefits if you and your family need them. A worker will evaluate your individual circumstances to determine eligibility.

You can apply for and get Cash Assistance benefits for eligible household member(s) even if you or some other members of your household are not eligible for benefits because of immigration status.

For example, undocumented parents can apply for Cash Assistance benefits for their documented children and receive benefits for their eligible children. You may be eligible for Cash Assistance Benefits if you are a United States (U.S.) citizen, a noncitizen U.S. national (person born in American Samoa), or a qualified non-citizen (such as a refugee).

The Job Center staff will provide the needed information to determine if you qualify based upon your immigration status.
Who needs to be on my application for Cash Assistance?
You must include everyone that lives with you on the application, even if they are not applying for benefits.

NOTE: You should discuss certain living situations with your worker if you have a student that is away from home, or an individual away for military assignment.
What if I can’t apply for myself or come to the Job Center to apply for benefits?
If you cannot complete the application, or come to a Job Center, due to a medical or clinical condition, there are options available to you.

Request a Home Visit – If you have a physical or mental health condition that restricts your ability to leave your place of residence or neighborhood, or are otherwise unable to appear at an HRA office to conduct agency related business where no other accommodation is available (such as mail, fax, phone or authorized representative), HRA will visit you in your home. You may contact the Office of Constituent Services (OCS) at (212) 331-4640.

Designate an Authorized Representative – You may designate, in writing, someone (friend, relative or other agency) to apply for benefits on your behalf if you can prove that you have a good reason such as, a physical or mental condition, or other circumstance beyond your control which prevents you from being able to comply with filing an application for yourself.

The person you designate must act on your behalf and be willing and able to provide information about you that is needed to determine your eligibility for benefits.

Choosing to use an authorized representative does not mean that you will be excused from certain cash assistance eligibility requirements. This may include things like cooperating with the Office of Child Support Services and providing accurate information when requested, or informing the agency of changes in your household which may affect eligibility.
What will the application ask?
The application will ask questions about:
  • The people (household members) that live in your home, including their age, relationship to you, and immigration status.
  • The money your household members earn from working at a job or from self-employment.
  • The money your household members receive from other sources, including, but not limited to, money they receive from Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB), Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Benefits, Child Support, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
  • The bills and expenses your household pays each month including rent or mortgage payments, electricity, heat, child care or medical bills (paid or unpaid).
  • The resources that are available to your household members, including cash on hand and bank accounts.
  • If any of the household members are enrolled in an institution of higher learning, like college, employment training program, business, or vocational school.
You will be asked to provide proof of some of the answers you have given. Please see the Frequently Asked Question for documentation requirements for more detail.
Is the online Cash Assistance application different from the paper Cash Assistance application?
  • The questions may be asked differently online than on the paper form, but the same information will be required in all cases.
  • Eligibility is determined by the Human Resources Administration (HRA), whether you submit an online application or paper application.
  • The same procedure at HRA is used for applications whether they are submitted in person, online, by fax, or through the mail.
What are the advantages of submitting a completed application online?
The advantages of submitting a completed application are:
  • It might save you time during your interview with the HRA worker. By providing more information in your online application now, your HRA worker may have fewer questions to ask you later.
  • You can work on the application at your own pace.
  • Electronic submission is immediate and does not require mailing time.
  • You can conveniently print out a copy or keep a PDF file of your application responses.
Next Steps/ Completing the Eligibility Process
What do you need to make an eligibility decision on my application?
There are a few steps in the process to complete before a decision can be made:
  1. Complete and electronically sign and submit your application online.
  2. Your application will be reviewed by an HRA worker, and all individuals 18 years and older must have their eligibility interview to provide all the necessary information
  3. Provide documentation of information that requires validation (your worker will let you know what you need to give).
  4. Comply with all other requirements discussed with your worker for other appointments.
Note: If you fill out as much of the application as you can before submitting it, it may reduce the amount of time needed to conduct your eligibility interview with an HRA worker.
What if I miss my scheduled interview?
If you miss your interview you will receive an automated call and reminder letter in the mail telling you that you missed your appointment. You will be given a telephone number to call to reschedule your interview. You will also receive a missed appointment letter on which you will find the number to reschedule your interview. If you are a participant you will receive the automated call and written reminder but can also contact your worker.
How will I complete my Cash Assistance interview?
Before you can receive benefits, you will need to complete your interview with an HRA worker in person. After your application is received, you will be routed to an HRA worker for your in-person interview, or an HRA worker will contact you to set up an interview appointment. You will receive an automated telephone call reminding you of your upcoming scheduled appointment. It is important to provide phone number(s) where you can be contacted so that you are able to be notified of your appointment date in a timely manner.

If you have applied for an emergency benefit or immediate needs, you may be required to have a same-day interview after you submit your online application.
How can I submit documents for my eligibility?
After you submit your application, a list of documents you may need to provide the Human Resources Administration (HRA) will be shown. This list may be different for each household, depending on what information you provided in your application.

The Cash Assistance Documentation Guide (W-119D) provides a detailed list of documents you can use to verify the information you provided in your application.

During your interview the HRA worker will tell you which types of documents you need to submit to assist in determining your eligibility. The HRA worker will also give you an appointment to return the documents in person to the Job Center.

You can submit documents to establish your eligibility at a Job Center, by fax, or by mail.

Click on the link below to find your Job Center mailing address, telephone number, and fax number:

Job Center locations

At a Job Center, you can visit customer service or use the self-service scanner to submit your documents. Please remember to submit copies of your documents and do not mail originals.

A document receipt will be mailed to you once your documents are processed by HRA.
Do I have to work in order to get benefits?
Generally, if you are considered able-bodied, you have to comply with the agency work requirements. There are various ways to meet the work requirements such as: being enrolled in an HRA approved education/training program or being enrolled in an approved two-year or four-year college degree program, or if you are currently employed full time. There are exemptions based on age, medical and physical limitations, and other considerations. You should speak to your worker to discuss any possible exemptions for which you or other household members may qualify. But remember, the goal is for you and the members of your household to become self-sufficient.
Am I eligible for Emergency Assistance?
You may be qualified to receive Emergency Assistance if you have an unforeseeable emergency such as a utility turnoff, pending eviction from you home/apartment, you have no food, or need to replace clothes or furniture because you suffered a fire or other disaster at your home/apartment.
How soon will I get my benefits?
Before you can receive benefits, you must have an in person interview with an HRA worker so they can begin to figure out what benefits you are qualified to receive. Depending on the type of program benefit for which you qualify, it may take up to 30 to 45 days to get regular benefits, but for certain cases it may be sooner. If you apply for emergency/immediate needs assistance it may be much sooner depending on the emergency.
Inquiries/ Check Status
If my application is denied, how soon can I apply again?
You have the right to reapply at any time.
How can I check the status of my Cash Assistance application?

Online: You can check the status of your application on ACCESS HRA on your ‘Home’ page.

If you have not linked to your ACCESS HRA account with your Human Resources Administration (HRA) case, you will be presented with the “Find My Case” page where you will be asked to enter Date of Birth and Social Security Number OR Client Identification Number (CIN). This will allow HRA to locate your case information.

Case History: You can view all cases for the last 12 months, along with the status of each case by clicking on the “Benefits” menu option at the top of the page.

Case Details: You can view when your recertification is due, request a budget letter, household members on your case and more by clicking on the card with the “View Case” option.

On the Phone: Call Infoline at 718-557-1399 if you have additional question about your case.

In a Center: You can call or visit a Job Center and request information about your case.
What if I already submitted my application or recertification (by mail, fax, or online)?
There is no need to submit an application online if you have just recently submitted another application for the same program to HRA. Someone from HRA will be contacting you to schedule an interview for your application.

Please contact InfoLine at 718-557-1399 to find out the status of your application.
Can I receive text messages or emails about my application or case?
Yes you can!

If you opt-in to receiving text messages and/or emails about your application, and you provide accurate email and cell phone information, you can receive emails and/or text messages about your application and upcoming appointment dates.

Emails: First, you will be sent an email from us asking you to confirm your email address. After opening that email and clicking on the link, your email address will be confirmed in our system and you will start receiving emails about your application or case. We will never share your email address or send confidential case information over email.

Texts: If you wish to receive text messages about your application or case, please provide a contact number where we can send text messages. Please note that text message rates from your telephone company may apply.

You can update these preference at any time by logging into ACCESS HRA and then clicking on the drop down option; located at the top right section of the page, next to your username or email address and selecting 'Profile'. To edit your information, click the “Update” button on the 'Contact Information' section.
Can I see received notices online?

You can see what notices you recently received for your case by logging onto ACCESS HRA and selecting “E-notices” from the menu option. If you are enrolled in ‘Paperless notices’, you must read all notices issued to your case within 30 days. Failure to do so will result in your disenrollment in Paperless notices.

Please note: Not all notices for your case are shown on this page. Certain notices will only be received by mail at your ‘Mailing Address’ on file. In order to view a notice, click the ‘View Notice’ icon.

HRA will notify you when notices are posted to you ACCESS HRA account. Please note that you can update these preference at any time by logging into ACCESS HRA and then clicking on the drop down option; located at the top right section of the page, next to your username or email address and selecting 'Profile'. To edit your information, click the “Update” button on the 'Contact Information' section.

If you have not linked to your ACCESS HRA account with your Human Resources Administration (HRA) case, you will be presented with the “Find My Case” page where you will be asked to enter Date of Birth and Social Security Number OR Client Identification Number (CIN). This will allow HRA to locate your case information.
How do I request a reasonable accommodation?
Please follow the instructions found at http://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/ada.page. If you have additional questions, please contact Infoline at (718) 557-1399.
Where can I register to vote?
You can register to vote at any HRA Center or PC Bank. Ask any staff person in the PC Bank for a Voter Registration form, complete and sign it and drop it in the convenient basket. We will mail it to the Board of Elections for you. Or , if you prefer, you may print and mail the form from your own home as part of your submitted Application or Recertification. Complete and mail the form to the Board of Elections, 32 Broadway, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10275-0067. If you would like to call the Board of Elections (www.vote.nyc.ny.us) for information, contact 866-VOTE-NYC; TTY 212-487-5496.
Find the documents you need here for your Special Grant request:
Required documents that are requested by the agency can be found on your case's E-Notices page. If you recently submitted a Special Grant request on ACCESS HRA, your required documents can be found on your Next Steps page, which can be accessed via the User Home page.

Please see below links to download blank copies of the required document forms that are available online.


Paying for housing costs I owe:

Some community-based organizations can help you apply for mortgage assistance. Click here for more information.
Pay for Utilities You Owe: Paying for storage: Help with Moving: Adding a household member:
These forms will be opened in Adobe Reader. If you do not have Adobe Reader, click the link to download: Adobe Reader
How can I find out more information about assistance programs?
Click here for more information about New York City's Office of Financial Empowerment, Financial Counseling program.

Some organizations provide casework services and also help individuals and families locate existing community-based resources such as anti-eviction legal services and short term financial assistance. Click here for more information.


Some community based providers can help you apply for rental assistance. Click here for more information.
How do I request help with paying work expenses?
HRA may be able to help you with the expenses for approved work-related activities including job search. These expenses can include:
    Necessary Public Transportation
    Clothing for Participants in Job Search Activities who have Exceptional Circumstances
    Licensing/Uniform/Durable Goods Fees
When you begin a work activity, you will get help with your related expenses. If your needs change or if you do not get the help you need, you should tell your vendor. If your vendor does not help you, you can submit a request to your Job Center by phone, fax, mail, or in-person.
For child care allowances, please contact your Job Center for help.
How do I apply for Burial Allowance?

HRA may be able to help cover burial expenses after the loss of a relative or friend.The Burial Claims Unit will assist you. Applications must be completed and returned in person within 60 days of death.

Complete and return your application form
Complete and return your application form to:
Office of Burial Services
Click here for our new address

Please keep the following in mind the total cost of the funeral must be $1700 or less. HRA may be able to cover up to $900.

Questions? Call us at (718) 473-8310
Please bring the following documents with your application
Complete and return your application form:
  • Original certified copy of the death certificate
  • Copy of the Funeral Contract
  • Copy of the cemetary or crematory bill
  • Original itemized funeral bill signed by the Funeral Director and notarized
  • Original completed Funeral Director's Affidavit form, if money is still owed for services
  • Information about the assets of the deceased
We may request additional documentation later.

Click here to learn more about Burial Financial Assistance.

How do I get help to fix my boiler or furnace?
HRA may help cover boiler or furnace repair expenses. Please call or visit an HRA office to speak with a worker. Click here to view a list of our locations.
Home Energy Assistance Program.
212-331-3126

Monday through Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Case Changes & Emergency Grant requests
What is a case change?
Case changes are when your living situation changes. For example, this could be when you need to change the people on your case, when you move, or when your income changes. You can make a change to your case by clicking “CA Case Change” on the ACCESS HRA home page and selecting the case changes you need. Some case changes may change how much benefits you get for your case. For some changes, HRA will let you know if you can make the change to your case (for example, if you are removing a person from your case who is a minor).
What do I do if my income changes?
Click “CA Case Change” on the ACCESS HRA home page. Then select “Make changes to your income” and click “Continue.” You can make changes to your income by clicking “Edit” next to the income you need to update. You can also add a new type of income. You can do this for income you get from a job, self-employment, Social Security and SSI, Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB), money you get from another person, or income you get from somewhere else.
What do I do if I need to add or remove a person from my case?

Click “CA Case Change” on the ACCESS HRA home page. Then select “Change case member(s)” and click “Continue.”

If you need to add a person to your case, we will ask you for some information about them, such as their age, relationship to you and their income. We may ask for some documents about this person.

If you need to remove a person from your case, we will ask you if they still live with you. If they do not, we will ask when they left and why they left. If the person is a minor, HRA will let you know if you can remove them from your case. We will also contact you if you pay child support for them.
Can I request more than one change to my case?
Yes. On the “Case Changes & Emergency Grants” page, you can select more than one case change or emergency grant. Just click as many case changes or emergency grants as you need. When you select a change, the box will turn blue and have a check mark. Then click “Continue” and follow the steps we give you.
Can I request a case change with an emergency grant?
Yes. On the “Case Changes & Emergency Grants” page, just click the case changes and emergency grants that you need. When you select a case change or emergency grant, the box will turn blue and have a check mark. Then click “Continue” and follow the steps we give you.
Can I close my case on ACCESS HRA?
Currently, you cannot close your case using ACCESS HRA. If you need to close your case, please use the ACCESS HRA Mobile App to upload a document telling us you need to close your case. This document must have your name, the date, your case number, and your signature. After you give us this document, HRA may need to contact you for more information about why you are closing you are case.
How can I tell HRA about a change in my expenses?

You should tell us if you have expenses that you did not include on your application, or if your expenses have changed. These expenses could include rent or mortgage, utilities, child care payments, , child support payments, or medical bills.

Currently, you cannot submit a change of your expenses using ACCESS HRA. Instead, please use the ACCESS HRA Mobile App to upload a document that shows the current expense. After you give us this document, HRA may need to contact you for more information about your expense. For a list of documents you could submit for your expenses, please see the W-119D.

What if the case change or special grant request I need is not available on ACCESS HRA?
If the help you need is not available on ACCESS HRA, you can make your request by mail, fax, in-person at your Center or by calling Infoline at 718-557-1399. You can also use the ACCESS HRA Mobile App to upload a document in support of your request. This document must have your name, the date, your case number, and your signature. After you give us this document, HRA may need to contact you for more information.