Hite site
HiteSite is an online resource directory connecting New Yorkers with free and low-cost health and social services.
Benefits Screening Tools
Access NYC
Access NYC is a screening tool that helps New York City residents find and apply for benefits, including:
- Financial assistance
- Housing support
- Food and nutrition programs
- Employment services
- Child and family programs
myBenefits
myBenefits is a screening tool for New York State residents offering access to a variety of programs, such as:
- Food assistance
- Utility assistance
- Tax credits
- Other essential support services
Medicare Programs and Resources
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for:
- Individuals 65 years of age and older
- Individuals living with disabilities
Learn more about the program and apply for benefits by visiting the Medicare website.
Medicare Interactive
Medicare Interactive provides information about public and private health insurance options for individuals of all ages in New York State.
HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program)
HIICAP offers information, counseling, and assistance with public and private health insurance for:
- Individuals 65+ years old
- Individuals living with disabilities across the United States
BenefitsCheckUp - Medicare
BenefitsCheckUp is a questionnaire designed for people 55 and older to help assess eligibility for programs that may reduce costs related to:
- Prescription drugs
- Health care services
- Utility bills
- Other essential services
This program is sponsored by the National Council on Aging.
🍇🍓 Food Assistance Programs 🍑🥝
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides low-income seniors ages 60 and older with free, nutritious food on a monthly basis.
To apply, contact a CSFP-designated distribution site.
Note: This program is only available in the Bronx, Kings, Queens, and Nassau counties.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) / "Food Stamps"
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enables eligible individuals and families to purchase food at participating retailers using a pre-loaded Electronic Benefit Card (EBT card).
Eligibility and benefit amounts are determined based on household size, income, assets, and other factors.
Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program supports low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children by providing:
- Nutritious food
- Nutrition education
- Breastfeeding support
- Referrals to medical care and social services
To qualify, participants must:
- Meet income guidelines
- Be pregnant or have a child up to age five
- Have a medical or nutritional risk
For more information or to apply, visit the Department of Health's WIC application page.
💹Financial Assistance Programs
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) offers energy bill assistance to low-income households.
Eligibility is determined by the applicant's income and housing situation.
Applications open every November.
For more information, visit the NYC Resources website.
Social Security Programs
Social Security programs provide several types of financial assistance:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash payments to individuals with disabilities of all ages, and income-eligible seniors ages 65 and older.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Benefits for individuals with mental or physical conditions that prevent them from working.
- Additional programs also offer retirement benefits, survivor benefits for families of deceased wage earners, and more.
Tax Credits
Tax credits are available for low- to moderate-income working individuals and families, including:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Child Tax Credits
- Related programs
The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs maintains additional information for NYC residents.
Temporary Cash Assistance
Temporary and emergency financial assistance is available to New York State residents in need.
For more information:
- Call 311
- Contact the HRA Infoline at (718) 557-1399
- Visit the Human Resources Administration (HRA) website
Unemployment Benefits
Unemployment benefits are offered by the New York State Department of Labor for eligible individuals.
For assistance, call (888) 209-8124.
🧑🤝🧑Special Populations 🧑🤝🧑
HIV Uninsured Care Programs
The HIV Uninsured Care Programs provide insurance coverage for uninsured or underinsured New York State residents who are living with HIV or are at risk of acquiring HIV.
Covered services include:
- Primary care
- HIV medications
- Home care services
- Preventive care
- Other essential health services
Military Employees and Veterans' Benefits
Benefit programs are available for active duty military personnel, retired service members, and veterans, offering:
- Health care services
- Mental health support
- Additional military-related benefits
🏥Medicaid Programs and Resources
Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint Federal and New York State health insurance program for individuals who cannot otherwise afford health care services.
Learn more about benefits, eligibility, and applications by:
- Visiting the New York State Department of Health Medicaid website
- Calling the Medicaid Helpline at 1-800-541-2831
Buy-in Program for People with Disabilities
This program enables working individuals with disabilities to retain their Medicaid health care coverage even if their income exceeds standard Medicaid limits.
Cancer Treatment Program
The Cancer Treatment Program provides coverage for breast, cervical, colorectal, or prostate cancer treatment for eligible individuals.
Comprehensive Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care Services Program
This program covers family planning and related services for teens, men, and women of childbearing age.
Excess Income Program ("Spend Down" Program)
The Excess Income Program allows individuals whose income is slightly above Medicaid’s maximum but who have high medical expenses to qualify for Medicaid coverage.
Also known as the "Spend Down" or "Surplus Income" program.
Health Homes
Health Homes offer care management services for individuals who meet specific Health Home criteria, providing coordinated support for medical, behavioral, and social service needs.
School Supportive Health Services Program
Jointly administered by the New York State Department of Health (DOH) and the New York State Department of Education, this program allows Medicaid to cover medical services for eligible children with disabilities within school settings.
Additional Medicaid Programs
Explore a listing of additional Medicaid programs applicable to specific populations and needs.
NYC Benefits Assistance
The City of New York offers resources to help residents identify and access appropriate health care benefits:
- Visit NYC Resources for Medicaid assistance and public benefits information.
- Use ACCESS NYC, a screening tool for Medicaid and other public assistance programs.
Individuals can also check Medicaid eligibility and apply for Medicaid or other insurance options through the New York State of Health Insurance Marketplace.