Everyone will face challenging times at certain points in their lives, and it is important to know that help is available. The programs identified here are just a sampling of what is currently being offered by the State to assist New Yorkers facing difficulties. Visit the New York State home page at or call 518-474-2121 for more information on these and many more programs available to serve New Yorkers.
| If You Need Help With: | Assistance Type (Pending Eliigibility): | Program: | Phone Number: |
| Food | Monthly grocery bills | Food Stamps | 1-800-342-3009(NYC) 1-877-472-8411 |
| Food for pregnant or breast-feeding women, infants and children | Women, Infants and Children | 1-800-522-5006 | |
| Food served in child or adult day care and after school programs | Child and Adult Care Food | 1-800-942-3858 | |
| Housing | Affordable rental housing and community-based housing assistance | Affordable Housing Directory | 1-866-ASK-DHCR |
| Affordable housing options, mortgage and foreclosure assistance, home buyer assistance through SONYMA and HFA | Keep the Dream (and more) | 1-800-382-HOME | |
| Energy | Paying your energy bills | Home Energy Assistance | 1-800-342-3009 |
| Making your home more energy efficient | Weatherization Assistance | 1-866-ASK-DHCR | |
| Home and appliance energy efficiency improvements | EmPower New York | 1-800-263-0960 | |
| Medical Care | Medical care costs | Medicaid | Call your local social services department |
| Medications | Cost of medications for seniors | Elderly Pharmaceutical | 1-800-332-3742 |
| Health Insurance | Health insurance options for small businesses and individuals | Healthy NY | 1-866-HEALTHY NY |
| Health insurance for families and children | Family Health Plus | 1-877-934-7587 | |
| Child Health Plus | 1-800-698-4543 |
Next: Handling Debt Collectors: Know Your Rights