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Correctional Library Services > Connections 2008 > Financial Assistance 
Financial AssistanceDealing with government agencies is often a very frustrating experience, requiring both patience and endurance. There is the inevitable waiting line, service is usually impersonal, and it is not uncommon to be shifted from one office or agency to the next in search of simple answers. In recent years many government departments have posted their application forms, eligibility requirements and procedures on the Internet for downloading. If you do not have access to a computer and printer, remember that your neighborhood public library (or organization supporting formerly incarcerated people) may be able to print needed forms and web pages for you or show you how to do so using their computers. NEW YORK CITY HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION 180 Water Street, Manhattan 10038
Information on applying for benefits is available through the automated telephone line and website. The website includes applications for download and printing, eligibility requirements and FAQs (lists of frequently asked questions about benefits). Spanish, Chinese and Russian are options on the telephone line. No operator is available. Mon.-Fri. 8-5. Public Assistance: Income SupportRecipients of Public Assistance fall into four general categories:
Job Center sites in the five boroughs are listed on the HRA website under the Family Independence Administration, and are the place to go to apply for Temporary Assistance, Medicaid and other services: www.nyc.gov/html/hra/html/family_independence/job_center_sites.shtml Food StampsThe Food Stamp Program is a federally funded program designed to enable people with limited income to increase their ability to purchase food. The program provides food stamp benefits through the use of an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that can be used in the place of cash. People receiving public assistance can sign up for Food Stamps at the Job Centers described above. Other offices provide just Food Stamp benefits: Addresses for the twenty NYC Food Stamp offices in New York City are found online at: www.nyc.gov/html/hra/downloads/pdf/food_stamp_offices.pdf An application package can also be mailed: call 877.472.8411 to request. The application can also be printed from the New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Insurance website: www.otda.state.ny.us/main/foodstamps/ (Available also in Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and Russian.) If you are uncertain whether or not you are entitled to Food Stamps, you can call the Food Stamp Call Center at FoodChange: 212.894.8060. Mon.-Fri. 9-5. Medical AssistanceMedicaid is the federal program working in cooperation with state governments to partly finance medical assistance to low-income people. The Department of Health and Human Services lists eligibility guidelines on its website, Medicare is the federal government's health insurance program for people over age 65. The booklet Medicare and You 2006, detailing the recent changes in coverage, can be found at all branches of the New York Public Library in the Community Information Collection. The federal Medicare office can be reached at 800.633.4227 or online at www.medicare.gov. Elder Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) helps seniors pay for prescription drugs. Call 800.332.3742 (TTY 800.290.9138) for information on eligibility, or visit www.health.state.ny.us/health_care/epic. THE COMMUNITY SERVICE SOCIETY Public Benefits Resource Center URBAN JUSTICE CENTER 123 William Street, 16th Floor, Manhattan 10036 GAY MEN'S HEALTH CRISIS (GMHC), ADVOCACY UNIT Telephone: 212.367.1125 VeteransDEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 245 West Houston Street (at Varick Street), Manhattan 10014 NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS State Veteran Counselors assist veterans and their families with any matters related to veterans' benefits. Bring DD214, copy of birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of address, and proof of income, if any. Assistance is also given in obtaining a copy of your DD214. For the location of your nearest Veterans Affairs office, anywhere in New York State, call 888.838.7697, Mon.-Fri. 9-4. Crime VictimsNEW YORK STATE CRIME VICTIMS BOARD 55 Hanson Place, 10th Floor, Brooklyn 11217 Emergency AssistanceSee the chapter on Housing for information on New York City shelters. NEW YORK CITY HUNGER HOTLINE Telephone: 866.888.8777 NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES, EMERGENCY SERVICES Telephone: 877.472.8411 or 311 CATHEDRAL COMMUNITY CARES Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine SAINT JOSEPH EPISCOPAL CHURCH The Harlem Block Association, Inc. Be sure to check The New York Public Library's Community Information Services (CIS) units, located at every branch, for the latest copy of the Coalition for the Homeless Resource Guide. This invaluable resource lists food, shelter, and other services for the homeless, including information on rights and benefits, drop-in centers, legal services, medical and mental health services, services for youth and immigrants, GED programs, and housing. The Guide is available online at www.coalitionforthehomeless.org. Click on "Resource Guide." The homeless people's organization Information for Families
keeps a list of resources and links on its website: www.informationforfamilies.org.
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