1. At least one family member who receives cash assistance (CA); and
2. At least one family member who is pregnant or is a child under the age of 18 or is a child under the age of 19 and enrolled in a full time-high school, GED, vocational or technical program.

Additional information is available here.

1. Rent demand or letter from the landlord threatening eviction for not paying the rent;
2. Hardship Declaration, available here;
3. Rent breakdown from the landlord; and
4. One-year lease or proof of a rent-regulated apartment at FHEPS levels or below.

Apply on Access HRA
If you have internet access, are comfortable using an online application, and can upload documents through your phone, you can begin the application process by submitting a special grant request on the ACCESS HRA website or the Access HRA Mobile App if the family is already receiving Cash Assistance (CA). If the family is not receiving CA, start an application online for CA and check off that rent arrears are owed. Documents can best be sent via the NYC HRA Document Upload App. Label each document with your name, case number, and phone number. Wait for a call from HRA to complete the application process.

Request a Paper Application
Request a paper application for cash assistance if you do not have an open case by calling the HRA Infoline at 718-557-1399 or download one here. Check off that rent arrears are being requested. Ask Infoline where to mail, fax, or drop off the completed application and supporting identity and FHEPS documents. Wait for an HRA call to finish the application process.

Home Visit Needed/Home Bound (HVN/HB) Application via Center 90
Call the HRA Office of Constituent Services (OCS) at 212-331-4640, or e-mail constitutentaffairs@dss.nyc.gov or FAX at 212-331-4685 & 212-331-4686 if you have a disability or need a reasonable accommodation including help applying for cash assistance or FHEPS. Explain that you are not able to use ACCESS HRA or fill out a paper application on your own or go to one of the 7 open Job Centers. They can schedule a home visit or phone appointment depending on your need. Make sure to ask how long the wait will be before you are called or visited by an HRA to start the process.

Apply at a Job Center
This is a last resort and Legal Aid does not suggest you go to a Job Center.

Call Infoline at to schedule an appointment at one of the seven open Job Centers. At the appointment you can apply using HRA’s self-service computers. You can scan or submit your documents. You will be called at home to complete the process.

After you apply online or at the center you should be called in 2-7 business days for an interview. The worker will be calling from a scrambled number that you cannot call back. The numbers they will call from are: 347-227-3301, 718-269-3231, 929-267-5002, 914-274-5743.

If you have a cell phone, input these numbers in your phone under HRA so you know to pick up. Make sure to pick up all calls after you file the application because you can’t call them. If you are not called back, call the Rescheduling Unit at 212-835- 7304 to request a call back. The Rescheduling Unit will give you a time and date for your call back and a confirmation number. If this fails call the Rescheduling Unit a second time. When you are called back and all of your documents are complete, the application should be sent to the Homeless Diversion Unit (HDU) at your center. HDU should review your eligibility within 30 days and they may ask for additional documents.

If there is a problem, call 311 to be referred to a legal services office in your borough.

The information in this document has been prepared by The Legal Aid Society for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. You should not act upon any information without retaining professional legal counsel.