The Legal Aid Society’s office locations throughout the five boroughs have begun the process of re-opening to the public. We will continue to closely monitor COVID-19 health and safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of our clients and staff. If you are a current client, please consult your attorney or social worker before visiting an office in-person.

If you are not a current client and need assistance from the Criminal Defense Practice or Juvenile Rights Practice continue to call our main number 212-577-3300. Indicate you need legal assistance and your call will be forwarded to an operator who will assist you.

If you are not a current client and you need assistance from our Civil Practice call the neighborhood office in your borough:

Bronx: 718-991-4758​
Brooklyn: 718-722-3100
Manhattan: 212-426-3000
Queens: 718-286-2450
Staten Island: 347-422-5333

Some court proceedings remain virtual while others have resumed in-person, please consult with your attorney if you have questions about an upcoming appearance.

Visitors to any Court System facility house may be required to submit to temperature screening and questioning upon entry into the Courthouse and prior to magnetometer and x-ray security screening. Masks are optional in the Courthouse. For the lastest information click here.

• New York State’s eviction moratorium has expired. 
• DO NOT self-evict. A legal proceeding must be brought against you to remove you from your home.
• In New York City you have the right to an attorney in housing court, to get an attorney call 311.
• New York State ERAP applications will not be accepted after January 20, 2023, at 9:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. Although the program will be closed to new applications OTDA will continue to process applications submitted before that time. All eligible residents of New York State should apply immediately. While an application is being processed eviction proceedings cannot move forward. For more information on how to apply click here.

• Individuals who do not have health insurance can enroll in Medicaid and other subsidized and non-subsidized insurance on the New York State of Health Marketplace by calling 855-355-5777 or visiting New York State of Health. You can always enroll in Medicaid or the Essential Plan any time of year.
• Individuals who are undocumented can enroll in Emergency Medicaid through the Marketplace. Emergency Medicaid ordinarily covers emergency conditions only but is covering all testing, evaluation, and treatment for COVID-19. Also, pregnant individuals who are undocumented are eligible for full Medicaid benefits if they meet other eligibility requirements.
• All low-income New Yorkers regardless of immigration status can access free or low-cost health care at New York City Health + Hospitals locations. Anyone who is uninsured can enroll in the Health + Hospitals Options program by calling 646-NYC-CARE.
• Our Health Law Unit has created resources with additional important information on applying for and keeping Medicaid and other insurance. There is also information about accessing healthcare services, fair hearings and overpayments.

Immigrants are eligible for many forms of health insurance, cash benefits, and food assistance. Some immigrant households may have concerns about accessing benefits because of an immigration issue called “Public Charge.” Please note that public charge only applies to certain immigrants and certain public benefits. Accessing COVID-19 testing and care WILL NOT count against an immigrant who is currently or may be subject to public charge in the future.

Read our updated FAQ on Public Charge which includes COVID-19 information, and other information and resources regarding public charge here.

Any community member or advocate with questions should call Legal Aid’s Immigration Helpline at 844-955-3424, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. to leave a message for our Public Charge team. Our team can then call you back to answer additional questions. Interpreters are available for all languages.

The information on this page 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.