Need Help? Call 212-577-3300
During this unprecedented health emergency created by the outbreak of COVID-19, The Legal Aid Society is committed to continuing to serve our clients. We want our clients to know this important information.
Although our physical offices are closed we remain open for business remotely.
If you 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 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 (including parties, attorneys, witnesses, spectators, law enforcement officers, prisoners, vendors, and all other non-UCS personnel) to any Court System facility house will be required to submit to temperature screening and questioning upon entry into the Courthouse and prior to magnetometer and x-ray security screening. For more information click here.
The ERAP application portal has reopened. All eligible tenants should apply. Click here to begin the application. For more information on applying for ERAP click here.
If you have lived in your apartment for more than 30 days, then your landlord must get a court order to evict you. If your landlord illegally changes your locks, shuts off your utilities, or removes your belongings, click here for more information on your rights and what steps you can take if your landlord has locked you out.
The SCRIE & DRIE processing unit of the NYC Department of Finance is still operating but with less staff. There is customer service staff able to assist via 311 and through online inquiries. Click here for the most up to date information, including the revised processes for applications and renewals.
You can once again go in person to an HRA Job Center for assistance if you would like to. However, you do NOT have to go in person. You can apply online, via mail, or fax. In certain circumstances, you can also apply over the phone or request an in-person visit. Learn more about your options here.
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 or may be subject to public charge in the future.
Read our Public Benefits Flyer for Immigrants (English / Spanish) for more information. Also see 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 New York Health Care Proxy Law allows you to appoint someone you trust — for example, a family member or close friend – to make health care decisions for you if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself. For more information and a form you can complete online, visit Health.NY.
DSS/HRA has issued an emergency rule that increases the burial allowance to $1,700 and increases the cap on burial costs to $3,400. It also extends the time frame for when you can apply to 120 days from the date of death. Applications received on or after March 12, 2020 will be considered for the increase, regardless of immigration status. For more information click here.
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.