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My Cash Assistance recertification is due and I can’t use ACCESS HRA. How can I recertify?
If you could not recertify on ACCESS HRA, you can recertify now using one of these ways:
I missed the deadline for my Cash Assistance recertification and now I’m afraid I will lose benefits. Can I still recertify?
If you missed your Cash Assistance recertification period, we may still be able to accept your late recertification form if you contact us now using one of these ways:
Every person, regardless of age, citizenship, immigration status or income, is allowed to apply for Cash Assistance (CA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid Assistance (MA).
Anyone over the age of 18 may request to establish his/her own CA case, even while residing in his/her parent(s) home.
NOTE: If you have children under the age of 21 living with you, and their other parent does not live with you, you will automatically be referred to Child Support Services.
Do I need to have a Social Security Number (SSN) to be eligible for benefits?
Generally, to be eligible for Cash Assistance benefits, you and all of the members of your household must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or show proof of having applied for one. ACCESS HRA keeps all of your information private and secure.
If you are applying for Cash Assistance benefits on behalf of your children and you are an undocumented immigrant you do not need to have or show that you applied for an SSN, and the Agency cannot take unfavorable actions against your household. Your children must have a valid SSN or have applied for one to be eligible for Cash Assistance benefits.
What if I don't have an SSN?
If you are applying for Cash Assistance benefits but do not have a SSN, you may still qualify for benefits if you show proof that you applied for a SSN. A worker will discuss your options for benefits during your initial application interview to process your application and will provide information on how to apply for an SSN if needed. If you are an undocumented immigrant applying for benefits for your children only, you do not have to provide or show proof of applying for an SSN for yourself. Learn how to apply for a Social Security Number and Card.
Will my immigration status impact my eligibility?
Immigration status and eligibility for Cash Assistance is complicated, but you should still apply for benefits if you and your family need them. A worker will evaluate your individual circumstances to determine eligibility.
You can apply for and get Cash Assistance benefits for eligible household member(s) even if you or some other members of your household are not eligible for benefits because of immigration status.
For example, undocumented parents can apply for Cash Assistance benefits for their documented children and receive benefits for their eligible children. You may be eligible for Cash Assistance Benefits if you are a United States (U.S.) citizen, a noncitizen U.S. national (person born in American Samoa), or a qualified non-citizen (such as a refugee).
The HRA Benefits Access Center staff will provide the needed information to determine if you qualify based upon your immigration status.
Who needs to be on my application for Cash Assistance?
You must include everyone that lives with you on the application, even if they are not applying for benefits.
Note: You should discuss certain living situations with your worker if you have a student that is away from home, or an individual away for military assignment.
What will the application ask?
The application will ask questions about:
You will be asked to provide proof of some of the answers you have given. Please see the Frequently Asked Question for documentation requirements for more detail.
Is the online Cash Assistance application different from the paper Cash Assistance application?
What are the advantages of submitting a completed application online?
What do you need to make an eligibility decision on my application?
There are a few steps in the process to complete before a decision can be made:
Note: If you fill out as much of the application as you can before submitting it, it may reduce the amount of time needed to conduct your eligibility interview with an HRA worker.
What if I miss my scheduled interview?
If you miss an interview or don’t call within the first 10 days after you submit, you will receive an automated call and a reminder letter in the mail telling you how to do your interview.
How will I complete my Cash Assistance interview?
Before you can receive benefits, you will need to complete your interview with an HRA worker. After you submit your application, we will tell you what steps to take to complete your interview. You will also receive an automated telephone call as well as a letter in the mail reminding you about how to complete your interview. When submitting your application, it is important to provide phone number(s) where you can be contacted so that we are able to get you the reminder timely.
If you have applied for an emergency benefit or have an immediate need, you should try to have your interview right away.
How can I submit documents for my eligibility?
After you submit your application, a list of documents you may need to provide the Human Resources Administration (HRA) will be shown. This list may be different for each household, depending on what information you provided in your application.
The Cash Assistance Documentation Guide (W-119D) provides a detailed list of documents you can use to verify the information you provided in your application.
During your interview the HRA worker will tell you which types of documents you need to submit to assist in determining your eligibility. The HRA worker will also give you an appointment to return the documents in person to the Benefits Access Center.
You can return documents in several ways:
Option 1: Using the NYC ACCESS HRA mobile app. This is a self-service app that allows you to manage your case on the go. Simply log in to the app with your ACCESS HRA account, go to the "Required Documents" tab and use the "Upload Now" button to get started.
CA clients who do not have an account on ACCESS HRA can also use the NYC HRA Document Upload mobile app to return documents.
Both apps are available via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. For more information, visit the ACCESS HRA Mobile page.
Option 2: You can submit documents to establish your eligibility at a HRA Benefits Access Center, by fax, or by mail.
At a Benefits Access Center, you can visit customer service or use the self-service scanner to submit your documents. Please remember to submit copies of your documents and do not mail originals.
A document receipt will be mailed to you once your documents are processed by HRA.
Do I have to work in order to get benefits?
Generally, if you are considered able-bodied, you have to comply with the agency work requirements. There are various ways to meet the work requirements such as: being enrolled in an HRA approved education/training program or being enrolled in an approved two-year or four-year college degree program, or if you are currently employed full time. There are exemptions based on age, medical and physical limitations, and other considerations. You should speak to your worker to discuss any possible exemptions for which you or other household members may qualify. But remember, the goal is for you and the members of your household to become self-sufficient.
Am I eligible for Emergency Assistance?
You may be qualified to receive Emergency Assistance if you have an unforeseeable emergency such as a utility turnoff, pending eviction from you home/apartment, you have no food, or need to replace clothes or furniture because you suffered a fire or other disaster at your home/apartment.
How soon will I get my benefits?
Before you can receive benefits, you must have an interview with an HRA worker so they can begin to figure out what benefits you are qualified to receive. Depending on the type of program benefit for which you qualify, it may take up to 30 to 45 days to get regular benefits, but for certain cases it may be sooner. If you apply for emergency/immediate needs assistance it may be much sooner depending on the emergency.
If my application is denied, how soon can I apply again?
You have the right to reapply at any time.
How can I check the status of my Cash Assistance application?
You can check the status of your application on ACCESS HRA on your 'Home' page.
If you have not linked to your ACCESS HRA account with your Human Resources Administration (HRA) case, you will be presented with the "Find My Case" page where you will be asked to enter Date of Birth and Social Security Number OR Client Identification Number (CIN). This will allow HRA to locate your case information.
Case History: You can view all cases for the last 12 months, along with the status of each case by clicking on the "Benefits" menu option at the top of the page.
Case Details: You can view when your recertification is due, request a budget letter, household members on your case and more by clicking on the card with the "View Case" option.
Call Infoline at 718-557-1399 if you have additional question about your case.
You can call or visit an HRA Benefits Access Center and request information about your case.
What if I already submitted my application or recertification (by mail, fax, or online)?
There is no need to submit an application online if you have just recently submitted another application for the same program to HRA. You should call for your interview as soon as possible.
Please contact InfoLine at 718-557-1399 to find out the status of your application.
Can I receive text messages or emails about my application or case?
If you opt-in to receiving text messages and/or emails about your application, and you provide accurate email and cell phone information, you can receive emails and/or text messages about your application and upcoming appointment dates.
First, you will be sent an email from us asking you to confirm your email address. After opening that email and clicking on the link, your email address will be confirmed in our system and you will start receiving emails about your application or case. We will never share your email address or send confidential case information over email.
If you wish to receive text messages about your application or case, please provide a contact number where we can send text messages. Please note that text message rates from your telephone company may apply.
You can update these preference at any time by logging into ACCESS HRA and then clicking on the drop down option; located at the top right section of the page, next to your username or email address and selecting 'Profile'. To edit your information, click the "Update" button on the 'Contact Information' section.
Can I see received notices online?
You can see what notices you recently received for your case by logging onto ACCESS HRA and selecting "E-notices" from the menu option. If you are enrolled in 'Paperless notices', you must read all notices issued to your case within 30 days. Failure to do so will result in your disenrollment in Paperless notices.
Please note: Not all notices for your case are shown on this page. Certain notices will only be received by mail at your 'Mailing Address' on file. In order to view a notice, click the 'View Notice' icon.
HRA will notify you when notices are posted to your ACCESS HRA account. Please note that you can update these preferences at any time by logging into ACCESS HRA and then clicking on the drop down option; located at the top right section of the page, next to your username or email address and selecting 'Profile'. To edit your information, click the "Update" button on the 'Contact Information' section.
If you have not linked to your ACCESS HRA account with your Human Resources Administration (HRA) case, you will be presented with the "Find My Case" page where you will be asked to enter Date of Birth and Social Security Number OR Client Identification Number (CIN). This will allow HRA to locate your case information.
How do I request a reasonable accommodation?
Please follow the instructions found on the Disability Access page. If you have additional questions, please contact Infoline at 718-557-1399.
Where can I register to vote?
You can register to vote at any HRA Center or PC Bank. Ask any staff person in the PC Bank for a Voter Registration form, complete and sign it and drop it in the convenient basket. We will mail it to the Board of Elections for you. Or , if you prefer, you may print and mail the form from your own home as part of your submitted Application or Recertification. Complete and mail the form to the Board of Elections, 32 Broadway, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10275-0067. If you would like to contact the Board of Elections for information, call 866-VOTE-NYC; TTY 212-487-5496.
What are the documents I need for my Special Grant request?
Required documents that are requested by the agency can be found on your Documents page. If you recently submitted a Special Grant request on ACCESS HRA, your required documents can also be found on your Next Steps page, which can be accessed via the User Home page.
Please see below links to download blank copies of the required document forms that are available online.
