- NYCHA rent hardship application. Click link in pdf for Spanish: Rent-Hardship-03.16.20-with-links
2. New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) has launched the NY COVID-19 Legal Resource Hotline to help New Yorkers impacted by COVID-19 get answers to essential legal questions. Reach the hotline and leave a message at (929) 356-9582, Monday-Friday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. When leaving a message, include your name, the best number to call you back at, and a description of the legal question or issue.
3. The NYC Bar Association’s City Bar Justice Center offers legal resources to help New Yorkers during the pandemic:
-
Their CBJC Legal Hotline at (212) 626-7383 is staffed by attorneys who offer free advice to low-income callers on a range of civil– not criminal– legal issues in English and Spanish (other languages available by using interpreter services).
-
Their COVID-19 Small Business Remote Legal Clinic connects volunteer lawyers with small businesses in need of help accessing relief and stimulus resources.
-
They’re providing free life-planning help— wills and powers of attorney– to front-line healthcare workers.
-
Their Legal Referral Service also remains open: (212) 626-7373 for English, (212) 626-7374 for Spanish, or submit a request online. If you are referred, the initial virtual or phone consultation will be $35 or free, depending on the type of case, and will last for up to 30 minutes.
4. NMIC Legal Services has established temporary COVID-19 intake hotlines for all New Yorkers — but prioritizing residents in Upper Manhattan and Southwest Bronx — to receive assistance on a variety of issues:
-
Accessing benefits: (919) 512-4469, Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
-
Unemployment: (929) 512-4476, Tuesday/Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
-
Housing: (929) 512-4565, Wednesdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
-
Immigration: (929) 512-4496, Mondays from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
-
5. JustFix.nyc has announced Emergency HP Action, a new tool empowering tenants against landlords who are neglecting essential repairs or harassing tenants. Emergency HP Action allows tenants to sue landlords from any device that connects to the internet– saving a trip to Housing Court. Learn more here
6. When home isn’t safe, domestic violence survivors can find services 24/7 at nyc.gov/NYCHOPE, 1-800-621-HOPE(4673) or 911 for emergencies. From Gov. Cuomo: NYS launched a new texting program and confidential service to help New Yorkers experiencing domestic violence. We want you to know: You are not alone and you do not have to stay in a dangerous situation. We will help you. Text 844-997-2121 or visit www.opdv.ny.gov to confidentially chat with a professional at any time of day or night.
7. The New York State Bar Association is offering free assistance with unemployment claims filing and appeals: https://nysba.org/unemployment-insurance-relief
8. The Goddard Riverside Law Project provides free legal services and tenant-organizing support to low-income residents on the west side of Manhattan in order to preserve affordable housing and improve living conditions.
9. Legal Services NYC legal assistance hotline 917-661-4500 Monday-Friday 10 am-4 pm. The staff can take calls in any language.
10. Even though New York City is on pause, new affordable housing is still becoming available. One opportunity is at Roosevelt Island’s River Walk Park, currently accepting applications here until July 6, 2020; available units and income requirements are posted here. For help with applying to affordable housing, please check out HPD’s resource guide, “Ready, Set, Apply!” (Click here for English (PDF)– or here for other languages.)
Those needing assistance with housing subjects can call the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants by asking for them at 311. You can also reach the New York Legal Assistance Group’s COVID-19 hotline, available from 10 am – 1 pm Monday-Friday at (929) 356-9582.
11. The Covid Rent Relief Program opened 7/16/2020 and goes until 7/30/2020, offering one time grants to cover rent. Learn more and apply here.
12. Cooling Assistance
- The NYC Human Resources Administration offers a “Cooling Assistance” benefit, which helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan up to a cost of $800. Learn more and apply here.
- The City is also providing free air conditioners to lower-income seniors who pre-qualify based on their enrollment in City benefits programs. You must be 60 years or older, and not currently have an AC. City case managers are reaching out to eligible seniors directly. Call 311 with questions. NYCHA residents can also call (718) 707-7771. (NYCHA residents of any age who have a mobility impairment, and/or that are on life sustaining equipment may also be eligible.)
-