Welcome to BenefitKarma, New Yorkers!
9 min read
If you’re new here, we want to connect you with information that will empower you and your loved ones on the benefits journey. We know government benefits, insurance, and healthcare can feel overwhelming — with legal jargon, paperwork, and deadlines — but BenefitKarma simplifies it all in easy-to-understand language.
Our platform offers helpful tools, calculators, and educational resources so you can take control of your benefits journey at your own pace. The best way to stay informed is to sign up for BenefitKarma — it’s free, and you’ll get exclusive content and benefits updates straight to your inbox.
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Wondering what’s available to you in New York? Here’s a list that’ll give you a head start.
Health & Disability
New York Medicaid (State of Health Marketplace)
New York Medicaid delivers free or low-cost health insurance for eligible low‑income residents, covering medical visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health services, and preventive care. Depending on income and household size, many services are covered with no monthly premium or cost‑share. Learn more on Medicaid income limits in New York in 2025 and who qualifies.
Child Health Plus
For children under 19 who don’t qualify for Medicaid, New York’s Child Health Plus offers reliable coverage—with no immigration status requirement. Based on household income, premiums can be $0 up to about $60 per child per month, delivering access to routine and specialty pediatric care. Learn more about eligibility and other government benefits available to immigrant families in New York: Government Benefits for Immigrants: A Guide to Assistance Programs.
Essential Plan
Targeted at adults who earn too much for Medicaid or Child Health Plus but still fall within lower‑income brackets, the Essential Plan offers comprehensive benefits—like doctor visits and preventive services—with premiums between $0 and $20/month and low co‑pays.
New York State Disability Benefits (DB) Program
If you’re temporarily disabled due to a non‑work-related illness or injury, New York offers weekly cash payments—up to 50% of your average weekly wage, capped at approximately $170/week—for up to 26 weeks. Learn more about disability benefit programs available to you.
Nutritional & Food Assistance
SNAP (Food Assistance)
SNAP provides monthly benefits via EBT, allowing families and individuals to purchase groceries at authorized stores. Benefit amounts vary based on household income and size—ranging from minimal support ($20‑$30/month) up to $900+ depending on household circumstances. Discover your eligibility and learn more about how SNAP works.
WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
WIC supports pregnant individuals, new parents, infants, and kids up to age 5 with nutrition education, healthcare referrals, and monthly benefits (usually $30‑$110) to buy healthy foods like milk, eggs, cereals, and produce. Check if your family is eligible for WIC.
School Breakfast & Lunch Programs
Eligible low‑income students can receive free or reduced‑price meals: breakfast often free or reduced to $0.30, lunch to $0.40, helping ensure children get nutritious meals at school. Find out if your child qualifies for the Federal School Breakfast Program.
New York State Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
TEFAP distributes donated groceries—such as canned goods, pasta, produce—through food pantries and community centers, without long-term enrollment, helping families meet emergency and ongoing needs. Explore how free food assistance can support your family.
Income & Employment
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Known in New York as “Temporary Assistance,” this program offers monthly cash support to low‑income families with children, plus access to job services, childcare help, and other supports. Standard payment for a family of three typically ranges from about $300 – $789/month. Learn how to apply: TANF benefits.
Unemployment Insurance
If you lose your job through no fault of your own, New York's Unemployment Insurance provides temporary income—typically $100 – $504/week depending on your earnings—for up to 26 weeks, while you actively seek new employment. Check your eligibility for unemployment benefits.
SSI & SSDI (Supplemental Security Income & Social Security Disability Insurance)
SSI delivers monthly federal disability payments, plus New York state supplements (which can add up to ~$87/month), while SSDI offers benefits based on your work history and can eventually lead to Medicare eligibility—delivering long-term income support. Discover how SSI can help you.
Family & Education
Universal Pre‑Kindergarten (UPK)
New York’s UPK provides free pre‑K for every 4‑year‑old, offering full‑ or part‑day sessions to prepare kids for academic success, tuition‑free for all eligible families.
Child Care Assistance Program
Low‑income families may qualify for childcare subsidy, covering up to 95% of childcare costs depending on income, family size, and eligibility. Assistance can be especially helpful for working parents or students. To learn more about other ways to save on childcare costs, read the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
TAP (Tuition Assistance Program)
TAP grants support eligible New York residents toward college tuition—awards may reach up to around $5,665 per year, depending on financial need and school type. Read more on Education Benefits and Tuition Assistance Programs here.
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
EOP provides academic support and supplemental financial assistance to students attending public colleges in New York who demonstrate economic need and academic potential. Grants often help cover tuition, fees, and textbooks. Discover which grants and scholarships you qualify for and how to apply.
Housing & Energy Assistance
New York State Homes & Community Renewal (HCR) / Section 8 Vouchers
HCR oversees rental subsidy programs (including Section 8) that offset a significant portion of the rent (up to ~70%), making housing more affordable for low‑income individuals and families. Learn how to apply for Section 8 housing assistance and what to expect during the process.
LIHEAP (Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
LIHEAP offers seasonal heating and cooling assistance—typically $400 – $1,000 per year depending on income, household size, and fuel type—to help with utility costs. Find out if you qualify for LIHEAP and how to apply for energy bill assistance.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
WAP offers free home energy improvements—like insulation, air sealing, heating system upgrades—valued on average at $6,500, reducing energy bills and improving comfort year‑round. Discover how the weatherization programs works and find utility assistance options.
Military & Veterans
New York State Division of Veterans’ Services (DVS)
DVS provides help navigating federal VA benefits, healthcare access, housing, long‑term care planning, and other services. Local offices support you through every step.
Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA)
Eligible veterans can receive up to $7,250/year toward tuition at NY State colleges, supplementing the GI Bill and helping make higher education more attainable. To learn more on the GI Bill, read: Unlocking the GI Bill: Your Guide to Education Benefits for Veterans.
New York State Blind Annuity Program
Legally blind veterans (or surviving unremarried spouses) may qualify for a monthly annuity—currently about $128.89/month—to support living expenses. To learn how military families can save more money, including exclusive tax deductions available for service members, check out this helpful guide.
Homes for Veterans Program
This initiative offers veterans low‑interest mortgages and up to $15,000 in renovation assistance when purchasing or upgrading a home. Explore your options: read more on veteran housing assistance programs to find stable housing after service.