KCS has partnered with The Research Foundation of the City University of New York (RFCUNY), the Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives (DMSI), and the Human Resources Administration (HRA). Nevertheless, to enable easier access to the multitude of benefits available to those in need. Under the NYCBenefits program, we aim to ensure that all New Yorkers in need and eligible for a service are aware of the services available to them, that those services are accessible to them, that those individuals complete enrollment, and stay enrolled in those services. The services KCS offers help with under the NYCBenefits program are:
For more information about the programs below, call 929-341-9273 or e-mail pablo@kcsny.org for Spanish and English, alex@kcsny.org for Korean and English, or dbae@kcsny.org for Korean.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as “food stamps”) provides food assistance for nearly 1.8 million low-income New Yorkers including families, people who are aging and people with disabilities. The program helps families and individuals supplement the cost of their diet with nutritious foods.
All Cash Assistance and SNAP applicants that have been approved for benefits will receive an EBT card in the mail. If your EBT card has not yet arrived, you can go to the Brooklyn OTC site for your permanent card, or one of seven open center locations for a temporary card that will have all benefits available until the EBT card arrives.
Required Documents/Eligibility Guide:
*Any of these documents that lists the person's date of birth can also be used to verify Age. In addition, a U.S. Passport or Naturalization Certificate can also be used to verify citizenship if we ask you for proof.
*If a statement from the Landlord or Primary Tenant lists all the household members, it can also be used to document Household Composition.
*If you give us the Social Security number for each person in your household, you do not need to provide a Social Security card.
*Birth certificates, hospital records, U.S. Passport and Naturalization Certificate can also be used to prove identity and age.
*You should verify the income you received in the last 30 days.
*If you or someone in your household is in receipt of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) no verification of SSI is required.
*If you have resources but are not sure whether or not you are required to verify them, provide the verification. If you are required to verify resources, we will not have to wait in order to make an eligibility decision.
*As long as a household can establish that they have a shelter expense, credit for paying rent/mortgage and/or utilities will be given even if the household is not currently keeping up with the payments.
*This refers to medical expenses that persons pay for out-of-pocket. Do not include documentation for any bills that are paid or supposed to be paid by someone not in the household.
To qualify for Unemployment Insurance benefits, you must have worked and earned enough wages in covered employment. In New York State, employers pay contributions that fund Unemployment Insurance. By law, the unemployment insurance program provides benefits to people who:
If you worked in New York State within the last 18 months, you have the right to apply for benefits.
You may be eligible for benefits if:
Your Social Security number
Your driver license or Motor Vehicle ID card number (if you have either one)
Your complete mailing address and zip code
A phone number where you can be reached from 8 am - 5 pm, Monday –Friday
Your Alien Registration card number (if you are not a U.S. Citizen and have a card)
Names and addresses of all your employers for the last 18 months, including those in other states
Employer Registration number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of your most recent employer (FEIN is on your W-2 forms)
Your copies of forms SF8 and SF50, if you were a federal employee
Your most recent separation form (DD 214), for military service
You can file a claim without all of these documents. However, missing information can delay your first payment.
KCS is available for help to anyone navigating the application process. For more information, contact the front desk
Fair Fares NYC is a City program created to help New Yorkers with low incomes manage their transportation costs. Using the Fair Fares NYC MetroCard, eligible New York City residents receive a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares. Pay-per-Ride, weekly unlimited, and monthly unlimited options are all available. Fair Fares can also provide 50% off MTA Access-A-Ride paratransit trips. Pay-Per-Ride, 7-Day (Weekly) and 30-Day (Monthly) Unlimited Ride options are all available for those using the Fair Fares MetroCard on subways and eligible buses. Access-A-Ride customers do not use a Fair Fares NYC MetroCard; their discount is applied automatically to their Access-A-Ride trips once their Fair Fares and Access-A-Ride accounts are linked.
If you are a New York City resident, you may be eligible for Fair Fares NYC if you:
Cooling Assistance benefits are provided on a first come, first served basis to eligible applicants from May 1 to August 31, 2023.
The benefit is worth:
up to $800 for a window, portable air conditioner, or fan
up to $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit
The benefit covers:
the cost of the air conditioner or fan
administrative costs
labor
program support
materials
removal of your old unit
minor repairs that are needed to safely install the new unit
You’re eligible for HEAP or already get HEAP benefits.
One of these:
You get SNAP benefits, Temporary Assistance (TA), or Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone).
You’re getting a Regular HEAP benefit of $21 or more in the current program year and live in government subsidized housing (like NYCHA or Section 8) with heat included in your rent.
Your household’s gross monthly income is at or below the guidelines in this table:
Proof of residence (where you live)
Provide one of the following:
Proof of your income
Provide one of the following:
Pay stubs for the most recent four (4) weeks
Business records for the most recent (3) months OR filed federal tax return for the current year, including all applicable schedules if self-employed or receiving rental income
Child support or alimony/spousal support order or check
Interest/Bank/Dividend or Tax Statement
Statement from roomer/boarder
Copy of award letter or official correspondence for one of the following:
-Social Security/Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
-Veteran’s Benefits
-Pensions
-Worker’s Compensation/Disability
-Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Proof of Identity
Provide one of the following:
Driver’s License
Photo ID
US Passport or Naturalization Certificate
Adoption Papers, Hospital or Doctor’s Records
School Records
Or provide two of the following:
Proof of social security
Provide a valid Social Security Number for household members that have a Social Security Number.
Proof of medical condition
You do not need to give medical documentation if there is someone in the household that is 60 years or older, or under age 6.
If you have a household member with a medical condition that is made worse by heat, provide medical documentation that clearly states the medical condition. The document must:
KCS’ Workforce Department has offered free tax filing services for the past 3 years. We have successfully filed 365 tax returns for 2022.
Eligibility is determined on a case by case basis, but general eligibility requirements include:
*priority will be given to low income clients