Aunt Bertha- Food assistance, help to pay bills, and other free or reduced-cost programs, including new programs for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial Supports
Benefits— During the crisis, the New York Human Resources Administration will take no negative case action on any current benefits case. New Yorkers can apply for SNAP, cash assistance, Medicaid, and Fair Fares online.
Gas & Electric — All New York state major utility companies have agreed to a no-disconnect policy. Electric and gas utilities will not be powered off even if customers cannot pay.
Debt — All New York debt collection has been suspended. This is debt w York state only. New Yorkers with student debt, medical debt, and other state-referred debt will have payments frozen for at least 30 days.
Unemployment — NYS is waiving the 7-day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines.
