Eligible families may receive up to 60 months of federally funded cash assistance under the Temporary Aid to Needy Families Program (TANF). Single individuals without children may receive benefits under the New York State Safety Net Program. Also, families who have received cash assistance for 60 months may continue to receive benefits under the New York State Safety Net Program. 
 
Temporary benefits include:

You may also be eligible for:

Eligibility is based on factors such as income and resources, household composition and citizen/legal alien status. Eligible clients receiving temporary cash assistance must engage in work activities. HRA refers clients to programs designed to provide assistance with job training and placement, education, resume services, workshops and other support services. Those participating in an approved program will receive car fare and child care expenses so that they can meet their requirements.

• Business Link is a no-fee employment service connecting businesses with clients.
• Under the Back to Work program, a single vendor works with a client from assessment through placement and retention in a job, allowing them to build stronger relationships with each other and leading to more seamless service delivery and more successful job placement rates.
•  BEGIN (Begin Employment, Gain Independence Now) specializes in basic skills and literacy instruction for participants with low basic skills and limited English proficiency.
• WeCARE is a unique initiative that addresses the needs of public assistance clients with medical and/or mental health barriers to employment by providing customized assistance and services.

You must apply for these services and benefits at a Job Center in your area.