The Family Independence Administration (FIA) coordinates HRA/DSS’s welfare reform efforts by administering Job Center Operations and the Food Stamp Program for New York City. FIA’s programs include temporary cash assistance, food stamps, medical assistance for those receiving cash assistance, and employment services. Through directly operated and contracted services, these programs are designed to promote the maximum possible level of self-reliance through work and personal responsibility. FIA also seeks to provide services to our customers that are best suited to overcome any barriers which prevent them from obtaining and retaining employment.

HRA/DSS Job Center staff brings resources to people to help them move toward self–sufficiency. Through a detailed people to assessment process, clients are enrolled in comprehensive employment programs which include work experience, job search and placement services, as well as vocational, job skills training and educational programs. Job center staff also determines and monitors clients' eligibility for Cash Assistance (CA) and Medicaid. As clients work to achieve their personal self-sufficiency goals. FIA’s Food Stamps staff provides these able-bodied New Yorkers and their families with nutrition necessary for good health.

Food Stamps and Food Programs
Food Stamps Overview; Food Stamps Office locations and food kitchens and pantries. (Read More)


Job Placement, Training and Education
HRA contracts with community based employment and training organizations to provide job readiness training, placement services and vocational training to applicants and recipients of Public Assistance. These activities, shaped according to the background and skills of each individual, include short-term job search, vocational training, work experience or basic education.  Through these services, in a structured and professional environment, HRA builds on each individual’s capacity to achieve job placement and ultimately career advancement. (Read more)

Affiliated programs:  Approved Training Programs: listing serves as a guide to  locally based colleges, schools and training programs that are approved by HRA/DSS for enrollment by eligible participants; BEGIN: BEGIN partners with educational institutions, community-based organizations, social service agencies and employers to create career pathways for participants; Business Link: Business Link is a no-fee employment service operated by New York City's Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services and Work Support Benefits.

Job Center Sites
Job Centers Sites offer temporary financial assistance, food stamps and Medicaid to eligible individuals. Find a Job Center Site in borough. (Read More) 

Child Care
HRA pays for child care for eligible public assistance families and eligible families who have left public assistance for employment. (Read More)

Domestic Violence
The Office of Domestic Violence (ODV) provides temporary housing, emergency shelter and supportive services for victims of domestic violence and their children. ODV directly operates one emergency domestic violence shelter, oversees the reimbursement of 35 private emergency residential programs, and oversees and provides client referrals for four transitional housing programs for victims of domestic violence. (Read More)

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) HEAP helps low-income homeowners and renters pay bills for heating fuel, equipment and repairs. HEAP grants are $40 to $540 a year. (Read More)

Utility Assistance Program (UAP) UAP is a state-mandated program that receives referrals from utility companies on behalf of customers faced with termination of services due to nonpayment, theft of service, or meter tampering. (Read More)