Benefits On Your Block

From July through October, the NYC Public Engagement Unit is hosting free community resource and benefit enrollment fairs every Saturday in neighborhoods across all five boroughs. At each event, residents can get screened for benefits, apply for programs on-site, and connect with City resources and services.

What Resources Can I Access?

Benefits On Your Block events will bring together dozens of NYC Agencies who will provide on-site program application assistance and offer other information about City resources. Participating NYC Agencies include:

The Public Engagement Unit (PEU) and the Department of Social Services (DSS) will be on site offering support with a range of benefit applications available through ACCESS HRA, including SNAP and Fair Fares.
The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will share information about the Homeowner Helpdesk, and Housing Inspectors will be on site to answer questions about apartment conditions.
The Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) will assist with VA benefits and connect veterans to a range of essential support services.
NYC Emergency Management will provide information on emergency preparedness, staying safe during extreme heat and coastal storms, and how to find your hurricane evacuation zone.

What Should You Bring?

In most cases, residents will be required to upload clear images to their AccessHRA account before HRA can process applications. Documents must prove name, age, income and assets, residency, citizenship/alien status, and other eligibility criteria specific to each program.

Example documents include:

Identification: State-issued ID, Passport, Naturalization Certificate, or Birth Certificate
Residency and expenses: Current lease or statement from landlord or primary tenant
Income and Assets: Previous 30 days of:
- Earned income (pay stubs, employer letter, tax returns)
- Unearned income (VA, SSI/SSD, Family Court, Unemployment)
- Assets (bank accounts, settlements, tax returns–including EITC–owed)
Citizenship Status: Social Security Number, Green Card, etc. (not required for all programs)
Unpaid bills: Rent ledger, landlord demand letter, housing Court filing, Utility cut-off notices

To learn more about the required documents for each program, please see:

Upcoming Events

Date	Location
Saturday, 7/12	Brownsville
Saturday, 7/19	South Jamaica
Saturday, 7/26	Staten Island (St. George)
Saturday, 8/2	Harlem
Saturday, 8/9	Crown Heights/Bed-Stuy/Ft. Greene
Saturday, 8/16	Far Rockaway
Saturday, 8/23	Canarsie/Starrett City
Saturday, 9/6	South Bronx (Morrisania+Mott Haven)
Saturday, 9/13	Washington Heights/Inwood
Saturday, 9/20	Corona
Saturday, 9/27	West Bronx (Tremont, Belmont, and West Farms)
Saturday, 10/4	NE Bronx

Help us spread the word! Use the sample messages and graphics below to let your community know about upcoming events.

Tag us: @mayorsPEU
Use the hashtag: #BenefitsOnYourBlock

Social Media Posting Text & Graphics

General / Citywide

@MayorsPEU is bringing benefits to the block this summer with a series of free resource and enrollment fairs happening weekly in neighborhoods across the city! Get help applying for SNAP, Rent Freeze, Fair Fares, and more.
Find an event near you: on.nyc.gov/benefitsonyourblock #BenefitsOnYourBlock
Free City resource fairs with @MayorsPEU are popping up all summer!
Apply for benefits
Get tenant support
Learn about healthcare options
Find a Benefits On Your Block event near you: on.nyc.gov/benefitsonyourblock
#BenefitsOnYourBlock

Neighborhood-specific

[Neighborhood] — @MayorsPEU is bringing benefits to the block!
Stop by this Saturday for a Benefits On Your Block resource fair offering free, in-person help with SNAP, Fair Fares, Rent Freeze, and more. No appointment needed.
Help spread the word: on.nyc.gov/benefitsonyourblock
#BenefitsOnYourBlock
@MayorsPEU is bringing benefits to the block! Free resource and enrollment fairs are happening all summer long, including this Saturday in [Neighborhood].
Learn more at: on.nyc.gov/benefitsonyourblock #BenefitsOnYourBlock

For on-site partners

This Saturday in [Neighborhood], we’re joining @MayorsPEU for Benefits On Your Block, a free resource and enrollment fair bringing City services right to the community. Get help applying for SNAP, Fair Fares, Rent Freeze, and more.
on.nyc.gov/benefitsonyourblock #BenefitsOnYourBlock
We’re bringing [insert service] to your block! Join us this Saturday at Benefits On Your Block in [Neighborhood] with @MayorsPEU for free, in-person support from trusted City agencies and community partners.
on.nyc.gov/benefitsonyourblock #BenefitsOnYourBlock

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