Rent Assistance in New York

Last checked: November 2026. Benefits Explorer is a directory. We do not provide rent money or decide who gets help, and each program makes its own decisions.

New York's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) stopped accepting applications on January 20, 2023, so it is not a route to new help. In New York City, the working options are a One Shot Deal from the Human Resources Administration, applied for online through ACCESS HRA, and Homebase offices, which are assigned by ZIP code.

A One Shot Deal is often repaid: state law requires most people to pay back at least some of it, though people receiving SSI do not have to. Outside the city, we could not open current state pages on emergency grants, so this page lists fewer upstate programs. Start with the state helpline below and your regional legal aid office.

Where to Start in New York

NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance helpline

The state agency over public assistance, listed by LawHelpNY among New York agency phone lines. Ask how to reach your local social services office about emergency help with rent.

Phone: 1-800-342-3009 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Attorney General's Residential Tenants' Rights Guide

The Attorney General's guide to rent demands, court procedure and lawful evictions across the state. It is information, not rent money.

Visit website · Accepting applications when last checked

Local Rent Help in New York

One Shot Deal (Emergency Assistance Grant) (New York City)

A one-time payment for people who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing. Apply through the Cash Assistance application on ACCESS HRA; you do not need to be in Housing Court. Legal Aid says you must show you can pay future rent and still cover basic needs. A landlord's rent breakdown, ID for each adult, and an SSN or proof you applied for one are among the documents asked for. Check your case on ACCESS HRA or call the HRA InfoLine.

Visit website · Phone: 718-557-1399 · Accepting applications when last checked

Homebase (New York City, by ZIP code)

Homelessness prevention offices across the city offering eviction prevention, public benefits access, short-term financial help and emergency rental assistance after staff assess your household. Call ahead for an appointment. The locator lists the office and phone number for your ZIP code, or call 311.

Visit website · Accepting applications when last checked

FHEPS (New York City)

A rent supplement for families with children who receive Cash Assistance and have been evicted or face eviction, lost housing to domestic violence, or lost it for health or safety reasons. To stay in your apartment, apply on ACCESS HRA under help with rent arrears. To move after an eviction, contact a Homebase provider.

Visit website · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

CityFHEPS (Run by New York City)

Pays part of an eligible tenant's monthly rent for up to five years. The city lists it for people in shelter and for people at risk of eviction or entering shelter. The page does not spell out who qualifies, so ask your Homebase office.

Visit website · Phone: 718-557-1399 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Right to Counsel (Universal Access) (New York City)

Free legal services in every ZIP code for tenants facing eviction in Housing Court or NYCHA proceedings, and eligibility does not depend on immigration status. Ask for an attorney at your first court appearance, or call Housing Court Answers, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. For other questions, such as being behind on rent, call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline.

Visit website · Phone: 718-557-1379 · Accepting applications when last checked

Erie County Emergency Services: Shelter Arrears (Erie County, including Buffalo)

A one-time payment for tenants behind on rent whose landlord has threatened eviction, if you cannot arrange a plan with the landlord and can afford housing costs going forward. The county lists up to 4 to 6 months of back rent depending on income and household size, generally once every five years, and it may come as an interest-free loan or a grant. Late fees and court costs are not covered. The unit moved to 460 Main St., 2nd floor, effective October 19, 2026. Bring a signed landlord letter listing amounts owed.

Visit website · Phone: (716) 858-8000 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Legal Assistance of Western New York (LawNY) (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates Counties)

Regional civil legal aid covering Rochester and the Southern Tier, with housing among its legal information topics. Ask about eviction help.

Visit website · Phone: (866) 781-5235 · Accepting applications when last checked

Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (16 counties in northeastern New York)

Regional civil legal aid. Call for help, or dial 711 for relay, and ask whether your county is covered and whether it can take your eviction case.

Visit website · Phone: 833-628-0087 · Accepting applications when last checked

Facing Eviction in New York?

A landlord cannot bring you to court for unpaid rent without first giving a 14-day written rent demand, and only a sheriff, marshal or constable can carry out a court-ordered eviction warrant. The Attorney General's guide says a non-payment case can be dismissed if you pay all the rent owed before the warrant is carried out, and that you cannot be evicted for unpaid late fees or legal fees. New York City tenants also have access to free counsel in Housing Court. Read the official guidance

Free or low-cost legal help: LawHelpNY. A free statewide directory of legal services in New York, with live chat Monday to Thursday, 9 AM to 9 PM. New York City renters can also call the Legal Aid Society at 212-577-3300 or Legal Services NYC at 917-661-4500. Visit website

This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short.

New York Programs That Have Closed

You may still see these programs online. Check before you spend time on an application.

  • New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): The statewide pandemic rent program run by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The Legal Aid Society reports that it stopped accepting applications on January 20, 2023, at 9:00 pm Eastern. That Legal Aid page was last updated in November 2023, so its contact details for pending cases may be out of date.

More Help in New York

Want other options? See our full rent assistance guide, including how to spot a scam, or see your options. That form is not an application for rent assistance. If you submit it, Benefits Explorer and its partners may contact you.

New York Rent Assistance Questions

Is New York's ERAP still open?

No. It stopped accepting applications on January 20, 2023, according to the Legal Aid Society. Older pages may still show it, but it is not a route to new rent help.

Is a One Shot Deal a grant or a loan?

It is called a grant, but HRA says state law requires most people to pay back at least some of the money. People receiving SSI are not required to repay. If you have an unpaid past One Shot Deal, you may not be approved for another, and you will need to show new reasons for falling behind.

Who helps with back rent in New York City?

Apply for a One Shot Deal on ACCESS HRA, and contact the Homebase office for your ZIP code. You can also call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline. If you are in Housing Court, ask for the free attorney at your first appearance.

Can paying the rent stop a New York eviction?

In a non-payment case, the Attorney General says the case can be dismissed if you pay all rent owed before the sheriff or marshal carries out the warrant. Get legal help as early as you can, since other kinds of eviction cases work differently.

Rent Assistance in Nearby States

Most programs only help people who live in their state. If you are moving or live near a state line, you can also check:

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