#FreeAdviceFriday
The original Fair Housing Act, passed in 1968, prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, and national origin. Over the past 50+ years, more criteria has been added by local, state, and federal laws.
#FreeAdviceFriday
If you're eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits but are unable to manage your payments or you find it difficult to manage your payments, you can choose a representative payee to help!
#FreeAdviceFriday
Filling out disability paperwork is not easy - the process can be long, some of the questions might be confusing, and you often need a TON of forms and medical records
#FreeAdviceFriday
Is there an infestation in your apartment? Leaky pipes? Mold? These types of issues are a violation of the NYS Warranty of Habitability and your landlord MUST take action.
#FreeAdviceFriday
You always have the right to a #FairHearing if you believe your benefits have been changed or discontinued in error, but did you know that you ALSO have the right to request "aid continuing" while you await your hearing?
#FreeAdviceFriday
Caring for a disabled loved one can often be a full-time job - so why not get paid to do it? Eligible caretakers of disabled veterans may qualify for assistance under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).
#FreeAdviceFriday
Living with a #disability or chronic condition can come with additional challenges or obstacles, but #StudentDebt doesn’t have to be one of them!
#FreeAdviceFriday
If you haven't paid your utility bills, your service can potentially be shutoff. But did you know there are special protections in the winter months?
NYS Office of Children and Family Services Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP) flyer. Need help paying for childcare? The New York State Office of Children and Family Services’ Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides eligible families across New York State with financial assistance for child care. CCAP promotes early childhood learning and development while allowing parents/caretakers to work, get training or go to school. The CCAP is administered by local departments of social services (LDSSs) in 57 counties and NYC. Are you eligible? You could be eligible if your income is less than the income eligibility level and you: • Are receiving public assistance; or • Work a minimum of 10 hours per week; or • Are going to school or a vocational program; or • Are seeking employment; and • Your child is one of the following: • Younger than 13 • Younger than 18 with special needs; or • Under court supervision • Younger than 19 in a secondary school; or equivalent program and has special needs • Younger than 19 in a secondary school; or equivalent program and under court supervision How do you apply? To apply complete the following steps: • Contact your LDSS. https://ocfs.ny.gov/directories/ localdss.php • Ask for a child care assistance application • Complete the application and return it to your LDSS. • You will need the following: • Identification for everyone in the household (include proof of citizenship for each child) • Income verification (paystubs or other documentation to prove employment and income) • Proof of residence • Work or school schedule
Income limit chart for the CCAP. Family size 1, Annual Income limit $59,055.18. 2, income limit $77,226. 3, $95,396.83. 4, $113,567.65. 5, $131,738.47. 6, $149,909.30.
#FreeAdviceFriday
The cost of childcare can be a huge barrier for working families - but help is available!
NYS has a program called the Child Care Assistance Plan (CCAP) that can help you cover the costs of childcare.
To apply, contact your local DSS office!
#FreeAdviceFriday
When Social Security sends you too much money, it's not a blessing. This #Overpayment can wreak havoc on your financials - but you have options!
#FreeAdviceFriday
With so many corporate, LLC, and out-of-state property owners these days, it's not always the easiest to even know who your landlord is anymore!
#FreeAdviceFriday
Moving can be stressful and EXPENSIVE, especially if it's sudden and unexpected.
#FreeAdviceFriday
When striving for a #ChildCenteredDivorce , it's recommended to try and stay out of court, if possible. One way to do this is by the Collaborative Divorce process, using mediation and negotiation to reach an agreement.
#FreeAdviceFriday
If your home or apartment was built before 1978, your landlord MUST give you information about lead hazards.
#LeadSafe #LeadDisclosure #KnowYourRights
#FreeAdviceFriday
Your landlord cannot simply lock you out of your home. In order to evict you, they MUST:
✔️serve you with court papers
✔️take you to court
✔️get a warrant of conviction
#FreeAdviceFriday
Child support #arrears (past-due support) can't be forgiven automatically, but there are some situations where they can be forgiven or reduced.
#FreeAdviceFriday
If you need #ChildSupport right away, you can ask the Support Magistrate for a ""temporary order of support"" at your first court appearance. This will go into effect until a final decision is made on your petition.
Know Your Rights! on red background with neighborhood building decorations. It is illegal for landlords to discriminate based on legal source of income! Landlords CANNOT refuse to rent to you based on your source of income. This includes: Section 8, social security, child support, or other government assistance!
#FreeAdviceFriday
Finding affordable housing can be difficult, even at the best of times. Be sure to stand up for your rights!
#KnowYourRights #HousingDiscrimination #Section8
#FreeAdviceFriday
Looking for the right health plan to fit your needs? Shop for Qualified Health Plans using @NYStateofHealth's Compare Plans & Estimate Cost Tool. Use the drop-down menus to easily view and compare plans in your county. Get started today:
on.ny.gov/2UoOKAk.
#EnrollNY
#FreeAdviceFriday
If you're being evicted because you are behind on your rent, you can apply for emergency rental assistance from the Department of Social Services (DSS)!
#FreeAdviceFriday
❄️If you have no heat/problem with your heat, contact your landlord IMMEDIATELY, then follow up by letter or email for your records.❄️
#FreeAdviceFriday
If your military discharge was anything other than "honorable," you aren't eligible for many benefits available to #Veterans, such as school loans. But did you know there are circumstances in which you can apply for a discharge upgrade?
#FreeAdviceFriday
Nothing's spookier than a lack of information, but did you know - EVERY county in NYS has a domestic violence program to assist survivors and connect them with resources? Find yours at opdv.ny.gov/domestic-vio...
#DVAM2025 #WithSurvivorsAlways #Resources
#FreeAdviceFriday
Once you have your final Order of Protection, don't forget to request your FREE Hope Card.
#FreeAdviceFriday
You cannot, as a survivor of domestic violence, be:
-refused a housing program you’re qualified for
-evicted from housing because of the DV situation
-denied housing because of criminal activity related to DV
-denied a request to move to another unit, if one is available
#DVAM2025
#FreeAdviceFriday
If you have safety concerns about giving your address when filing for an #OrderOfProtection - you have options!
Ask the court for an "Address Confidentiality Affidavit."
PS if you have questions, ASK. The staff is there to help you!
#DVAM2025
#FreeAdviceFriday
Orders of Protection aren't "one size fits all!" Don't be afraid to speak up and advocate for what you need!
#FreeAdviceFriday
When you're behind on your utility bills 💡, the thought of shutoff can be scary. But don't panic - you have options!
#FreeAdviceFriday
The ONLY type of rental application or processing fee that a landlord can charge is for a background check - and that fee CANNOT be more than $20!
They're also required to give you a receipt from the company that did the background check AND a copy of the report.
#KnowYourRights
Sound complicated? It can be, but we're here to help! Reach out to our public benefits team for more info.
#FreeAdviceFriday #PublicBenefits #FairHearing #AidContinuing
