You applied for unemployment insurance and sorted out your healthcare. What comes next?
Last updated: June 2024
Even if you are receiving the maximum unemployment benefit each week, you may still find yourself struggling to make ends meet – especially after a longer period of unemployment. The resources compiled here are a mix of governmental programs and nonprofit services that will help you find longer-term support.
Many government programs listed on this page are specific to New York State/New York City, but wherever possible we also include information on finding equivalent programs in other states. Other nonprofit/non-governmental programs are typically nationally available, unless otherwise specified.
On this page:
The resources on this page are organized broadly by the category of support provided.
- General resources
- Financial assistance
- Housing and utilities
- Food and nutrition
- Childcare and family support
Disclaimer: This resource is intended to provide helpful information and should not be considered legal advice. Individuals should defer to the information and guidance provided by the referenced organization and state agency websites, which are being regularly updated.
General resources
For New York residents
New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
The NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance has comprehensive information about the services and programs they provide, and how to apply.
For California residents
California Health & Human Services Agency
The California Health & Human Services Agency (CalHHS) oversees 12 Departments and five Offices that provide a wide range of services in the areas of health care, mental health, public health, substance use disorder services, income assistance, social services and assistance to people with disabilities. Find the department(s) and office(s) most relevant to your situation.
For everyone
CareerOneStop
The US Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop State Resource Finder can be used to find government offices, nonprofits, and other programs that can help you with employment, training, benefits, health care, housing, or other needs.
Benefits.Gov
Benefits.gov is a federal tool that aims to increase citizen access to benefit information while reducing the expense and difficulty of interacting with the government. Their Benefit Finder questionnaire can help find benefits you may be eligible to receive and where to apply. You can also browse by government agency, benefit category or state, or review their database of resources that may help you find benefits and support.
Financial assistance
Temporary Assistance programs and services
Temporary Assistance (TA), also known as Public Assistance (PA), is temporary help for needy adults, and children. If you are unable to work, can’t find a job, or your job does not pay enough, TA may be able to help you pay for your expenses
New York State Assistance Programs
In New York State, the two primary Temporary Assistance programs are Family Assistance and Safety Net Assistance. These programs provide the same level of assistance to a household but serve different populations, and have some different rules.
New York State also provides Emergency Assistance in certain cases. Emergency Assistance is a category of Temporary Assistance that helps resolve an urgent need or situation.
Find out more about New York State’s Temporary Assistance programs, eligibility, and how to apply.
New York City Assistance Programs
New York City also provides some Temporary Assistance programs, in addition to those administered by New York State.
One Shot Deals: You may be able to get help if you cannot pay your bills because you lost your job, you are getting less pay from your job, or you had another emergency like an unexpected medical situation. This help is called “Emergency Assistance” or a “One Shot Deal.”
Other programs from New York City include Broadband Assistance and Childcare programs.
Learn more about NYC’s Temporary Assistance programs and other services provided by the city’s Human Resources Administration (HRA).
Interest-free loans
The WGAE has partnered with three nonprofits – the Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS), Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA) and Jewish Free Loan Chicago (JFLC) — to provide Guild members* living in eligible regions with access to 0%-interest, no-fee loans to meet a wide array of financial needs.
*These loans are available to members from all three membership sectors, as well as to nonmembers who reside in these geographic regions. Loan amounts and eligible uses vary by nonprofit, but are all 0%-interest and no-fee.
In NYC/Westchester/Long Island: Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS)
Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS) Website
To qualify for an HFLS loan, you must live in NYC’s five boroughs, Westchester, or Long Island; have low to moderate annual household income for your household size; and locate one or two qualified guarantors, depending on the loan program and amount.
Detailed information about income limits, guarantor requirements, loan terms, and links to online applications are all available on each loan program page.
If you have questions about applying for a loan, please visit the HFLS’s How to Apply webpage or reach out to HFLS via email at loan@hfls.org.
In Los Angeles/Santa Barbara/Ventura counties: Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA)
Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA) website
To qualify for an JFLA loan, you must live in Los Angeles, Ventura or Santa Barbara county in California; have at least one guarantor; and meet certain income requirements to demonstrate your ability to pay back your loan.
Detailed information about loans, guarantor requirements, loan terms, and links to online applications are all available on each loan type’s program page.
If you have questions about applying for a JFLA loan, visit the JFLA’s Loan Process page or contact the JFLA offices by emailing info@jfla.org or by calling 1-844-JFLA-ORG (1-844-535-2674).
In Chicagoland: Jewish Free Loan Chicago (JFLC)
Jewish Free Loan Chicago (JFLC) website
To qualify for a JFLC loan, you must live in the Chicagoland area (as generally defined by any of the following counties: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, or Will County); meet certain income limits based on your household size; and have at least one qualified guarantor.
Detailed information about loans, guarantor requirements and the application process are available on the JFLC’s step-by-step “How to Apply” guide.
If you have questions about applying for a JFLC loan, submit an inquiry on their website, send them an email at info@jflchicago.org, or call their office at 312-344-3468.
Other financial assistance resources
ECF Emergency Financial Support
The Entertainment Community Fund is a nonprofit human services organization founded in 1882 serving all professionals in film, theater, television, music, opera, and dance through programs that address their unique and essential needs.
The ECF offers emergency financial assistance to qualified workers in the entertainment industries.
Union Plus
Union Plus programs are designed for working families to save money and leverage your purchasing power. WGAE members are automatically eligible for Union Plus discounts and services. Visit the Union Plus website to learn more about available benefits.
Buy Nothing
Buy Nothing is a global gift economy network. BuyNothing offers people a way to give and receive, share, lend, and express gratitude through a worldwide gift economy network in which the true wealth is the web of connections formed between people. Buy Nothing believes that communities are more resilient, sustainable, equitable, and joyful when they have functional gift economies.
Learn more about Buy Nothing and how to participate.
Read the “Buy Nothing Home” guide for tips on getting started.
Housing & Utilities
Housing support
Find affordable housing; avoid foreclosure, and more helpful tips via the New York State website.
For New York residents
Affordable Housing search tool – A tool that helps connect New Yorkers to available affordable housing.
Bureau of Housing and Support Services (BHSS) – The Bureau of Housing and Support Services administers an array of programs to address the problems of homelessness in the State. These programs provide a continuum of services for homeless, at risk and low-income households. BHSS programs are designed to prevent homelessness, provide shelter for the homeless, construct supportive housing for the homeless and offer essential services to stabilize housing situations and increase levels of self-sufficiency.
For more information about the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance – Bureau of Housing and Support Services, please visit the OTDA-HSS website.
New York City’s Homelessness Prevention resources include emergency rental assistance, free legal services to prevent eviction, housing know-your-rights tools, and more.
JustFix NYC builds accessible digital tools to help renters assert their rights. You can use their tools to request repairs from your NYC landlord, request your apartment’s rent history, and more.
How to get legal help for Evictions and Housing Court in NYC – a comprehensive guide published by The City.
Federal/general information
Guide to Avoiding Foreclosure – The US Department of Housing and Urban Development offers information to assist you whether you’re in foreclosure now or worried about it in the future.
Public Housing – Provides decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Paying utilities
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) — a.k.a. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
HEAP is a federally funded program that assists eligible households in meeting their home energy needs.
New York residents can apply online at otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies.
Residents of other states can use the LIHEAP clearinghouse website to check their eligibility or locate information for their state’s program.
Food and nutrition
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) – formerly known as Food Stamps
SNAP issues monthly benefits redeemable at authorized retail food stores. Families can apply for SNAP online.
- Find SNAP information for New York City
- Find SNAP information for New York State
- Find SNAP information for another state
Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
WIC helps families pay for formula and other nutritious foods. Families can check their eligibility for this program and apply online.
- Find WIC information for New York City
- Find WIC information for New York State
- Find WIC information for another state
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
CACFP provides aid to child and adult care institutions and family or group day care homes for the provision of nutritious foods that contribute to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children, and the health and wellness of older adults and chronically impaired disabled persons.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
The New York State Department of Health’s Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) offers free, nutritious foods to adults aged 60 years of age and older. Approximately 36,000 older adults participate in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program monthly. During the summer months, participants also receive additional benefits to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets through the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.
Other food & nutrition resources
- New York City & state
- Nationwide
Family & Childcare Resources
Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Agencies:
Child Care Resource & Referral agencies (CCR&Rs) help families find child care and assist child care providers with resources for their business.
Childcare.gov
ChildCare.gov is a trusted source for child care information and other resources that can help your family. ChildCare.gov provides you with free tools and resources and connects you directly to the programs you need where you live.
Other childcare resources
- New York State
- New York City