Child & Family Assistance Resources in New York
Last updated September 11, 2026
New York families facing financial hardship, housing instability, food insecurity, or a family crisis have access to a wide range of state and federally funded programs. The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) oversee many of these supports, and most can be accessed through a single local Department of Social Services (DSS) office in your county.
If you are unsure where to start, calling or texting 2-1-1 (available 24/7 across New York State) connects you with trained specialists who can identify programs matched to your specific situation, including emergency food, utility help, child care subsidies, and shelter. Many applications can also be started online through the state's myBenefits portal at mybenefits.ny.gov.
For families in immediate danger — whether from domestic violence, a mental health crisis, or housing loss — free crisis lines and emergency services are available around the clock. No family should navigate these challenges alone, and eligibility for multiple programs can often be established in a single visit or phone call to your local DSS office.
Key programs in New York
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Monthly electronic benefits to purchase groceries for income-eligible individuals and families. In New York, SNAP is administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) through local county DSS offices.
How to access: Apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov, visit your local county Department of Social Services office, or call 2-1-1 for help finding your nearest office and assistance completing the application.
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
Provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and health care referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who meet income guidelines.
How to access: Contact the New York State Department of Health WIC program by visiting health.ny.gov/wic or calling 1-800-522-5006 to find your nearest WIC clinic and schedule an appointment.
Medicaid and Child Health Plus (New York State)
Free or low-cost health insurance coverage for children, families, pregnant women, and individuals. Child Health Plus specifically covers children who do not qualify for Medicaid. Both programs cover doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health care, and more.
How to access: Apply through NY State of Health (the state's official health plan marketplace) at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or by calling 1-855-355-5777. You can also apply at your local county DSS office or through a certified enrollment assister.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Helps income-eligible New York households pay heating and cooling costs, as well as energy-related emergencies such as utility shutoffs. In New York, the program runs seasonally and includes a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) with both regular and emergency benefit periods.
How to access: Apply through your local county DSS office when the benefit period opens (typically November through May for heating). Visit otda.ny.gov/programs/heap or call 2-1-1 to find your local office and check current benefit availability.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and National Domestic Violence Hotline
The 988 Lifeline provides free, confidential mental health crisis support by call or text for anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, 24/7. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) provides safety planning, crisis support, and local shelter referrals for families experiencing abuse.
How to access: Call or text 988 anytime for mental health or suicide crisis support. For domestic violence, call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Both lines are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Child & Family Assistance resources for New York
Alliance for Period Supplies
NationwideProvide period products to school students. Toolkit link: https://allianceforperiodsupplies.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Printable-PPiS-graphic-August-2026.pdf
American Pregnancy Association
NationwideTalk to a Pregnancy Educator. Essential Pregnancy Tools & Resources
Babylist
NationwideEach Hello Baby Box includes a mix of samples, trial-size products, and special offers. You may receive items like: Diapers and wipes Bottles and pacifiers, Bibs or baby hats, Skincare or wellness samples Coupons or gift cards from partner brands. The contents of each box vary based on product availability and brand partnerships. Create a Babylist registry today to be eligible for a free baby box full of goodies for you and baby! Put anything onto your baby registry from any store.
Breast Pumps Through Insurance
NationwideFill out our Qualify Through Insurance Form with your due date and basic health insurance information—you’ll need your insurance card for this step. You can fill out the form to confirm your insurance coverage at any point during your pregnancy and up to one year postpartum.
Cribs for Kids At Home
NationwideOrders must be placed through the Cribs for Kids Partner Store and shipping will be arranged through UPS.
I Support The Girls
NationwideProvides essential items like bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products.
Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin
NationwideDonor human milk provides access to life-saving pasteurized breast milk to critically ill infants in the first few days and weeks. DSHS uses Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) standards to determine minimum Texas human donor milk bank guidelines. Texas HMBANA milk bank locations are Mothers Milk Bank Austin and Mothers Milk Bank North Texas. Both locations offer programs that include access to donor human milk for healthy infants needing added feeding support.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
NationwideProfessional counselors answer Hotline calls, texts, and chats. They may be licensed health care professionals, certified educators, or specialists.
Share The Love
NationwideThrough this program, low-income families who receive assistance from programs like WIC and TANF may be able to receive a set of CLOTH diapers — for free. Locations: https://www.cottonbabieslove.com/locations/
She Supply
NationwideProvide free feminine hygiene products and undergarments to shelters and other nonprofits in the DFW metroplex.
Tiny Treasures Milk Bank
NationwidePays for all of your donor qualification expenses. Provides you with free breastmilk storage bags and shipping coolers for donations. Pays for the shipping of your breastmilk donations
WIC Breastfeeding Support
NationwideWIC Program teaches her how to breastfeed. Once she’s had her baby, WIC provides peer counseling and support as well as breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies. Breastfeeding moms on WIC also receive more food and for a longer time period.
Other resources in New York
- Housing Assistance in New York
- Food Assistance in New York
- Utility Assistance in New York
- Transportation Assistance in New York
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in New York
- Mental Health Resources in New York
- Domestic Violence Resources in New York
- Disability Resources in New York
- Veteran Resources in New York
- Senior Resources in New York