Resources
Read the latest resources from Legal Services NYC.
LGBTQ+ Rights
Are you an LGBTQ+ New Yorker facing discrimination, eviction, or issues accessing health care, immigration relief, housing or other public benefits? Are you living with HIV/AIDs and experiencing discrimination? Legal Services NYC provides FREE legal assistance to the LGBTQ+ community and…
I received a notice that my Medicaid is ending. What can I do?
During COVID-19, you did not need to renew your Medicaid coverage every year. Now, that rule has changed, and you must fill out and send in your Medicaid renewal forms on time to avoid losing Medicaid coverage and services. If you…
I do not have a disability or medical barrier to employment, but I cannot complete the required 35 hours per week of work activities. What are other qualifying exemptions?
You may be temporarily exempt from work activity for other reasons, which you will need to prove to HRA. HRA will ask you for documentation, which you must give them as long as it’s reasonable. You may be exempt from some…
I have a medical barrier or disability, and I do not believe I can do the work activities that HRA is requiring for me to receive cash assistance. What do I do?
You must prove to HRA that you have a disability or other health issue that prevents you from working unless: Whether you are called into a vendor (e.g., “Career Compass”) or HRA, you should tell your worker that you have a…
I am applying for/receiving cash assistance. HRA is requiring me to pursue child support and/or work activity, but I fear that this may be unsafe for me and my family due to domestic violence. What do I do?
Survivors of domestic violence may be able to get a waiver of public assistance rules – including work activity rules and child support cooperation rules. Waivers are given for six months at a time. Every six months, HRA will reassess for…
I have cash assistance and I received a notice that I missed an appointment for a work activity. What should I do?
Beginning April 28, 2025, HRA has re-started the “conciliation/re-engagement” process for cash assistance (CA) or public assistance (PA) recipients and applicants. You should get different notices from HRA/DSS asking you to “engage” or participate in their work program. If HRA claims…
I am applying for/receiving cash assistance. Why am I receiving notices that say I am required to work?
If you apply for or get cash assistance, the government requires you to prove “work activity.” Work activity might mean getting a job, proving that you’ve tried to get a job, going to school or training, and/or showing that you’re exempt…
Can I still access gender-affirming care in New York City?
Yes, New York currently supports access to gender-affirming medical care for both adults and young people. While the federal government has attempted to withhold funding from hospitals that provide gender-affirming care, there are lawsuits challenging the government’s right to withhold funding…
Can I still change my gender marker in New York City or State?
Yes, individuals are still able to change their gender markers on documents and IDs in New York City and state. However, due to an executive order, the U.S. Department of State is not currently changing gender markers on U.S. passports or…
What are my labor and employment rights as an immigrant living in New York?
New York City (NYC) and New York State (NYS) have some of the strongest labor protections in the country, ensuring robust protections for all workers regardless of immigration status. Below are summaries of some state and local laws, including minimum wage,…
I’m a Medicaid CDPAP consumer or aide. How do I register with a new CDPAP agency?
NOTE: As of March 28, 2025, all Medicaid Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) Consumers and their aides were required to transfer to a new CDPAP agency called Public Partnership, LLC (PPL). More information below about CDPAP and how to switch…
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