Financial Assistance & Resources

As the ongoing COVID-19 response impacts our local and global economies, the Library is here to help workers and small businesses navigate the rapidly changing financial and employment landscapes. Find resources for information on unemployment and job seeker sources, small business support, your money, and more.

Many of the organizations we list are NYC Agencies. Please visit Updates on NYC Agency Suspensions and Reductions or call the listed providers/resources to confirm hours of operation. For assistance in navigating these pages, please visit Ask NYPL.

Looking to help? Check Help Now NYC for ways you can (safely) volunteer to help fellow New Yorkers. If your business can help the city or state with manufacturing or donating medical supplies or personal protective equipment, click here to learn more.

Click on the following links for the latest information on:

• The Thomas Yoseloff Business Center at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) - array of free resources for those interested in personal finance and investing, small business, and financial research.
• Pasculano Learning Center - Free English-language and literacy learning, technology classes through our TechConnect program, and career services.
• Social Work Student Interns - There are social work student interns at select library locations to help you find help with housing, food assistance, healthcare, short-term shelter, and more.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

A benefit program from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a monthly discount toward internet service for eligible households who may also receive a one-time discount to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. Learn more.

Child Care Benefit

The Office of Children and Family Services is committed to providing assistance with child care costs to eligible families through the Child Care Subsidy Program. Child care subsidies can help parents/caretakers pay for some or all of the cost of child care services.

Excluded Workers Fund (EWF)

Payment to workers with low income who lost income due to COVID and who are not eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) due to immigration status or other factors.

Fair Fares NYC

With the Fair Fares NYC discount, participating New York City residents can receive a 50% discount on either subway and eligible bus fares, or Access-A-Ride. Pay-Per-Ride, 7-Day (Weekly) and 30-Day (Monthly) Unlimited Ride options are all available for those using the Fair Fares MetroCard on subways and eligible buses. Apply online.

Lifeline Telephone Service

New York State Lifeline Discounted Telephone Service is an assistance program offered by many telephone providers, including some wireless and cable companies, to help income eligible consumers save money on their phone bills.

Reduced Fare Metrocard

Reduced fares are available for riders who are 65 or older or riders who have qualifying disabilities.

Social Security Administration (SSA) Benefits

Social Security benefits provide partial replacement income for qualified retirees and disabled individuals, as well as for their spouses, children, and survivors. Information included: Retirement, Disability, Medicare, Survivors, Supplemental Security Income

Tax Credits

Information on tax credit programs you may be eligible for, such as Earned Income Tax Credits, New York State Noncustodial Parent Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credits and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits.

Unemployment

Unemployment Insurance is temporary income for eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.