Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown and the lack of federal funding, the start of applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has been delayed until further notice. The shutdown is not yet affecting other programs overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance — including Public Assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Applications for Public Assistance and SNAP are continuing to be accepted, benefits are being provided, and use of benefit cards are not impacted at this time. If the shutdown continues into November, benefits for SNAP could be delayed. This message will be updated as additional information becomes available.
Last updated: October 23, 2025, 9:10 AM
You are using an out of date browser. On December 1, 2021, New York State will upgrade security protections to our websites and applications. Access to government websites and applications will now require the use of up-to-date and secure web browsers. View a list of supported browsers.
OTDA Home Programs and Services
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues monthly benefits that can be used to purchase food at authorized retail food stores. SNAP benefits help low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families.
The Low-Income HEAP is a federally funded program that assists eligible households in meeting their home energy needs.
Temporary Assistance, 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.
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is closed. Learn what you can do if you have a water emergency
New York State ERAP applications are no longer being accepted. Applications submitted before the application portal closed on January 20, 2023 continue to be processed in the order received, consistent with State law and program rules.
Applications for the Landlord Rental Assistance Program (LRAP) are no longer being accepted. Consistent with the State law, OTDA has processed all LRAP applications that were submitted prior to the LRAP application closing date of November 21st, 2021.
Child Support Services provides custodial parents with assistance in obtaining financial support and medical insurance coverage for their children by locating parents, establishing parentage, establishing support orders, and collecting and distributing child support payments.
A Fair Hearing is a chance for you to tell an Administrative Law Judge (from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Office of Administrative Hearings) why you think a decision about your case made by a local social services agency is wrong.
Summer EBT provides low-income families with food benefits to help cover the cost of groceries when school is out of session. Most eligible children will receive Summer EBT food benefits automatically; however, some families may need to apply.
OTDA administers an array of programs to address homelessness in New York State. These range from programs to prevent homelessness to the actual construction of housing for homeless persons.
OTDA oversees publicly funded shelters for families and adults experiencing homelessness across the state.
OTDA's Refugee Services is the single state entity responsible for the implementation of services to refugees.
The Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different, only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.
SSP provides state-funded financial assistance to aged, blind and disabled individuals and is part of the monthly benefit paid to most Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients.
SNAP-Ed is a free nutrition education program available to all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants and those eligible to receive SNAP.
RMP is an initiative that allows certain SNAP households to use their benefits to buy discounted meals from authorized restaurants.
Employment and training services are provided to Temporary Assistance (TA) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants and recipients to support participation in work activities that have been approved and assigned by the local department of social services.
EBT is the method by which the OTDA delivers cash and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to New York State's recipient population.
NYDocSubmit is an app for mobile devices that applicants and recipients of TA, SNAP, HEAP and Medicaid can use to submit documents.
Information on how to apply for OTDA supported services.
Forms and Applications available from OTDA.