Facing eviction or losing housing
What to do first
- Do not ignore court papers. Answer by the date on them and go to your hearing.
- Call 211 or your state's rent help program right away.
- Get free legal help. A lawyer can tell you your rights.
- Talk to your landlord about a payment plan, and get it in writing.
- If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211 for shelter.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Help from New York
New York programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal
Rental Assistance and Homelessness Prevention
HCR offers housing programs and resources that may help renters facing housing costs or instability.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal
Homeless Housing and Assistance Program
HHAP funds local projects that provide housing and services to people who are homeless.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Home Energy Assistance Program
In New York, LIHEAP is called HEAP.
HEAP helps eligible households pay heating and cooling costs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP provides monthly food benefits to eligible households.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Temporary Assistance
In New York, TANF is called Family Assistance and Safety Net Assistance.
Temporary Assistance provides cash help to eligible families and adults with little income.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Safety Net Assistance
Safety Net Assistance provides cash or non-cash help to eligible people who do not qualify for federal cash assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
LSC.gov
Free legal help
Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.
HUD.gov
A housing counselor
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies can talk with you about renting, falling behind and keeping your home. Call to find one near you.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- 211 New York
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988