Government benefits are free. You can apply on your own. CARE charges for the help. Learn more
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(929) 668-2828 Check my benefits

Community Access Resource Enrollment · New York

Food, health care, rent help, energy bills, and more. We explain each program in plain words, fill out the forms with you, and remind you before renewals. You only need a phone.

Check my benefits — free (929) 668-2828

No computer needed · We speak English, Spanish and French

Updated for 2026

Programs tracked: 175

Kinds of help: 15

Languages: 3

Cost to check: $0

SNAP max, 1 person: $298/mo

Medicare Part B the MSP can pay: $202.90/mo

SCRIE income limit: $75,000

Fair Fares discount: 50%

Child credit, under 4: $1,000

CDPAPMedicaidMSPExtra Help (LIS)SCRIEDRIESCHEIT-214

Did you know

$1,000

per child under 4 — Empire State Child Credit, even with no income.

How it works

  1. 01

    Talk to us

    Call or text, any time. Tell us about your home, your income and what you need. It takes 15 minutes and it is free.

  2. 02

    We find your benefits

    We check 175 New York programs. We explain each one in plain words and in your language.

  3. 03

    We fill out and submit

    We fill out the forms with you and organize your papers. You sign. We submit in a safe way.

  4. 04

    We track and remind you

    We follow your case. We text you before renewals so you never lose a benefit.

Learn more

Programs people miss most

Home care & seniors · Top pick CDPAP Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program Pays a family member to be the home aide. A 4-step process across Medicaid, the state assessor, the health plan and PPL. Families get lost between… Guided · $249 Health care · Top pick Medicaid New York Medicaid (MAGI: adults 19-64, parents, children, pregnant) Work rules start ~2027 and renewals move to every 6 months. Millions of New Yorkers will need help to keep coverage, again and again. Complex · $119 Home care & seniors · Top pick MSP Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, QI) Pays the Medicare Part B premium (about $200/month) for low-income seniors. No asset test in NY. Many eligible seniors never apply. Standard · $59 Home care & seniors · Top pick Extra Help (LIS) Extra Help / Part D Low-Income Subsidy Cuts drug costs for seniors on Medicare. Short online form. Often paired with the Medicare Savings Program. Standard · $59 Housing & rent · Top pick SCRIE Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (Rent Freeze) Freezes rent for seniors. The income limit is rising from $50k to $75k, so many more tenants will qualify. Paper-heavy with yearly renewal. Complex · $119 Housing & rent · Top pick DRIE Disability Rent Increase Exemption (Rent Freeze) Same rent freeze for tenants with a disability. Same income limit increase. Complex · $119

See all programs (175)

2026 changes you need to know

  • 2026

    Don't lose your Medicaid

    From 2027, many adults must report work or school, and renew every 6 months. We track it for you.

  • 2026

    New SNAP work rules

    Adults 18–64 and parents of children 14 or older may need to show work hours. Some immigrants lost SNAP in 2026.

  • 2026

    Essential Plan limit changed

    Since July 1, 2026, the income limit is 200% of the poverty line. Some people must move to a new plan.

  • 2026

    More seniors can freeze their rent

    The SCRIE and DRIE income limit is going up to $75,000. Many more tenants can apply.

  • 2026

    Bigger child credit

    The Empire State Child Credit pays up to $1,000 for each child under 4, even with no income.

  • Check my benefits

    8 short questions. About 2 minutes. Free. We do not ask for your name or Social Security number.

    Check my benefits — free

Pricing

Checking what you qualify for is always free. Help with an application starts at $29. Plans to keep your benefits start at $9 a month.

Always free

$0

Benefit check: the online screener and a 15-minute call

Help with one application

$29–$249

One price per program, charged when we submit. Each extra program in the same visit is 30% off.

CARE Keep — plans to keep your benefits

$9/month

Many benefits must be renewed every 6 or 12 months. A plan keeps you covered. Cancel any time.

CARE

Government benefits are free. You can apply on your own. CARE charges for the help.

We hold the price on your card. You are charged only when we submit. We never promise approval. The agency decides.

See all prices

Help you can trust

  • We never use your password

    We do not log in to your accounts. You log in, and we guide you.

  • You sign, not us

    We never sign for you. You see and approve every form.

  • Your papers stay private

    We do not ask for your Social Security number on this website.

  • Honest about free help

    Benefits are free. Some help must be free by law, so we refer you for free.

Common questions

What is CARE?

A private New York service that finds the public benefits you may qualify for and does the paperwork with you — food, health care, rent help, energy bills and more. We help in English, Spanish and French.

Are you the government? Are you HRA or Social Security?

No. CARE is a private service, not a government agency and not a law firm. Government benefits are free, and you can always apply on your own.

How much does it cost?

Checking what you may qualify for is free (15-minute call or the online check). Help with one application costs $29, $59, $119 or $249 depending on how complex it is. We hold the price on your card and charge it only when we submit. Plans to keep your benefits cost $9, $19 or $29 a month. Half price if you get SNAP, Medicaid or SSI. Nobody is turned away.

Why should I pay if benefits are free?

You don't have to. Free help exists. People choose CARE to save time, get help in their language, and not miss renewals.

Can you guarantee I will be approved?

No. The agency decides. We never promise approval. If we do not submit, the hold is released and you are not charged.

How long does it take?

The first call takes about 15 minutes. Most applications take a few days to prepare once we have your papers. The agency then takes from a few weeks to a few months to decide, depending on the program.

What papers do I need?

Usually a photo ID, proof of address (a bill or lease), proof of income (pay stubs or award letters) and any letters you got from an agency. Each program page lists its papers. Do not send your Social Security number or papers by text.

Can I apply on my own?

Yes, always. For example, SNAP and cash assistance through ACCESS HRA, health insurance through NY State of Health, or call 311. We are here if you want help.

Tell us what you need. We tell you what you may qualify for, in your language.

Our assistant answers calls and texts 24/7 in English, Spanish and French. CARE helpers: Mon–Sat, 9am–7pm

Check my benefits — free