Real offices, advice centres and organisations in New York City that help newcomers — with languages, costs and official sources.
24 results
Mental health
Call or text 988, or chat online, for free and confidential support in a mental health, emotional or substance use crisis, 24 hours a day. In New York City, phone counselors are available in more than 200 languages;…
Registration offices
Issues the free municipal photo ID for New York City residents aged 10 and over, regardless of immigration status (free for applications through 31 December 2026). Apply in person at an Enrollment Center by appointment,…
In-person IRS offices for help with federal tax accounts and, at centers with ITIN services, free in-person ITIN applications where staff can authenticate most identity documents. Find a center with the IRS office…
Migration counselling
The City's free hotline answers immigration policy questions and explains how and where to find trusted, City-funded immigration legal help in the five boroughs. It does not give legal services or book appointments…
Transport
Customer service line for OMNY, the MTA's tap-to-pay system for New York City subways and buses. OMNY cards cost $5 and are sold at subway vending machines and participating stores; you can link a card to a free OMNY…
Driving licence
Issues New York driver licenses and learner permits. Visitors may drive with a valid foreign license; new residents with a license from another country usually need a written test, a five-hour pre-licensing course and a…
Migration counselling
New York State's free, confidential hotline answers questions about immigration and naturalization, refers callers to free legal help (including for people in detention) and takes reports of fraud and scams targeting…
Other services
New York City's line for non-emergency City services and information, by phone or online: heat and hot water complaints, IDNYC appointments, the Tenant Helpline, Protected Time Off complaints, financial counseling,…
Health services
A health care access program of NYC Health + Hospitals for New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. Members get a membership card, a primary care doctor and affordable medicines, with…
Legal advice
Enforces the New York City Human Rights Law against discrimination, including at work and in housing. Everyone in New York City is protected, including visitors and people who are not US citizens. Report discrimination…
Consumer advice
Enforces City consumer and worker laws, including the FARE Act on broker fees and the Protected Time Off law. Workers can complain online at nyc.gov/workers or by calling 311 and saying "Protected Time Off", with free…
Consumer advice
Free, confidential one-on-one financial counseling for anyone aged 18 or over who lives or works in New York City: opening a safe and affordable bank account, checking credit, making a spending plan and dealing with…
Tax offices
A City program run by DCWP that offers free tax preparation for eligible New Yorkers: individuals and families with dependents who earned $97,000 or less, and filers without dependents who earned $68,000 or less (2025…
Health services
New York City's public health care system, with more than 70 locations across the five boroughs. Call to make an appointment; people without insurance can ask about NYC Care.
Help families enroll children in New York City public schools, especially families without a zoned school, high school students and families who need help with transfers, MySchools applications and waitlists. Book an…
The City's Office of Civil Justice funds free legal help for tenants facing eviction in Housing Court or NYCHA proceedings, in every ZIP code and regardless of immigration status. Call 311 and ask for the Tenant…
The state agency that administers rent stabilization. Tenants can request an apartment's rent history (to find out whether it is rent-stabilized) online through the Ask HCR portal, by phone or by email at…
Health services
New York's official health insurance marketplace, where residents apply for Qualified Health Plans, the Essential Plan, Medicaid and Child Health Plus. Apply online or by phone (TTY 800-662-1220), or get free help from…
Registration offices
Issues Social Security numbers and cards free of charge. Start a first-time application online if you are lawfully present, then visit a Social Security office or Card Center with original documents within 45 days.…
Immigration authorities
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' national phone and chat service for questions about cases, forms and appointments. Live calls and chats Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern; TTY 800-767-1833. USCIS…