Hotlines To Help New Yorkers With Legal Advice — For Free

In the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, many New Yorkers are facing untenable bill collection and difficulty navigating unemployment insurance, Medicaid, SNAP and other programs. Public and small-business relief systems are changing at a breathtaking pace, which can make the process even more challenging to keep up with.

Legal Services NYC has set up a free hotline to assist vulnerable New Yorkers with housing law, employment law, bill disputes, government benefits, family law and domestic violence and much more. As the largest civil legal provider in the nation, the professionals at Legal Services NYC can help navigate public benefits and advise you on your rights and liabilities as a renter. 

Call 917-661-4500 to speak to an intake officer (multiple languages available). The line is open Monday through Friday 10a-4p.

Likewise, the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation is offering free consultations on unemployment insurance to New Yorkers in priority zip codes (currently 10031, 10032, 10033, 10034, 10040, 10452, and 10452). The org will assist with the application process, advise on eligibility and expectations, and provide representation to address denial or incorrect benefits. 

This hotline is 929-512-4476. It’s open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9a-12p. 

NMIC also provides a range of other social and legal services citywide, including advocacy for issues of housing, immigration and domestic violence. If you need emergency assistance, call 212-822-8300 to inquire.

photo: iStock