Not safe at home
If you are in danger now, call 911
You can talk with an advocate any time. It is free and private, and they can help you make a safety plan.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline800-799-7233
- 911Emergency
- 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineCall 988
- 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineText 988
If someone checks your phone, use a private window or a safer device.
What to do first
- If you are in danger now, call 911.
- Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. Someone answers any time.
- Use a phone or computer the other person cannot check, and a private browser window.
- Ask the hotline or 211 about shelter and your state's programs for people leaving abuse.
- When you are safe, apply for health coverage, food and cash help in your own name.
Talk it through
If it is safe to type, tell us what is going on. Use a private browser window on a device the other person cannot check.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
60 days
Health coverage
People leaving domestic abuse can sign up for their own Marketplace plan outside open enrollment. You have 60 days.
Source: HealthCare.gov
Help from New York
New York programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services
Domestic Violence Services
OCFS connects residents with local domestic violence services and emergency support.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
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 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 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
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP provides monthly food benefits to eligible households.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New York State Department of Health
Medicaid
Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible New Yorkers.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
TheHotline.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Free and confidential. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find shelter near you.
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.
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