Single Dads United – New York Resource Guide
A complete support roadmap for single dads across New York State.
This guide brings together the most important programs for housing, food, childcare, education, legal support, and crisis assistance all tailored for Single Dads working to build stability and a strong future for their families.
Some resources listed may have changed since the time they were gathered. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any organization mentioned below. These listings are provided solely as a helpful guide to support you on your parenting journey.
Emergency Help & Basic Needs
Call 2 1 1 (24/7)
Free help finding emergency assistance for housing, food, utilities, and more.
Website: https://www.211.org
Emergency SNAP (Food Assistance)
Apply online and receive benefits in 1–3 days.
Apply: https://mybenefits.ny.gov
Phone: 800 342 3009
“SNAP helps low income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families.”
Food Bank for NYC
Emergency food delivery and pantry locations.
Phone: 212 566 7855
Website: https://www.foodbanknyc.org
Family Assistance (TANF)
Cash assistance for families with a minor child.
Apply: https://mybenefits.ny.gov
Phone: 800 342 3009
HEAP (Heating & Utility Help)
Assistance with heating costs.
NYC: https://access.nyc.gov
Outside NYC: https://mybenefits.ny.gov
Educational Grants for Dads
New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
Grant up to $5,665/year — never repaid.
Apply: https://www.hesc.ny.gov
FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov
“An annual TAP award can be up to $5,665… it does not have to be paid back.”
Aid for Part Time Study (APTS)
Up to $2,000/year for part time students.
Note: Program sunsets after 2024–25.
Info: https://www.hesc.ny.gov
Tax Credits That Put Money Back in Your Pocket
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Up to $8,046 for families with 3+ children.
How to claim: File IRS Form 1040
Free tax help: 800 906 9887 (VITA)
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
Up to $2,000 per child (up to $1,700 refundable).
Info: https://www.irs.gov
Child & Dependent Care Credit
Form 2441: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-2441
Childcare Support for Working or Studying Dads
New York Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Helps pay for childcare while you work, job search, or attend school.
Outside NYC: https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/
NYC: https://mycity.nyc.gov
“Your family may qualify… if income falls below 85% of the State Median Income.”
Head Start & Early Head Start
Free early childhood education, meals, and family support.
Find a program: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov (eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov in Bing)
Phone: 866 763 6481
Housing Support for Single Fathers
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Rent subsidies for eligible families.
NYCHA Info: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/nycha/section-8/about-section-8.page (www1.nyc.gov in Bing)
“The program works as a rent subsidy allowing families to pay a reasonable share…”
Emergency Rental Assistance
NYC ACCESS HRA: https://accesshra.nyc.gov
Statewide: Call 2 1 1
Homebase (NYC)
Eviction prevention and housing stabilization.
Find a location: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/homebase.page (www1.nyc.gov in Bing)
Healthcare for You & Your Kids
Medicaid (NY State)
Comprehensive coverage for adults and children.
Apply: https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov
Phone: 855 355 5777
“Medicaid provides comprehensive health coverage… doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health, dental, vision.”
WIC
Food packages, nutrition support, and referrals.
Find local office: https://health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/
Legal Support for Fathers
Legal Aid Society
Family law, custody, visitation, housing.
Phone: 212 577 3300
Website: https://legalaidnyc.org
NYC Family Court Resources
Self help centers and guidance.
Info: https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/family-court/
NYLAG
Free legal services for civil matters.
Phone: 212 613 5000
Website: https://nylag.org
Mental & Emotional Wellness
NYC Well (24/7)
Call, text, or chat for emotional support.
Phone: 888 692 9355
Website: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Immediate crisis support.
Dial: 988
Employment & Financial Stability
Workforce1 Career Centers
Job placement, training, and resume support.
Website: https://www.nyc.gov/site/sbs/careers/workforce1.page
HRA Career Services
Employment programs for parents receiving benefits.
Website: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/career-services.page
Paid Family Leave (NYS)
Income support for bonding, caregiving, or health needs.
Info: https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov
Community & Family Support
Food Pantries & Community Fridges
NYC Food Help: https://foodhelp.nyc
Statewide: https://www.foodbanknyc.org
Recreation Centers
Affordable activities for kids and families.
NYC Parks: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters
Single Dads United Community Events
Workshops, support circles, and resource days.
Website: www.singledadsunited.org
Emergency Numbers (Keep These Handy)
• 911 – Life threatening emergencies
• 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• NYC Domestic Violence Hotline: 800 621 HOPE
• National DV Hotline: 800 799 7233
• NYC Housing Court Help Center: 646 386 5730
Contact Single Dads United
For Partnerships or to join the community:
Partnership Email: partnerships@singledadsunited.org
Membership Email: member@singledadsunited.org