Finding the right resources to navigate social services in New York City can be challenging. For individuals and families seeking assistance, the Human Resources Administration (HRA) Benefits Access Centers (BAC) are crucial points of contact. Among these, the location at 109 East 16th Street stands out as a significant hub, hosting multiple specialized service centers. This guide provides essential information about 109 East 16th Street and other HRA locations, ensuring you can access the support you need.
Understanding HRA Benefits Access Centers in NYC
HRA Benefits Access Centers are strategically located throughout the five boroughs of New York City – Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. These centers serve as vital resources for residents seeking to apply for and manage various social services and public assistance programs. From cash assistance to food benefits and beyond, BACs are designed to streamline access to essential support systems.
Borough-Specific Benefits Access Centers
For general assistance and application processes, HRA operates numerous Benefits Access Centers across NYC. Here’s a breakdown by borough:
Bronx:
- HRA Benefits Access Center Crotona: 1910 Monterey Avenue, Bronx, NY 10457
- HRA Benefits Access Center Fordham: 2541-2549 Bainbridge Avenue, Bronx, NY 10458
- HRA Benefits Access Center Concourse: 845 Barretto Street, Bronx, NY 10474
- HRA Benefits Access Center Hunts Point: 847 Barretto Street, Bronx, NY 10474
- HRA Benefits Access Center Rider: 300 Canal Place, Bronx, NY 10451
Brooklyn:
- HRA Benefits Access Center Bushwick: 2 George Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206
- HRA Benefits Access Center Clinton Hill: 495 Clermont Ave, Brooklyn NY 11238
- HRA Benefits Access Center Coney Island: 1912 Mermaid Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224
- HRA Benefits Access Center Boerum Hill: 275 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Manhattan:
- HRA Benefits Access Center Dyckman: 4055 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10034
- HRA Benefits Access Center East End: 2322 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10035
- HRA Benefits Access Center St. Nicholas: 132 W. 125th Street, New York, NY 10027
- HRA Benefits Access Center Lower Manhattan: 109 E. 16th Street, New York, NY 10003
Queens:
- HRA Benefits Access Center Jamaica: 165-08 88th Avenue, Queens, NY 11432
- HRA Benefits Access Center Queens: 32-20 Northern Blvd, 4th Floor, Queens 11101
- HRA Benefits Access Center Rockaway: 219 Beach 59th Street, Queens, NY 11692
Staten Island:
- HRA Benefits Access Center Richmond: 201 Bay Street, Staten Island, NY 10301
All borough-specific centers operate Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and can be reached by phone during operating hours for general inquiries. Fax numbers are also provided for document submission.
109 East 16th Street: A Hub for Specialized HRA Services
While the “HRA Benefits Access Center Lower Manhattan” is located at 109 East 16th Street, this address is particularly notable because it also houses several Specialized Application & Service Centers. This makes 109 East 16th Street a central location for individuals with specific needs requiring focused support.
Specialized Centers at 109 East 16th Street
- Union Square Service Center: This center at 109 E. 16th Street is dedicated to serving individuals who face significant barriers to employment and require specialized services to overcome these challenges. If you are seeking employment support tailored to specific needs, this center is a key resource.
- Residential Treatment Service Center: Also located at 109 E. 16th Street, this center focuses on assisting individuals currently living in residential treatment facilities. It provides targeted support to help residents access benefits and services relevant to their unique situation and recovery journey.
- Special Project Center: Situated at 109 E 16th Street, 6th Floor, this center is primarily dedicated to serving ACS (Administration for Children’s Services) youth who have been referred for specific programs and assistance. It acts as a point of contact for young individuals involved with ACS and needing dedicated support.
These specialized centers at 109 East 16th Street operate with the same hours as the general Benefits Access Centers, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. It is advisable to call ahead to ensure you are directed to the correct service window or department based on your specific needs.
Other Specialized HRA Service Centers in NYC
Beyond 109 East 16th Street, HRA operates other specialized centers at different locations to cater to diverse populations:
- Michael J. Handy Veterans’ Service Center (Brooklyn): Located at 25 Chapel Street, Brooklyn, this center provides dedicated services to cash assistance cases where at least one household member is a veteran.
- Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Services Office (Brooklyn): At 785 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, this office primarily handles the administration of permanent replacement EBT cards, essential for accessing food benefits.
- Refugee and Immigrant Service Center (Queens): Located at 32-20 Northern Boulevard, Long Island City, this center is dedicated to assisting refugees and immigrants with accessing social services and navigating the support system.
Family Services Call Centers: Additional Support Avenues
In addition to physical locations, HRA also provides support through Family Services Call Centers. These centers offer phone and mail-based services, and some operate satellite locations for face-to-face interactions in specific situations.
- Family Service Call Center (Queens): Primarily a mail and phone operation based at 165-08 88th Avenue 5th Fl., Queens, servicing active child-only cases where payees do not receive cash assistance.
- Family Services Call Center, Bronx Satellite: 847 Barretto Street, Bronx, for face-to-face recertifications and emergency walk-ins for specific child-only cases.
- Family Services Call Center, Brooklyn Satellite: 404 Pine Street, Brooklyn, offering similar services as the Bronx satellite for Brooklyn residents.
- Family Services Call Center, Manhattan Satellite: 132 W. 125th Street, Manhattan, extending face-to-face support to Manhattan residents.
- Family Services Call Center, Queens Satellite: 32-20 Northern Boulevard, Queens, providing localized face-to-face services in Queens.
These Family Services Call Centers and satellites generally operate with the same weekday hours, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Conclusion: Accessing HRA Services Effectively
Navigating social services in NYC requires understanding the landscape of HRA Benefits Access Centers and Specialized Service Centers. 109 East 16th Street is a particularly important address due to the concentration of specialized services available there. Whether you need general assistance or targeted support for employment barriers, residential treatment, veteran services, or family support, knowing the locations and specializations of these centers is the first step to accessing the help you need. Always check the specific addresses and consider calling ahead to ensure you visit the most appropriate center for your situation, making your journey to accessing benefits as smooth and efficient as possible.
