Welcome to the Advocacy Resource Center (ARC)
At ARC we are committed to providing great services to our students and their family members for free. Here you will find information about the services we offer and the tools provided to help students succeed at Queensborough Community College.
Benefits
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Cash Assistance
- Unemployment Benefits
- Fair Fares NYC
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Need help with transportation costs? Contact us for assistance with applying for the Fair fares program from New York City. With the Fair Fares NYC discount, eligible New York City residents can receive a 50% discount on either subway and eligible bus fares, or Access-A-Ride.
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- Housing Resources and Application Assistance
- The Advocacy Resource Center assists with the following:
- NYCHA/Public Housing Applications and Renewals
- Affordable Housing/ Housing Lotteries through Housing Connect
- Emergency Referrals: NYC shelters and Youth Shelters/Drop-in Centers Referral
- The Advocacy Resource Center assists with the following:
If you or your family are in need of public benefits, please contact our office for assistance.
Schedule an appointment:
- ***Before scheduling your appointment, please complete the ARC Intake Form
- To schedule an appointment to meet with a staff member in person or remotely, contact us or you may do so on your own through your NAVIGATE360account
Announcements
» Shop for Groceries Online with your SNAP Benefits:
Did you know that you can now use your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to shop online for fresh produce and groceries? Participating online stores now accept SNAP benefits for online orders and will deliver to you. Use your EBT card to shop securely for fresh produce and groceries at these participating stores in the New York City area:
- Amazon
- ShopRite
- Walmart
- ***Similar to a credit or debit card, SNAP/EBT cards can be added as a saved payment method on DoorDash and Instacart, and can be used when shopping for eligible food items
**Please Note: SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay delivery fees. In addition, be sure to confirm an online store delivers to your home address.
» WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children)
- WIC is a program that helps mothers have a healthy diet. It also helps their babies stay healthy as they grow. And, it's easy to use! Many people take part: families, foster parents, other caregivers
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Ready, Set, Grow! Campaign with WIC
- WIC Toolkit:
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Cash Value Benefit increase and Remote Benefits
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Cash Value Benefit increase: through the end of September, most WIC moms and kids get $24-47/month to buy fruits and veggies—3-4 times more than before.
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Remote benefits: WIC waivers and flexibilities associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have been extended through at least mid-October, 2022. WIC agencies are allowed to issue benefits remotely so participants don’t have to pick up their WIC benefits in person. Participants may enroll or re-enroll in WIC without visiting a clinic in person and postpone certain medical tests.
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» NYC Housing Crisis
- At the Advocacy Resource Center at QCC we are committed to helping students facing housing insecurities in any way that we can including:
- Assisting with applications to NYC public housing (NYCHA) and affordable housing (Housing Connect),
- Emergency grants for past due rent for those that meet eligibility criteria,
- Referrals to our partners at the Legal Aid Society for those who are currently in housing court or are facing eviction or foreclosure to learn more on tenant rights and possibly be represented in court
- In emergency situations, we refer students for Temporary Housing (Shelters) that serve their population. These shelters include, but are not limited to:
- Youth shelters and Drop-in centers
- Women Shelters
- Men Shelters
- Family Shelters (application through a Path Intake Center)
- Shelters for students that identify as part of the LGBTQ community
- Domestic Violence Shelters (confidential intake completed over the phone through hotline)
Benefit Screening
Through a series of questions, Coordinators determine which NYC/State/Federal benefits a student and/or their family members are eligible to receive. Once determined, they will assist with the application process. For those already receiving benefits, we can help you manage your case (recertify, submit documents) and advocate on your behalf if you experience difficulties. We want to make the process easy and accessible.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formally known as food stamps)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities. The program helps supplement the cost of their groceries with nutritious foods. Seeds and plants, which produce food, may also be purchased. Electronic benefits, that can be used like cash, are issued to purchase foods that can be prepared in the home.
We facilitate the application process, including New applications, Recertifications, Periodic Reports, and Change Reports. We also provide documentation assistance, benefit maintenance, and advocacy when necessary.
Health Insurance
Health Insurance - Affordable Care Act - ACA
Through New York State of Health, the Official Health Plan Marketplace, individuals and families can compare and enroll in health coverage. It is the only place to get financial assistance provided by the federal government to lower the cost of your health coverage. Insurance affordability programs include: Medicaid, Child Health Plus, the Essential Plan, and more. We collaborates with Navigators to assist students with the enrollment process.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Eligible families may receive up to 60 months of federally funded cash assistance under theTemporary Assistance for Needy Families(TANF). Single individuals without children may receive benefits under the New York State Safety Net Program (SNP). If you're eligible you may qualify for additional benefits.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
This federally funded program is administered by New York State's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. This seasonal grant is offered to eligible households. It helps low income homeowners and renters with the cost of heating their home. This program also assists homeowners with repairing and replacing heating equipment.
*Households receiving SNAP benefits will automatically receive a HEAP grant each year once you enroll in the HEAP program.
Child Care Assistance Programs (CCAP)
There are many types of child care programs in New York State. Quality programs provide care in a warm, safe and friendly setting. Quality programs provide activities that help children learn and develop. No one type of program is necessarily better than any other type of program. You are the best judge of which program will meet your needs and your child's needs. Stop in our office today and ask about the different childcare options that may be available to you.
Housing Resources
For students seeking housing, clink on the link below to read "Apartment Hunting Tips" to learn about the common ways to find an apartment in New York City:
https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/apartment-hunting-tips.page
In addition, before seeking a new place, meet with our Financial Coach to discuss how much you should budget/save to make your move stress free.
WIC Program - Women, Infants, Children
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides nutritious foods including: low-fat or fat-free milk, whole grains and cereals, vegetables and fruits, baby food, cheese, peanut butter, beans, and breastfeeding support or formula to low- income pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants and children up to age five.
WIC has been shown to improve the health of pregnant women, new mothers and their infants and children. The foods provided through WIC are a good source of essential nutrients that are often missing from the diets of women and young children.
Food Pantries
Millions of New Yorkers struggle with food insecurity. Additionally, in the nation, 1 out of every 6 Americans experiences hunger.
- To address the need within our student community, Queensborough Community College established a Food Pantry. If you would like to take a bag of groceries home, the Food Pantry is available to help. Please visit us for assistance. QCC Food Pantry
- An off campus, community food pantry is a small front line agency that hands out packages of food, which they receive from food banks, directly to people in need. Students who are having difficulty purchasing groceries may also visit food pantries in their neighborhood. To locate a food pantry or soup kitchen in your community follow one of the links below:
- NYC Food Bank for pantries in NYC.
- Long Island Cares food locator for pantries in Long Island
*You may need to provide a photo ID
Fair Fares NYC
Fair Fares NYC - Reduced Fair MetroCard
Fair Fares NYC is a City program created by Mayor Bill de Blasio, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, and members of the City Council to help low-income New Yorkers with their transportation costs.
With the Fair Fares NYC discount, participating New York City residents can receive a 50% discount on either subway and eligible bus fares, or Access-A-Ride.
Pay-Per-Ride, 7-Day (Weekly) and 30-Day (Monthly) Unlimited Ride options are all available for those using the Fair Fares MetroCard on subways and eligible buses.
Access-A-Ride customers do not use a Fair Fares NYC MetroCard; their discount is applied automatically to their Access-A-Ride trips once their Fair Fares and Access-A-Ride accounts are linked.
Financial Coaching
Interested in a one-on-one session with a Financial Coach?
One-on-one financial counseling sessions will provide the answers to a range of topics including, but not limited to, the following:
1.) Financial Stability and Goal-Setting
As a college student you may be wondering, how do I achieve financial stability? Are you eager to learn how you can financially plan for your future? Join us for the first interactive financial literacy workshop conducted by the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG). This workshop will focus on an overview of core areas in financial stability including budgeting, saving money, banking, credit, debt, and taxes. Additional focus will be placed on identifying short, medium & long term goals; applying different models in managing and achieving goals; and planning around obstacles & barriers and building resiliency.
2.) Budgeting, Managing Money, and Saving
As a college student, you may find yourself struggling with managing your monthly bills. If you would like learning strategies for better control over your income and finances, please join us for an interactive financial literacy workshop conducted by the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG). This workshop will focus on organizing your finances; identifying reductions in expenses; committing to a short, medium, and long-term budget; managing cash flow challenges; guidance on impact of earned income on public benefits; general education on Life Insurance policies; exploring different saving approaches; identifying different savings products and vehicles.
3.) The World of Banking
Have you ever thought, “How do I select the best bank as a college student”? Join "The World of Banking" interactive financial literacy workshop conducted by the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) to learn about different banking financial products; leveraging financial products to maximize benefits; facilitating access to ChexSystems; and disputing errors on ChexSystems.
4.)Introduction to Credit, Credit Scores, and Credit Reports
Tigers, would you like to learn about establishing credit? Do you know your credit scores or how to read a credit report? Join this interactive financial literacy workshop conducted by the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) and learn how to establish credit; gain access to your credit score and read credit reports; strategies on improving credit and credit scores; disputing errors on credit reports.
5.) Debt
During this interactive financial literacy workshop conducted by the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), students will learn about debt repayment strategies and debt mitigation strategies; assistance with dealing with debt collectors; handing ID theft; wage garnishment and frozen bank accounts; student loan repayment options; and guidance on defaulted student loans.
6.) Taxes
Why do we file taxes? Why is it important to file your taxes on time? Join the interactive financial literacy workshop conducted by the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) to learn the answers to these questions and more. This workshop will focus on a general tax introduction; preparing taxes; guidance on paying tax debt; and developing financial habits and growth mindset.
Tax Services
The Advocacy Resource Center at QCC is happy to assist students and their family members with filing their taxes for free!!
Documents Needed to File a Tax Return:
- Active email account
- Photo ID – (driver license, state-issued non-driver ID, passport, or IDNYC identification card or Photo ID),
- Copy of your previous years tax return or the federal adjusted gross income (FAGI) – if you filed a return
- Birth dates and Social Security number for you, your spouse, and your dependents (if any)
- Proof of all sources of income:
- Employment: Form W-2
- Unemployment: Form 1099G (can only be obtained from the Dept. of Labor website)
- Self-employment reported on Forms 1099, 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC or income records to verify amounts not paid on Form 1099 (such as by cash).
- Retirement Income: Form 1099-R or 1099-SSA
- Interest, Dividend, or Investment: Form 1099-INT, Form 1099-DIV, or Form 1099-B
- 1098T form (if you had out of pocket tuition cost)
- Information related to any credits you are claiming (i.e., childcare expenses, the names, address, social security number or tax ID number of all childcare providers for children under age 13)
- Bank routing and account number for direct deposit
- Forms 1095-A, B, or C, Healthcare Statement
**Keep in mind:
- Tax Services through ARC at QCC are seasonal (end of January through mid April)
- While every individual’s tax return is different, completion time may vary, plan to spend up to two hours completing your return
Questions? Contact us: ARC@qcc.cuny.edu or 718-631-6347
Tax Transcripts:
ARC staff can facilitate the process of requesting and obtaining a copy of the student's tax transcript for purposes of the Financial Aid Application (FAFSA). If you are in need of your tax transcript, please contact us for assistance.
FREE Legal Services
Legal Services
If you or your immediate family is in need of legal Assistance, please contact us at 718-631-6347 or by email at: ARC@qcc.cuny.edu
We will refer you to an Attorney that will assist with the following for free:
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Family Law
- legal services to individuals in family and divorce court
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Immigration
- help with removal defense, affirmative immigration benefits (citizenship, green cards, family-based petitions, etc.), concerns about public charge or with advance planning for non-citizen parents
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Benefits Eligibility
- wrongfully denied benefits or are struggling to secure or keep health care services or income supports you need
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Consumer Law
- assist New Yorkers involved in tax disputes and consumer issues
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And more!
Our Mission and Goals
Mission Statement
Department Goals
The Advocacy Resource Center provides: Benefit screenings, Legal services, Financial Coaching, Tax preparation and E-Filing, and assistance with Student Emergency Grants.
