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Get Help Paying Bills in Nassau County NY — Emergency Assistance, Food, Housing Programs, and More
Nassau County has a wide network of assistance programs or even free items for residents who need help with bills, food, housing, utilities, or health care. Programs available here, as this page will hep you find, include government benefits through Nassau County DSS — SNAP food stamps, Medicaid, and HEAP energy assistance — as well as federally funded community action services. There is also emergency financial aid from Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army, two major food bank networks with hundreds of local pantry sites, free legal aid for tenants and homeowners, and targeted help for seniors, veterans, cancer patients, and immigrants. Most services are free, and many are available regardless of immigration status or religious affiliation.
Nassau County DSS handles SNAP, Medicaid, and HEAP — apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov or call (516) 227-8519. The Economic Opportunity Commission runs Head Start, emergency bill assistance, and job training from multiple locations across the county. Catholic Charities and the parish outreach network cover emergency grants, food, and housing counseling throughout Nassau. Two food banks — Island Harvest and Long Island Cares — can connect any household to a nearby pantry site using just a ZIP code. When you are not sure where to start, dial 2-1-1 for a live referral to the right program.
- About Nassau County: Nassau is divided into three towns (Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay), two cities (Long Beach and Glen Cove), and 64 incorporated villages. Programs sometimes vary by municipality — some are county-wide, others serve specific towns or villages. When calling any organization, mention your specific community so staff can direct you appropriately. Nassau borders Suffolk County to the east; several organizations on this page serve residents of both counties from Suffolk-based offices, which is noted where relevant.
Quick Reference — Start Here
- Nassau County DSS (SNAP food stamps, Medicaid, HEAP energy assistance, housing help): (516) 227-8519 — apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov
- Economic Opportunity Commission (community action, Head Start, rent/utility help, job training): (516) 292-9710
- Island Harvest Food Bank (find a pantry near you): (516) 294-8528 — or text your ZIP code to (631) 450-3775
- Long Island Cares — Harry Chapin Food Bank (food pantries, mobile distributions): (631) 582-3663 — licares.org/find-food/
- Catholic Charities / Parish Outreach Nassau (emergency aid, food, housing, immigration help): (516) 733-7000
- Salvation Army Westbury (emergency food, rent, utilities, clothing, holiday programs): (516) 338-2815
- Nassau County Bar Association (free legal aid): (516) 747-4070
- 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 for free, live referrals to local programs throughout Nassau County — available around the clock. Or see the online directory at https://www.211li.org/. This is always a good first call when you are not sure which program to contact.
More resources beyond this page:
Government Benefits — SNAP, Medicaid, HEAP, and Cash Assistance
Nassau County Department of Social Services (DSS)
Nassau County DSS is the starting point for most government benefit programs available to low-income residents. If you are unsure whether you qualify for food stamps, health insurance, heating assistance, or cash help, call DSS or apply online — a caseworker can screen you for multiple programs in a single interaction. Programs administered through DSS include:
- SNAP (food stamps): Monthly benefits on an EBT card toward food purchases. Apply at mybenefits.ny.gov or by calling and requesting a paper application be mailed to you.
- Medicaid and Child Health Plus: Free or low-cost health insurance for eligible adults, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Most apply through NY State of Health at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or by calling 1-855-355-5777.
- HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program): New York’s energy assistance program pays a portion of your heating or utility bill. The regular benefit is distributed in winter months and is first-come, first-served. An emergency benefit can prevent a utility shutoff. Apply in person at the DSS office or through mybenefits.ny.gov. There is also a benefit for heating equipment repair or replacement.
- Family Assistance and Safety Net: Temporary cash assistance for families with children and for single adults meeting specific criteria. Case managers can also connect you to job training and employment programs.
- Day care assistance: Subsidized child care for income-qualifying working parents with children up to age 12.
- Emergency housing: DSS can arrange short-term emergency shelter placements for households that are homeless or at immediate risk. After-hours emergencies: call (516) 573-8626.
- The main DSS office is in Uniondale. Bring identification, proof of residency, and income documentation when visiting in person.
Contact: (516) 227-8519 — general information | After-hours: (516) 573-8626. SNAP applications by phone: (516) 227-8523. 60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11553. Apply online: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/dss/.
Community Action — Economic Opportunity Commission
Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County, Inc. (EOC) Est. 1968
The EOC is the federally designated Community Action Agency for Nassau County and has been fighting poverty in the county since the War on Poverty era. It operates from multiple locations across Nassau and provides a broad set of services to income-eligible families. Key programs include:
- Head Start and Early Head Start: Free early childhood education, developmental services, health screenings, and family support for children from birth to age 5 in income-qualifying families. Multiple sites throughout Nassau County.
- Emergency financial assistance: Help with rent, security deposits, utilities, and other emergency needs for households in financial crisis. Call to ask about current availability and income guidelines.
- Displaced Homemakers Program: Support for people — often women — re-entering the workforce after years outside it. Includes counseling, job placement, and computer and internet access assistance.
- Career Paths TANF Employment Services (CPTE): Employment and training services for TANF and Safety Net recipients, including job search assistance, vocational training, and GED preparation.
- Dress for Success and financial literacy: Work clothes, budgeting coaching, and financial skills education for job seekers.
Referrals: The EOC connects clients to other Nassau and state programs including SNAP, Medicaid, housing, and prescription assistance.
- The main office is in Hempstead. The EOC also operates branch locations including sites in Roosevelt (281 Babylon Turnpike) and Rockville Centre (140 South Centre Avenue).
Contact: (516) 292-9710 | 134 Jackson Street, Hempstead, NY 11550. https://eoc-nassau.org/.
Food Banks & Pantry Networks
Nassau County is served by two major Feeding America member food banks that together supply hundreds of partner pantries and distribution sites. Neither distributes food directly at headquarters — use their tools to find a local pantry site near your ZIP code.
Island Harvest Food Bank
Island Harvest is the leading hunger-relief food bank serving Nassau and Suffolk counties, distributing millions of meals annually through a network of more than 275 partner pantries, soup kitchens, and food programs. The food bank operates a Nassau County location in Uniondale in addition to its main operations in Melville. Use the pantry locator on their website or text your ZIP code to find the nearest distribution site to you. Programs include:
- Partner pantry network: More than 275 member agencies including churches, community centers, and nonprofits throughout Nassau County. Use the online pantry finder or text your ZIP for the closest site.
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Monthly food packages for adults aged 60 and older who meet income guidelines.
- SNAP outreach: Staff can help income-eligible Nassau residents apply for SNAP benefits. SNAP Hotline: (516) 805-1642.
- Children’s hunger programs: Summer food service, school pantry programs, and backpack programs supplying food to children during weekends and school breaks.
- Food distributions: Periodic large-scale food distributions in Nassau communities — check the schedule at islandharvest.org/food-distributions
Contact: Nassau County: (516) 294-8528. Find a pantry near you: text your ZIP to (631) 450-3775. SNAP hotline: (516) 805-1642. Nassau location: Uniondale, NY 11533. Pantry locator: islandharvest.org/find-a-food-pantry/
Long Island Cares — The Harry Chapin Food Bank Est. 1980
Founded in 1980 by singer-songwriter and humanitarian Harry Chapin, Long Island Cares is a Feeding America partner food bank distributing over 13 million pounds of food annually through nearly 400 community partners across Nassau and Suffolk counties. The headquarters is in Hauppauge, Suffolk County, but the organization actively serves Nassau County through its partner network and mobile programs. Programs include:
- Partner pantry network: Use the online locator at licares.org/find-food/ to find pantries accepting clients in your Nassau County ZIP code.
- Mobile Outreach Resource Enterprise (MORE): A mobile program delivering food and referral assistance to people in locations where neighborhood pantries are not easily accessible — including libraries, parks, and shopping areas. Especially useful for seniors and homebound individuals.
- Veterans food pantry: A dedicated program serving veterans with drive-up and delivery options.
Contact: (631) 582-3663. Find a pantry: https://www.licares.org/find-food/. Nassau County partner agencies: licares.org/nassau-county
Emergency Financial Assistance & Faith-Based Aid
Several of Nassau County’s largest emergency assistance providers are faith-based or affiliated with the Diocese of Rockville Centre. They serve residents regardless of religious affiliation.
Catholic Charities — Diocese of Rockville Centre
Catholic Charities of Long Island is the social service arm of the Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre, which covers all of Nassau and most of Suffolk County. It is one of the largest emergency assistance providers on Long Island, helping residents of all faith backgrounds and none. Programs include:
- Emergency Financial Assistance: Help with rent, mortgage, and utility bills for households in acute financial crisis. Funds include EFSP (Emergency Food and Shelter Program) grants from FEMA and the United Way.
- Food and grocery assistance: Distributed through parish-based pantries across Nassau County. Hot meals and packaged food available through multiple sites.
- Dental care: Free or sliding-scale dental services available for income-qualifying adults. Call to ask about current availability and locations.
- Senior programs: Home-delivered meals, case management, caregiver support, and connection to senior services for older Nassau residents.
- Housing counseling: Certified housing counselors help with foreclosure prevention, rental disputes, and first-time homebuyer preparation.
- Immigration and refugee services: Legal consultation, documentation, and referrals for immigrants and non-citizens navigating status issues.
- Mental health counseling: Outpatient counseling on a sliding fee scale for individuals and families.
- Contact: (516) 733-7000 | 90 Cherry Lane, Hicksville, NY 11801. https://www.catholiccharities.cc/
Parish Outreach of Nassau
Parish Outreach of Nassau is a central social services office serving Nassau County residents through referrals, direct emergency aid, and a network of parish-based outreach programs. It coordinates services across multiple diocesan sites and is often a good first contact for someone not sure which Catholic Charities service to call. Programs include a food pantry, clothing distribution, help with heating bills, rent and utility assistance, employment counseling, immigration counseling, and referrals for medical care and prescription assistance for the uninsured. Contact: (516) 334-0021 | 85 Post Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590
Society of St. Vincent de Paul / St. Paul the Apostle Parish
The local St. Vincent de Paul conference operates from St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Bethpage. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a Catholic lay organization providing direct, neighbor-to-neighbor help to people in financial crisis regardless of their religious background. Programs include emergency help with rent, mortgage, and utility bills through EFSP (Emergency Food and Shelter Program) federal funds, food assistance, clothing, transportation vouchers, and motel vouchers for people facing homelessness. The conference also connects clients with other Long Island agencies when additional support is needed. More: St. Vincent de Paul Long Island assistance programs. Contact: (516) 822-3132 | 249 Broadway, Bethpage, NY 11714. Website: https://stpaultheapostle.org/get-involved/svdp/
The Salvation Army — Westbury Corps
The Salvation Army Westbury Corps is one of several Salvation Army locations serving Nassau County and Long Island. The Westbury Corps provides emergency aid and community programs with a focus on Westbury and surrounding communities. Services include:
- Emergency financial assistance: Help paying rent, mortgage arrears, and utility bills for households facing a short-term crisis. Call before visiting to ask about current availability and what documentation to bring.
- Emergency food: Food boxes and referrals to food pantries. The corps works with local food networks to connect clients to immediate food assistance.
- Clothing and household goods: Free clothing and referrals to the Salvation Army thrift store network.
- Children’s and youth programs: After-school programming, tutoring, and summer activities for children in the community.
Holiday assistance: Angel Tree Christmas toy program, Thanksgiving food distributions, and other seasonal programs for low-income families.
- Substance abuse counseling: Free counseling and referrals for individuals and families dealing with addiction.
- Senior housing: The Salvation Army operates senior residential programs in the Long Island area; inquire for details.
Contact: (516) 338-2815 | 992 Prospect Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590. https://westburysa.org/
United Way Project Warmth — Long Island
Project Warmth is a heating assistance program of last resort for Nassau and Suffolk County residents who have exhausted all other options — HEAP has run out, income is over other program limits, or there is a gap that no other program will fill. The program is privately funded through the United Way and has limited capacity; it is available only during the cold months and funds can run out. If your home is in immediate danger of losing heat and no other program has been able to help, this is the next call to make. Contact: United Way of Long Island: https://www.unitedwayli.org/.
Local Church and Parish Programs
Nassau County’s Catholic parish network is extensive. The Diocese of Rockville Centre operates outreach programs through parishes across both Nassau and Suffolk counties. The programs below have historically provided emergency assistance and food to residents in their communities. Call ahead — services and capacity change frequently at congregation-based programs.
St. Brigid’s Parish — Westbury
St. Brigid’s in Westbury runs a food pantry and community assistance program that has served hundreds of local residents. A social worker meets with clients for needs assessments and referrals to employment and job training resources. Families expecting a new child may qualify for help with rent, utility bills, and medications. The parish also provides referrals for uninsured residents to medical clinics and prescription assistance programs. Contact: (516) 997-5507 | 50 Post Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590
St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Outreach Center — Port Washington
This parish outreach center in Port Washington assists low-income and unemployed families, including those who have been denied help by the Department of Social Services. Emergency assistance with rent, housing, and food may be available. The center may also have supplies on site including diapers, work clothing, and furniture, and can provide referrals for security deposit help and free or low-cost medical clinics. Contact: (516) 836-6675 | 1327 Port Washington Boulevard, Port Washington, NY 11050
St. Patrick Church — Glen Cove
St. Patrick Church in Glen Cove offers limited emergency assistance including food, hot meals, clothing, and referrals for low-income residents. The parish works with Catholic Charities on emergency grant programs. A thrift store and food pantry are available. Glen Cove is one of Nassau’s two independent cities, and St. Patrick’s is a community anchor in the north shore community. Contact: (516) 676-0276 | 235 Glen Street, Glen Cove, NY 11542
Diocese of Rockville Centre Parish Outreach Network
The following parish outreach centers are part of the Diocese’s broader network and historically have provided food, clothing, emergency bill help, and referrals to residents in their communities. All can be reached initially at (516) 733-7045 for information and to confirm current services. Individual programs vary by site and funding availability:
- St. Mary’s-Roslyn Parish Outreach Center — 110 Bryant Avenue, Roslyn, NY 11576
- St. Rose of Lima Parish Outreach Center — 2 Bayview Avenue, Massapequa, NY 11758
- St. William the Abbot Parish Outreach Center — 2000 Jackson Avenue, Seaford, NY 11783
- St. Raphael Parish Outreach Center — 600 Newbridge Road, East Meadow, NY 11554
- Holy Family Parish Outreach Center — 5 Fordham Avenue, Hicksville, NY 11801
- Holy Spirit Parish Outreach Center — 16 South 6th Street, New Hyde Park, NY 11040
- Lady of Fatima Parish — 6 Cottonwood Road, Port Washington, NY 11050
For a searchable map of Nassau and Suffolk parish food pantries, visit the Diocese of Rockville Centre’s website at drvc.org or the Catholic Charities pantry locator at catholiccharities.cc.. Contact: Information line: (516) 733-7045. Diocese website: https://www.drvc.org/
Long Island Council of Churches
The Long Island Council of Churches is an ecumenical coalition of Protestant and other Christian churches providing emergency assistance across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Services include free furniture and household goods, food and groceries, holiday gifts and meals, limited emergency grants (for motel stays, back rent, or utility bills), and assistance with documentation for immigrants. The organization also provides basic necessities including clothing and hygiene supplies. Contact: (516) 565-0290
Housing Assistance, Homelessness Prevention, and Tenant Services
Nassau County Office of Housing and Homeless Services / Homeownership Center
Nassau County operates an Office of Housing and Homeless Services in Hempstead that provides several housing assistance programs for both renters and homeowners. Services include:
- Emergency rent and mortgage assistance: One-time emergency grants through HUD and ESG (Emergency Solutions Grant) funding for households facing eviction or foreclosure.
- Rapid rehousing: Services for homeless individuals and families to quickly return to stable housing, combining financial assistance, case management, and housing location support.
- Mediation services: A neutral mediator can help tenants negotiate with landlords or homeowners negotiate with lenders. Nassau County tenant mediation is available at no cost.
- Credit counseling and homebuyer preparation: Free counseling to help residents rebuild credit, manage debt, and prepare to rent or buy housing.
- Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers: Nassau County administers the Section 8 rental voucher program. Waitlist availability varies; inquire about current status. For accessibility accommodations when applying: (516) 572-1922.
Contact: (516) 572-1900 | 40 Main Street, Hempstead, NY 11550
Options for Community Living, Inc.
Options for Community Living is a nonprofit in Hempstead focused on housing and supportive services for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. The organization provides case management, assistance with rent and heating/utility bills, and transportation to medical appointments and essential errands. The organization takes a long-term supportive housing approach for clients who need stable housing as part of managing a chronic illness. Contact: (516) 481-6300 | 1 Helen Keller Way, Hempstead, NY 11550
Community and Social Service Organizations
Family and Children’s Association (FCA) Est. 1886
One of Long Island’s oldest and most comprehensive human services organizations, FCA has served Nassau County for nearly 140 years. It operates more than 30 programs reaching infants through seniors. Programs relevant to people seeking financial help include:
- Debt reduction and credit counseling: Free nonprofit counseling to develop a debt management plan, negotiate with creditors, and reduce interest rates. Also addresses mortgage delinquency, auto loan problems, and credit card debt.
- Financial literacy: Free workshops on budgeting, money management, and financial planning.
- Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly (EISEP): Home care and supportive services for seniors to remain safely in their homes. Based in Mineola, serving Nassau County.
- Youth and family services: Day care, after-school programs, counseling for families, and a housing program for runaway and homeless youth (Nassau Haven).
- Substance abuse treatment: Outpatient substance abuse programs for adults.
Contact: (516) 746-0350 | 100 East Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501. https://www.familyandchildrens.org/
Urban League of Long Island Est. 1974
The Urban League of Long Island (formerly Nassau Urban League) is a civil rights and community services organization working to advance economic opportunity and equity for African Americans and other underserved communities across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Current programs include:
- Housing assistance and homeownership: First-time homebuyer education seminars, foreclosure prevention counseling, mortgage workout assistance, and estate planning resources.
- Workforce development and job training: Free training in IT, healthcare, construction, and other high-demand fields. Resume building, interview coaching, and job placement assistance. Funded through U.S. Department of Labor.
- Veteran support: Job training, housing assistance, emergency food referrals, and connections to VA benefits and legal resources for veterans and their families.
- Small business and entrepreneurship support: MWBE certification guidance, business funding information, and mentorship.
- Financial empowerment: Credit counseling, debt reduction information, and financial planning workshops.
Contact: (516) 402-3511. https://urbanleagueoflongisland.org/
Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE Bus) — Free and Reduced Fare Programs
NICE is Nassau County’s public bus system and offers several programs for low-income residents, seniors, and people with disabilities to help them get to jobs, medical appointments, and essential services. Programs include reduced-fare cards for seniors and disabled individuals and, through referrals from the United Way and other organizations, occasional assistance for low-income individuals needing bus passes to get to work or medical care. Contact NICE directly to ask about current reduced-fare and community assistance options. Contact: NICE Bus: https://www.nicebus.com/
Free Legal Aid
Nassau County Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service
The Nassau County Bar Association offers free legal aid for civil matters to Nassau County residents. Attorneys provide consultations on a wide range of civil cases including mortgage foreclosure defense, tenant rights and eviction prevention, landlord discrimination, government benefit applications and denials, senior wills and estate planning, elder law, and debt. The office can also provide referrals to reduced-fee attorneys for cases requiring extended representation. Contact: (516) 747-4070 | 15 West Street, Mineola, NY 11501
Nassau Suffolk Law Services Serves Nassau Residents
Nassau Suffolk Law Services provides free civil legal assistance for low-income Nassau and Suffolk County residents, with particular focus on seniors over 60, immigrants, and those facing housing crises. The organization’s offices are located in Suffolk County but they explicitly serve Nassau residents as well. Services include:
- Eviction defense and tenant rights in rental housing disputes
- Foreclosure prevention and mortgage counseling
- Housing discrimination complaints against landlords
- Government benefit application assistance and appeals (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI)
- Immigration legal consultations
- Assistance for survivors of domestic violence with housing, orders of protection, and related legal matters
Contact: Hotline: (631) 232-2400. 1757 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 50, Islandia, NY 11749 (Suffolk County office; serves Nassau residents). https://legalservicesli.org/
Specialized Assistance Programs
Long Beach Breast Cancer Coalition
The Long Beach Breast Cancer Coalition provides practical financial assistance specifically for Nassau County women who are undergoing active treatment for breast cancer and meet income guidelines. The organization recognizes that a cancer diagnosis often creates immediate financial hardship even for families that were previously managing. Assistance programs include help with heating and utility bills, rent or mortgage payments, and other household expenses during treatment. The coalition may also be able to arrange transportation to medical appointments and assistance with housework and personal care. Vouchers for prescription medications may also be available. This is a community-based organization with limited capacity; call for current eligibility criteria. Contact: (516) 897-1344
Debt Reduction Services Serves Nassau Residents
A nonprofit credit counseling agency that works with Nassau County individuals on managing debt from credit cards, auto loans, medical bills, and other unsecured obligations. Services include free consultations, debt management plans (DMPs) that consolidate monthly payments and may reduce interest rates, bankruptcy information, and advice on foreclosure. The office is located in Suffolk County but serves Nassau residents. This is a legitimate nonprofit; Nassau residents seeking debt help can also call 2-1-1 for local referrals. Contact: (631) 473-7500. 4170 Veterans Memorial Highway, Bohemia, NY 11716 (Suffolk County office; serves Nassau residents)
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