Contact

Phone Numbers

General: Infoline 718-557-1399
Adult Protective Services: 212-630-1853
Child Support Helpline: 888-208-4485
Disability Affairs: 718-291-4141
Domestic Violence & Emergency Intervention: 800-621-4673
Emergency Food Assistance: 866-888-8777
HIV/AIDS Services Administration: 212-971-0626
Report Welfare Fraud: 718-722-8001 or fill out a form online

In-person

Email

The Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)

The Freedom of Information Law is New York State's principal statute on providing for public access to the records of government.

All Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests to the Human Resources Administration should be submitted via NYC OpenRecords (nyc.gov/openrecords). Select "Human Resources Administration (HRA)" from the agency dropdown menu.

HRA’s Records Access Officer:
Samantha Arena, Esq.
Associate General Counsel
150 Greenwich Street, 38th Fl., New York, NY 10007
FOIL@DSS.NYC.GOV

HRA’s Records Appeals Officer:
Martha Calhoun, Esq.
Records Appeals Officer
150 Greenwich Street, 38th Fl., New York, NY 10007
FOIL@DSS.NYC.GOV

Questions about specific requests should also be made through NYC OpenRecords by using the “Contact the Agency” link available on every request page.

Please note that individual client records or information are confidential and are not available under FOIL. Such requests must be accompanied by an authorization or other appropriate documentation. See instructions in below Request for Client Records section.

Subpoenas and Legal Papers

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the service window for the City of New York Department of Social Services (DSS)* located at 150 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10007 is closed. During this period, we have established an email address where DSS is now accepting service. The newly established email address for service is ServiceDSS@dss.nyc.gov. If you are serving an out-of-state subpoena, please ensure that service is made an accordance with NY CPLR §3119.

*DSS is comprised of the NYC Human Resources Administration and the NYC Department of Homeless Services

Requests for Client Records

When requesting your own records or requesting information on another’s behalf**, the request must be submitted along with a signed authorization form. The signature on the form must be notarized for identity verification purposes.

If you are submitting a request for Medicaid or other benefit information, please fill out and submit the OCA-960 Authorization for Release of Health Information Pursuant to HIPAA or other HIPAA-compliant form. Requests and forms should be submitted via email to RECORDSACCESS@hra.nyc.gov. When submitting these types of requests, please make sure you supply enough information to assist us with searching for the requested records (name, date of birth, etc.). Please also provide the relevant time period for the requested records, and the particular benefit type associated with the requested records.

**Note that if you are signing an authorization form or requesting records or information on another’s behalf, you must also submit valid proof of authority to do so. Examples include but are not limited to a valid Power of Attorney, Letters of Administration, Guardianship Commission papers, etc.

Public Solicitation Licenses

HRA permits nonprofit organizations, associations and corporations to solicit donations for charitable purposes in New York City.

HRA administers Public Solicitation Licenses for event producers interested in soliciting for services, products, or charities at their event. These solicitations can take place indoors or outdoors. Outdoor solicitations include pledges to a walk-a-thon/bike-a-thon, or door-to-door canvassing with a kit. Indoor solicitations include contributions taken in a public space, or the operation of a thrift shop, rummage sale, book sale, bazaar and sale of tickets for fundraising purposes.

Contact the DSS Office of Disability Affairs

Do you need help with your application, recertification or other program requirements?

If you have a disability, HRA can help by providing supports or accommodations to make it easier for you to get the services you need. Visit our Disability Access page for more information.

If you think you or someone in your family has been discriminated against at HRA because of a disability you may send a complaint by letter, fax, or email to:

Office of Disability Affairs
Jennifer Shaoul
Executive Director of Disability Affairs / Disability Service Facilitator
Human Resources Administration
150 Greenwich Street – 42nd Floor
New York, NY 10007
Fax: 212-437-2161
Email: disabilityaffairs@dss@nyc.gov

Or you can call the Central Complaint Unit at 718-291-4141.