The Benefit Plus Learning Center's popular "Benefit Tools" is the solution for the advocate looking for quick links to many useful resources on public benefits. Click on any of the links below to go to a particular benefit tool.
Benefit Applications
Links to government websites where you can download benefit applications.
Benefit Screening Guide
An eligibility screening chart of over 80 different benefit/housing programs with a brief description, qualifying factors and government websites for each of these benefits.
Benefits Plus E-Newsletter
The Benefits Plus Learning Center’s monthly e-newsletter featuring updates and news about public benefits, housing programs and community resources.
Benefits Plus SNAP Calculator
An online tool to determine whether a household is income eligible for SNAP and the potential amount of SNAP benefits a household may be eligible for.
SNAP Calculator is not a compatible with Internet Explorer. Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome are suggested.
Documentation Guides
A listing of primary and secondary documents needed to apply for Cash Assistance, SNAP, Medicaid and Social Security programs.
Federal Poverty Levels
Current federal poverty levels by household size and varying percentages of the FPL.
Financial Eligibility Charts
Charts providing income guidelines for several benefit programs in NYS.
Government Resource Manuals
Links to government online manuals, which include eligibility criteria, regulations and procedures for different benefit/housing programs.
Housing Resources
Apartment and housing resources, including apartment lotteries, listings, resources for special population groups, eviction prevention, tenants’ rights and more.
Resources for Immigrants
Documentation guidelines, benefit eligibility charts, and other resources for the immigrant community.
Web-Based Calculators and Online Tools
Links to online screening tools and resources on a variety of benefit and housing programs.