COVID-19 Financial Survival Toolkit for New Yorkers
Comptroller DiNapoli’s Message
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created a serious public health crisis for New York and the economic impact to our State will likely be felt for a long time to come. My office is taking many proactive and positive steps to address the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis and we want to help New York’s residents, government entities, nonprofits and businesses alike as they navigate these uncharted waters. We created this page of helpful resources and links to give you easy access to vital assistance and information you need at this time. Since the situation is changing rapidly with each passing day, please check back regularly as we update this information.”
Your Health
During this difficult time maintaining good physical and mental health is critically important. For guidance and assistance, you can find the latest and most reliable information on the COVID-19 outbreak using the following links:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website | 1-800-232-4636
- Novel Coronavirus (NYS Department of Health) 1-888-364-3065
New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for free and confidential emotional support.
Employment Issues
The COVID-19 outbreak has had a devastating effect on many of New York’s working families. If you have been laid off, are ill or taking care of a sick family member you may be eligible for assistance. Check out the links below to find out about unemployment, sick leave, and family sick leave benefits.
- NYS Department of Labor Website | 1-888-209-8124
- Paid Sick Leave for COVID-19 Impacted New Yorkers (Office of the NYS Governor)
Paying Your Bills
The COVID-19 outbreak has created a financial hardship for many people. Help may be available for those who are having trouble paying their bills at this time. Check the appropriate resources for your particular situation.
- Mortgage Relief – Coronavirus: Information for Consumers and Businesses (NYS Department of Financial Services)
- Evictions –
- NYS Unified Court System Website or call 1-833-503-0447 (24/7 hotline), press prompt #4 for eviction information
- NYS PAUSE Executive Order (Office of the NYS Governor)
- Utilities – Department of Public Service Website | 1-800-342-3377
- New York State Income Taxes – Response to Coronavirus (NYS Department of Taxation and Finance)
- Federal Income Taxes – Coronavirus Tax Relief (Internal Revenue Service)
- Credit Cards, Debt, Mortgages and other bills – Coping with Debt (Federal Trade Commission)
Assistance for Small Business and Nonprofits
Small businesses are the backbone of New York’s economy and our nonprofits help countless individuals and families in communities across our State. Both types of entities have been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic but financial assistance may be available for those small businesses and nonprofits that qualify. To learn more, please check these links:
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources (U.S. Small Business Administration) (or call 1-800-659-2955 for help applying for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan)
- NYS Directory of Small Business Programs (NYS Department of Economic Development)
Personal Finance Information/Education
Now more than ever it’s important for all of us to take greater control of our own personal finances and teach our children about sound financial practices. Except where expressly indicated, none of these materials necessarily represent the views of the Office of the New York State Comptroller. Here are several resources that provide a wide range of personal finance information that could help you now and in the future:
- Protecting your finances during the Coronavirus Pandemic (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) 1-855-411-2372
- Financial Counseling and Credit Protection (Federal Reserve Bank of New York)
- Saving and Investment Options (USA.gov) 1-844-872-4681
- Money Smart for Young People (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) 1-800-877-8339
Avoiding Scams
During this time of crisis, it’s important to be on alert for those who would attempt to defraud you or your family. To learn how to protect yourself from scams, refer to the following sites:
- Avoid Coronavirus Scams (Federal Trade Commission)
- Guidance on Coronavirus Resources and Warnings about Consumer Scams (NYS Attorney General)
- Consumer Protection (NYS Department of State)