Community Service Society - Community Service Society of New York - fighting poverty, shaping public policy, helping NYCCenter for Benefits & Services

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CSS’s Center for Benefits and Services (CBS) addresses the need for removing barriers to employment for low-wage workers. Crisis prevention and intervention, which enables families to achieve economic security, includes providing access to available public supports and financial assistance for emergencies for working poor families in New York City. CBS provides comprehensive assistance to both families and community-based organizations through training, technical assistance, and direct services.

Through our training workshops, we provide the knowledge, tools, and needed advocacy skills that will assist professionals serving the low-income to access needed public benefits and work supports - including housing - for their clients. We also address employment discrimination and other issues confronting low-income families. Over 40 trainings are offered annually.

Through the technical assistance component, CBS offers publications that provide information and resources detailing with over 70 benefit programs covering eligibility, application, and advocacy techniques. We offer one-on-one consultation to assist staff at partner agencies with complicated benefit cases to ensure their clients maintain their housing and receive benefits to which they are entitled.

Through our direct services, we help meet the myriad needs of families and individuals by offering emergency financial assistance to prevent evictions and other crises which would distress low-income families. Two help lines are available to consumers looking for assistance with questions about benefits, subsidized housing, and how to apply for financial assistance. The Public Benefits Housing Helpline is 212.614.5552. In addition, through our Partnership Initiative, CBS supports nonprofit agencies that promote employment and increased economic stability for their constituents.