Crisis Navigator
I need legal or benefits help
Most NY families qualify for free legal help on disability, education, Medicaid, and SSI. Don't pay until you've tried Legal Aid, the Legal Services system, and the disability law projects.
In the next hour
- Identify the specific benefit or right at stake (SSI, Medicaid, special education, housing).
- Save copies of every denial, letter, and notice.
This week
- Contact your regional Legal Aid / Legal Services office.
- Contact Disability Rights New York (statewide P&A) for disability-specific legal issues.
- If denied SSI/Medicaid, file an appeal within the deadline on the notice (often 60 days).
Phone numbers
- Disability Rights NY800-993-8982
- Legal Aid Society NYC212-577-3300
- LawHelpNY (state-wide)https://www.lawhelpny.org
What to say (script)
I'm seeking legal help with [issue]. The agency involved is [agency]. I have a notice dated [date] with a deadline of [date]. Can you tell me whether your office takes this kind of case and what the next step is?Browse full scripts library →
Documents to gather
- ✓All denial / determination letters
- ✓Identification and benefits cards
- ✓Income documentation
- ✓School / medical / OPWDD records relevant to the issue