HRA One-Shot Deal in NYC: How to Apply and What It Covers
Quick answerIn New York City, as of October 2026, you apply for a One-Shot Deal (HRA Emergency Assistance) by starting a Cash Assistance application on ACCESS HRA and choosing "One Shot Deal", or in person at an HRA Benefits Access Center. Then call 929-273-1872 for the required interview and upload your documents. You don't need to be on Cash Assistance. HRA's flyer says a rent decision can take 30 to 45 days once every document is in.
Last checked: October 4, 2026, against HRA's Cash Assistance page and Emergency Rental Assistance Grant flyer, the ACCESS NYC One Shot Deal page (updated April 8, 2025), HRA forms W-137A, W-146E, FIA-1104a and FIA-1211, OTDA's Temporary Assistance and Fair Hearings pages, and state regulations 18 NYCRR 352.6, 352.7, 370.3 and 372.2.
- 30 to 45 daysHRA's stated wait for a rent decision after documents are in
- 60 daysto ask for a state fair hearing after a denial notice
- 12 monthsrepayment period state rules set for Emergency Safety Net rent grants
- 6 monthsof rent arrears once in five years, the state default
- 4 monthsutility arrears HRA pays for Cash Assistance or SSI recipients
What it means: this is help measured in weeks, so apply the day you get a rent demand or a shutoff notice.
Source: HRA Emergency Rental Assistance Grant flyer, OTDA Fair Hearing FAQ, 18 NYCRR 370.3, 18 NYCRR 352.7 and HRA Utility Handout FIA-1104a.
The One-Shot Deal is often confused with SOTA, which pays one year of rent for eligible shelter residents who are moving out. A One-Shot Deal is for an emergency in the home you already have.
What a One-Shot Deal Can Cover
A One-Shot Deal can cover back rent, a gas or electric shutoff, and losses from a fire, theft or disaster. HRA also lists homelessness, domestic violence, and other threats to your family's health and safety as emergencies it can help with (HRA Cash Assistance page).
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| Need | What the official documents say | Limits to know |
|---|---|---|
| Rent arrears | The most common use. HRA issues a check to the landlord or to Housing Court | State rule: six months of arrears once every five years, unless HRA decides more is necessary |
| Mortgage or property tax arrears | Co-ops, condos, mortgages and property taxes are eligible | HRA requires a lien on applicable properties |
| Gas or electric arrears | For a shutoff or a shutoff notice. HRA pays the utility company | Up to four months of arrears if you get Cash Assistance or SSI. Others "may also be eligible" for a grant to stop or reverse a shutoff |
| Furniture and clothing | For items lost to theft, a fire or a natural disaster | State schedules cap the amounts. HRA does not publish them |
| Moving costs, security deposit, broker's fee | Listed on HRA's request form for people with an open Cash Assistance case | State rule allows them only for certain moves. HRA issues security as a voucher that its staff complete |
| Storage | HRA has a storage fee process and a size limit for the unit | You may have to complete a Storage Inventory Sheet |
What it means: rent and utility money goes to the landlord or the utility, never to you.
Source: HRA flyer, FIA-1104a (November 2016), Form W-137A, HRA Special Grant Document Guide, 18 NYCRR 352.6 and 352.7.
Key pointIf you searched for a "furniture grant", this is it. HRA has no separate furniture application and publishes no dollar amounts. HRA's pages also do not say whether moving costs, a security voucher or a broker's fee are open to someone with no Cash Assistance case, so ask at your interview.
Who Qualifies
You qualify if you have a real emergency, no way to cover it, and a workable plan for the bills that follow. HRA decides each case on its facts. You do not need to receive Cash Assistance, and HRA does not require a Housing Court case.
Under state rules a One-Shot Deal is paid through one of three programs. HRA picks the program from your application.
- Emergency Assistance to Families (EAF)Pregnant people and families with a child under 18, or under 19 and in full-time secondary school. Household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or low enough for public assistance.
- Emergency Safety Net Assistance (ESNA)Single adults and couples without children. Gross income cannot be above 125% of the federal poverty line, unless the emergency is a fire, flood or similar catastrophe.
- Emergency Assistance to Adults (EAA)People who receive SSI or the state supplement, or have been found eligible for them.
What it means: the program you land in sets your income test and whether you repay.
Source: OTDA Temporary Assistance, Emergency Benefits, 18 NYCRR 372.2 and 18 NYCRR 370.3.
HRA's own list of what it weighs is broader than income:
- Income, earned and unearned, and household size
- Why you need help, such as a lost job
- Savings and other resources you could have used
- Whether the housing is affordable for you
- Disability or other special risk
- A plan to pay the expense going forward
- Citizenship or immigration status
Source: ACCESS NYC, One Shot Deal.
Show How You'll Pay Next Month's Rent
For back rent, HRA will not pay unless you can show how the rent gets paid afterward. The state rule requires that the applicant "reasonably demonstrates an ability to pay shelter expenses" in the future (18 NYCRR 352.7). No agency publishes denial reasons, but this is the test HRA names in its flyer, its forms and its website.
- Pay stubs. from the last 30 days, with a statement of tips if you earn them
- Job letter or employer statement. for new or changed work
- Award letters. SSA or SSI, pension or retirement, or other income
- Subsidy verification. Section 8 or NYCHA, or another housing benefit such as CityFHEPS or FHEPS
- Third-party help. Form W-146E signed by the person who will help, plus their proof of income for the last 30 days
- SCRIE or DRIE. a rent freeze in effect or a pending application
- Child or spousal support. the court order
What it means: if another person will help, HRA wants proof they can afford it and how much they will give each month.
Source: HRA Documentation Guide FIA-1211 (August 2018), Box 5.
ExampleThese figures are made up. Your rent is $1,800 and your pay stubs support $1,500 toward rent, leaving a $300 gap. A relative signs Form W-146E agreeing to pay $300 a month and attaches their pay stubs. Now the paperwork shows the full $1,800.
How to Apply
Apply online through ACCESS HRA, then call for your interview. The request is a Cash Assistance application marked as emergency assistance only. There is no separate One-Shot Deal form.
- 1Log inGo to ACCESS HRA and log in, or create an account.
- 2Start the applicationChoose "Benefits", then "Start a New Application", then "Cash Assistance".
- 3Flag the emergencyMark any emergency indicators that apply and click "Next".
- 4Choose the benefitPick "One Shot Deal". The other two options are Cash Assistance and child care without Cash Assistance.
- 5SubmitComplete the application. It includes the state-required repayment agreement when rent arrears are involved.
- 6Upload documentsFollow the confirmation page and send documents with the ACCESS HRA mobile app.
- 7Call for the interviewCall 929-273-1872, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The interview is required.
What it means: you make the interview call yourself, and HRA says upload your documents before you call.
Source: HRA flyer (September 2020, still linked from HRA's site) and HRA CA Interview Instructions.
Which form applies depends on how you apply and whether you already have a case.
| Your situation | Form or request | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Applying online, no open case | ACCESS HRA Cash Assistance application with "One Shot Deal" chosen | ACCESS HRA |
| Applying on paper | LDSS-2921, the state Application for Certain Benefits and Services, which covers "Emergency Assistance only" | OTDA forms page |
| Open Cash Assistance case | "Request Special Grant" in ACCESS HRA, or Form W-137A | Form W-137A |
| Rent above the Cash Assistance shelter allowance | Form W-146E, signed by you and by the person who will help pay | Form W-146E |
What it means: most people fill out nothing on paper. HRA's pages do not say where to send a paper LDSS-2921, so take it to a Benefits Access Center.
Source: HRA flyer, OTDA forms page, and the two HRA forms linked in the table.
TipYou can apply and interview in person at any Benefits Access Center. HRA says you have the right to an in-center interview however you applied: "We cannot turn you away."
If you already have a Cash Assistance case, log in to ACCESS HRA, use "Find My Case" to link it, choose "View Case", then "Request Special Grant".
Documents You'll Need
HRA asks for documents case by case, and each one proves a specific point. Every adult in the household needs a photo ID plus a birth certificate or Social Security card, and HRA wants proof of income for every household member.
| What you are proving | Documents HRA suggests |
|---|---|
| How much you owe | Rental history breakdown from the landlord, court papers showing the arrears, NYCHA rent statement |
| Your housing cost | Current lease, current rent receipt, letter from the landlord |
| Risk of eviction | Rent demand, Notice of Petition, court stipulation with the index number, Marshal's Notice of Eviction |
| Your right to stay | Lease (an expired rent-stabilized lease counts), or Form W-147Q from the primary tenant if the lease is not in your name |
| Future ability to pay | The checklist under "Show How You'll Pay Next Month's Rent" above |
| Why you fell behind | Proof of lost income, medical or funeral bills, a personal statement or a letter from an advocate |
| What you have already paid | Money order copies, or a letter from a nonprofit that is contributing |
What it means: one document can cover two rows. A current lease proves both your housing cost and your right to stay.
Source: HRA Documentation Guide FIA-1211 and the HRA flyer.
TipIf you cannot get a document, tell your worker. HRA's request form says "your Worker must help you" when you have trouble obtaining proof.
If You're Already in Housing Court
A court case changes the paperwork and the clock, and HRA wants every court paper you have. HRA says it will decide before a payment date written into a court stipulation or order, and it can send the check to Housing Court (HRA flyer).
- A free lawyerUnder the city's right-to-counsel law, tenants facing eviction in Housing Court get free legal representation or advice, in every ZIP code and regardless of immigration status. At your first appearance say "I would like an attorney."
- Housing Court AnswersCall 718-557-1379 or 212-962-4795, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. You can also call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline.
- HomebaseHRA's homelessness-prevention offices help with public benefits and emergency rental assistance. You do not need a court case. Call ahead, using the Homebase locator.
What it means: tell your lawyer and HRA about each other on day one, so the pay date in any stipulation reaches HRA.
Source: HRA Legal Services for Tenants and HRA Homebase FAQ.
Watch outKeep going to every court date while HRA decides. If you get a Marshal's Notice of Eviction, give it to HRA and your lawyer the same day. HRA accepts it as proof of the emergency.
Will You Have to Pay It Back?
Most people repay at least part of a One-Shot Deal, and people who receive SSI do not. HRA's determination notice tells you whether your grant must be repaid.
| Your situation | What the rules say | Source |
|---|---|---|
| You receive SSI | No repayment of emergency grants | HRA Cash Assistance page |
| Your income is above "a certain amount" | You may have to sign a repayment agreement. HRA does not publish the amount | HRA Cash Assistance page |
| Rent arrears, any applicant | ACCESS HRA asks you to sign the state-required repayment agreement when you apply | HRA flyer |
| Rent grant under Emergency Safety Net | You must agree to repay within 12 months. No new arrears grant while payments are past due | 18 NYCRR 370.3 |
| Rent above the shelter allowance | The amount paid above the allowance can be recovered from you | 18 NYCRR 352.7 |
| You own your home | HRA requires a lien on applicable properties | HRA flyer |
What it means: read the agreement before you sign, and expect to repay unless you are on SSI.
Source: the documents linked in the table, with the HRA flyer.
Watch outHRA says that if you were required to repay a past grant and did not, that may affect whether you get a new one. Its flyer adds that people who made payments have a better chance.
How Long It Takes
Expect 30 to 45 days for a rent decision after HRA has every document. That is the only number HRA publishes, and it comes from a 2020 flyer. HRA's current page says only "as soon as possible".
- Day you applySave the confirmation page. Upload documents, then call 929-273-1872 for the interview.
- While it is pendingHRA sends a notice if it needs more. Check your status and the list of missing documents in ACCESS HRA.
- Before a court pay dateHRA says it will decide ahead of a payment date in a court stipulation or order.
- After 30 to 45 days with no decisionCheck ACCESS HRA or call the DSS OneNumber at 718-557-1399.
- Within 60 days of a denial noticeRequest a fair hearing.
What it means: the clock starts when your documents are complete, not when you click submit.
Source: HRA flyer, HRA Cash Assistance page, ACCESS HRA mobile app page and OTDA Fair Hearing FAQ.
Key pointThe state's guidance is stricter than the flyer. OTDA says people with emergency needs should be interviewed and told the decision in writing the same day they apply (OTDA Temporary Assistance). Say at your interview that you have an emergency and name the date of the shutoff or court deadline.
If You're Denied
You have two options after a denial, and you can use both: apply again with better proof, and ask the state for a fair hearing.
- Apply againHRA lets you apply even if you have applied or received a grant before. Its flyer says you will need to show new reasons for falling behind, so fix whatever was missing first. Legal Aid Society advises reapplying while a hearing is pending if you need the money fast.
- Request a fair hearingYou have 60 days from the date on the notice. A state Administrative Law Judge reviews HRA's decision and can order HRA to correct your case. You do not need a representative, though OTDA says you may be able to get a lawyer at no cost through Legal Aid or a legal services office.
What it means: check your notice for the exact deadline, and do not let it pass while you wait on a second application.
Source: OTDA Fair Hearing FAQ, OTDA Fair Hearings and Legal Aid Society on One-Shot Deals.
Ask for the hearing through OTDA's request page, by phone at 1-800-342-3334, by fax at 518-473-6735, or in person at 5 Beaver Street, New York, NY 10004. Say that you were denied emergency assistance: OTDA schedules those hearings and issues decisions "as soon as possible". New York City residents with an emergency can call 1-800-205-0110, a line OTDA reserves for emergencies. See how to request a fair hearing.
What Landlords Should Know
HRA pays an approved rent grant by check made payable to the landlord, or delivers it to Housing Court when there is a case. Your part is paperwork.
- Give the tenant a rental history breakdown. HRA lists it first as proof of the amount owed.
- Confirm the tenancy if asked. The tenant may bring you Form W-147, HRA's request for the landlord to verify residence.
- Put any pay date in the stipulation. HRA says it will decide before a payment date written into a court stipulation or order.
- Expect questions about future rent. HRA approves arrears only when the tenant shows the rent can be paid going forward. A tenant who also holds a subsidy has that proof, and the guide to how landlords get paid with Section 8 explains those payments.
Source: HRA flyer, FIA-1211 and Form W-146E. When you next have a vacancy, you can list your property on VoucherMatch to reach tenants whose rent is backed by a subsidy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be on public assistance or have a voucher to get a One-Shot Deal? No. HRA's flyer says you do not have to be a Public Assistance recipient, and OTDA says you do not have to be eligible for ongoing Temporary Assistance. Nothing in the rules requires a voucher.
Can I get a One-Shot Deal more than once? Yes. HRA says you may apply even if you received one before. Two limits apply:
- Past repayment: an unpaid repayment agreement from an earlier grant may count against you.
- State limit on rent: six months of arrears once every five years, unless HRA decides more is necessary in your case.
How much will it cover? HRA publishes no dollar cap. The limits that are published:
- Rent: the state default is six months of arrears once in five years, with more at HRA's discretion.
- Gas and electric: up to four months of arrears for people on Cash Assistance or SSI.
Is there a furniture grant? Yes, as part of emergency assistance. HRA lists furniture, clothes and personal items lost to theft, a fire or a natural disaster. State schedules cap the amounts, and HRA does not publish them.
Can it pay a security deposit and broker fee for a new apartment? It can for people with an open Cash Assistance case: Form W-137A lists moving expenses, a security deposit or agreement, and a broker's fee. State rules allow them only for certain moves, and security is issued as a voucher.
What if I can't afford this apartment even after the arrears are cleared? Then a One-Shot Deal is unlikely to be approved, because affordability is one of the things HRA weighs. Your options:
- An ongoing subsidy: see how to apply for CityFHEPS or FHEPS.
- A cheaper apartment: browse apartments that accept vouchers.
Will applying put me on ongoing Cash Assistance? No. You use the Cash Assistance application, but you mark it as emergency assistance only by choosing "One Shot Deal" instead of "Cash Assistance".
Contact Information
- ACCESS HRA: a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra, also a mobile app
- Interview line: 929-273-1872, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- DSS OneNumber: 718-557-1399, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
- Benefits Access Centers: HRA locations page, or call 311
- Fair hearings (NYS OTDA): otda.ny.gov/hearings or 1-800-342-3334
Resources
- One Shot Deal (ACCESS NYC overview)
- Homebase locations (eviction prevention help)
- SOTA for Rent in NYC (the shelter move-out program, a different thing)
- FHEPS vs CityFHEPS (ongoing subsidies that can show future ability to pay)
- Legal Aid Society (free legal help for housing issues)
Next step: Before you start the application, ask your landlord today for a rental history breakdown showing each month owed. If the rent will not be affordable even after the arrears are cleared, browse voucher-friendly listings.
Sources for this article (26)
- HRA Emergency Rental Assistance Grant flyer (nyc.gov)
- OTDA Fair Hearing FAQ (otda.ny.gov)
- 18 NYCRR 370.3 (law.cornell.edu)
- 18 NYCRR 352.7 (law.cornell.edu)
- HRA Utility Handout FIA-1104a (nyc.gov)
- HRA Cash Assistance page (nyc.gov)
- Form W-137A (nyc.gov)
- HRA Special Grant Document Guide (nyc.gov)
- 18 NYCRR 352.6 (law.cornell.edu)
- OTDA Temporary Assistance, Emergency Benefits (otda.ny.gov)
- 18 NYCRR 372.2 (law.cornell.edu)
- ACCESS NYC, One Shot Deal (access.nyc.gov)
- HRA Documentation Guide FIA-1211 (nyc.gov)
- Form W-146E (nyc.gov)
- ACCESS HRA (a069-access.nyc.gov)
- HRA CA Interview Instructions (nyc.gov)
- OTDA forms page (otda.ny.gov)
- Benefits Access Center (nyc.gov)
- Homebase locator (nyc.gov)
- HRA Legal Services for Tenants (nyc.gov)
- HRA Homebase FAQ (nyc.gov)
- ACCESS HRA mobile app page (nyc.gov)
- OTDA Fair Hearings (otda.ny.gov)
- Legal Aid Society on One-Shot Deals (legalaidnyc.org)
- request page (otda.ny.gov)
- Legal Aid Society (legalaidnyc.org)
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