VOLS Benefits Law Project
The VOLS Benefits Law Project helps New Yorkers access essential public benefits that help meet basic needs, increase economic security, and foster independence. Specifically, BLP assists with unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)/ Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) benefits for seniors and disabled adults under the NYC Rent Freeze Program.
Our help line allows New Yorkers to reach knowledgeable attorneys directly and ask questions about eligibility, seek assistance with applying and recertifying existing benefits, and appeal denials of benefits. We also provide trainings and ongoing support to pro bono attorneys and community partners to address clients’ legal needs and regularly host in-person legal clinics in coordination with community-based organizations citywide. This work helps New Yorkers avoid poverty, homelessness, and the loss of essential public benefits.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, or would like assistance, please call our help line or contact us directly at benefitslaw@volsprobono.org
Call the BLP Help Line at (347) 521-5720
Resources
- VOLS Guide to the NYC Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (“SCRIE”) Program and NYC Disability Rent Increase Exemption (“DRIE”)
- Explanation from the New York State Department of Labor on what you need to know in order to file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits online.
- Information on signing your documents electronically.
- New Yorkers have a right to return to a safe work place. As an employee returning to work you have the right to ask questions of your employer without fear of retaliation or discrimination. The right to a safe workplace includes but not limited to proper social distancing or proper face coverings where social distancing is not possible, access to soap and water and disinfection of work areas. You can read more about your rights to a safe work place here.
- Q&A from the NYS DOL about how returning to work impacts your unemployment benefits.
- NYS DOL guide for claiming weekly unemployment benefits.
- Looking for a job? Tips for New Yorkers seeking jobs and immediate hiring opportunities are available at NY HireNow.
- Under Executive Order No. 202.64 unemployed New Yorkers working as poll workers at local and state Board of Elections will still be eligible for their benefits.
- Recurso en español: VOLS Kit de Herramientas
- VOLS Benefits Law Project WGA UI Training Video
What's New
VOLS Submits Testimony to the NYC Council Committee on Aging
On Tuesday, November 28, VOLS Benefits Law Project Director Stephanie Taylor gave testimony at the New York City Council’s Committee…
Volunteers of Legal Service Launches Benefits Law Project
Unemployment Insurance Overpayment Information Sheet
"Understanding the Overpayment Waiver Process" provides an overview on Unemployment Insurance Overpayments and how to determine if you are eligible…
Community Partners
- La Colmena
- Nido de Esperanza
- Mixteca
- Sakhi
- Voces Latinas
- University Settlement NORC
This content has been prepared for general information purposes only. It is not meant to provide legal advice and should not be acted upon without consulting a legal professional. If you have any questions or require additional information regarding this or other matters, please contact VOLS. This may be considered legal advertising pursuant to the rules of professional conduct.