Veteran-friendly Real Estate Agents:

Juanita George  (917) 226-7329

K Land Realty

81-15 Queens Blvd, Ste. 203

Elmhurst, NY 11373

rentingnow@yahoo.com

Guy          (914) 953-4075

Has listings for rooms that accept vouchers. Can accept multiple vouchers for roommates

Mike Lirman (646) 533-8686

Jam Properties

Brooklyn and Staten Island studios and one-bedrooms

Email: jamproperties999@gmail.com

Joan Campbell        (845) 270-4744

Has apartments all over the city.

Sharon (347) 424-2251

Henrico (914) 663-2188

Mireya        (917) 921-4438

Owen        (917) 418-8486

Darrel        (347) 683-5152

Nelson (917) 769-8590

Larry        (646) 262-1776

David        (929) 228-6644

Ian                (347) 284-8930

Mr. E        (646) 363-5321

Alonzo (914) 299-0420

Lee Harris        (718) 820-2061

Michelle         (646) 404-2964

Khayan Harris (718) 993-1101

Resource Guide - Documentation (pdf)

While documentation is not needed to apply for various benefits and access to resources, the veteran will eventually be asked to verify the information they give these agencies, so the quicker the veteran provides necessary documents, the faster their eligibility will be determined.

It is imperative to meet with the shelter case worker to obtain a Shelter Residency Letter which will ease some of the governmental red tape. It is important for the veteran to check with their case worker for updates and to not automatically assume these documents have been requested.

Lack of documentation is the number one complaint for obtaining sustainable housing, so ensure all documents are updated and enrollments completed.

Eligibility & Documentation Checklist

Checkmark each item the veteran has in their possession and currently updated. Be sure to enroll in each program that supports housing and other entitlements.

• Cellphone:  
• E-mail Account:  
• DD-214  
• Bank/Credit Union debit card  
• Birth Certificate  
• State ID or Driver’s License  
• EBT Benefits card  
• IDNYC card  
• Passport  
• Veterans Affairs ID card  
• Social Security card  
• Local Library card  
• VA Award Letter  
• 2010e Mental Health form  
• Checking/Savings Acct statement
• Documentation & Identification Resources

Cellphone: Unless the veteran is assured that their phone (and plan) are secure from disconnection, it is best to get a free government phone as soon as possible and use that number for all housing matters. SafeLink Wireless is a government supported program that provides free cell phone service each month for income-eligible customers. In addition to the Safelink portal, veterans can also find phones and iPads at most HRA offices around the city. There are also individual cell phone providers:

Tatyana: (347)254-8245

Amirys (646)668-7408 (Spanish)

For more information: https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02961 

Email Account: Veterans who receive a lot of email might find it easier to establish an alternative email account as to keep track of any/all messages coming in that might otherwise end up in spam folder. It is recommended that all documents are scanned and then emailed to the account which can then be forwarded to any necessary contacts.

DD-214: A veteran should be able to obtain a copy of their DD-214 at a VA Regional office, but unless the DD214 is in the veteran’s C-file or easily accessed, the VA isn’t so inclined to assist the veteran to obtain an updated DD214.

The last duty station and military post of discharge should have a copy. Submit a military records request to get your DD214 or other military service records through the MilConnect website. Click: https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/ 

Birth certificate: A veteran’s DD-214 can substitute for a birth certificate until an original is obtained. Click: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm

IDNYC: IDNYC is a card for all New Yorkers, from all backgrounds, and from all five boroughs. The free, municipal identification card for New York City residents provides access to a wide variety of services and programs offered by the City. IDNYC cardholders enjoy benefits and discounts offered by businesses and cultural institutions across the five boroughs. 

IDNYC Application Centers:

1112 St Nicholas Ave, Manhattan

2865 W 8th St #1, Brooklyn

Click: https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/index.page 

State Identification or Driver’s License: You must apply for an original non-driver ID in a DMV office. To obtain a NY state Driver’s license, the veteran can submit their application and take their test online and come to the DMV to complete their application. Make your reservation (using the blue button under 'In-Person Services’) or use the link provided to visit the website for that office. Although not required, we strongly encourage making a reservation to be certain you will be allowed entry into the office. For 'In-Person Services' to make sure the service you need is available.

Be prepared:

• Select the underlined links for more information.

• For license, permit, non-driver ID or registration transactions complete the DMV Document Guide. Schedule a Road Test. To reserve a time for a road test, see schedule and take a road test.

Follow these steps to get your first time New York State commercial driver license (CDL). If you already have a CDL, you can renew or replace your CDL. You can also download the Steps to get a Commercial Driver License Resource Guide (PDF) for reference. Get the New York State Commercial Driver's Manual (CDL-10) online or from a DMV call center. Study the sections of the manual that apply to the type of CDL you need. The sections of the manual that you need to study are explained in the manual.

License Express Location: 

145 West 30th Street,

New York NY 10001

Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30AM to 5:00PM.

(Reservations are recommended.)

Click: https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-licensess 

Dept of Motor Vehicles Offices:

Manhattan Offices:  

159 E 125th St., 3rd Fl., (718) 966-6155

366 W 31st St.,       (212) 645-5550

145 W 30th St., (718) 966-6155 

11 Greenwich St., (212) 645-5550 

Brooklyn Offices: 

625 Atlantic Ave 2nd Ave., (212) 645-5550

2875 W 8th Street, (518) 486-9786

5015 New Utrecht Ave., (718) 407-3190

55 Hanson Place

Bronx Offices:  

696 E Fordham Rd., (718) 966-6155 

1350 Commerce Ave., (518) 402-2567 

Queens Offices:

168-46 91st Ave., 2nd floor (518) 486-9786

30-56 Whitestone Expy., (518) 486-9786 

168-35 Rockaway Blvd. (718) 966-6155

Staten Island Office:

1775 South Ave

Click: https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-licenses

Social Security card: The veteran can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more. Be aware that not all offices can process SS card replacements.

Social Security Admin. Offices:

Manhattan Offices:  

*650 E 12th St.  

237 W 48th St., 5th floor  

123 William St., 3rd floor  

345 E 102nd St., 4th floor  

302 W 126th St., 4th floor

Brooklyn Offices: 

195 Montague St., 7th floor

Bronx Offices: 

2501 Grand Concourse

1380 Parker St.

Queens Offices:

155-10 Jamaica Ave., 3rd floor  

31-08 37th Ave.

Click: https://www.ssa.gov/ 

Passport: You can only make an appointment by calling: 1-877-487-2778.

New York Passport Agency

Greater New York Federal Building

376 Hudson Street

New York, NY 10014-3621

Click: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html 

New York City Library Card: The New York Public Library (NYPL) is a public library system in New York City. With nearly 53 million items and 92 locations, the New York Public Library is the second largest public library in the United States. The library has branches in the boroughs of the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. The city's other two boroughs, Brooklyn and Queens, are not served by the New York Public Library system, but rather by their respective borough library systems.. https://www.nypl.org/ 

VA Award Letter: For veterans that are service-connected, it is important to have an updated award letter from VA Regional. In most instances, the veteran’s award letter must be updated every 180 days to assure continued eligibility in various programs including HUD/VASH. An award letter can also be requested by calling the VA Benefits line

Proof of where you live:

• Statement from landlord/primary tenant

• Current rent receipt or lease, or mortgage records

• Shelter Residency Letter from their case manager

Proof of Income (if any):

• Current pay stubs

• Current income tax return

• Updated VA disability award letter (condition & rating every 90 days)

• Updated checking and savings accounts printouts

Proof of Current Immigration Status:

• USCIS documentation

Receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not affect your immigration case or lead to deportation.

2010e Mental Health Letter (NYC): This is a standard necessity for Supportive Housing programs such as HASA or Long-Term Care Services and provided to the organization brokering the housing. For veterans pursuing supportive housing, it is mandatory to have the 2010e completed by their mental health care provider. Do not allow anyone to tell you a 2010e is not necessary for supportive housing. 

Checking/Savings Account Statement: This is not something that will be required from NYCHA to begin the process for housing, but banking statements will be required before signing the lease.

Housing Legal Services and Information

New York City renters, you have rights!

Free legal advice and counsel is available for New York City residential renters. To access these services, please call 311 and ask for the "Tenant Helpline" 

Office of Civil Justice

New Yorkers facing housing issues in court can get free help through HRA’s Office of Civil Justice. If you qualify, we can connect you with a free lawyer. Call:311 or email: civiljustice@hra.nyc.gov 

Legal Services NYC

1 West 125th Street, 2nd Floor

New York NY 10027

(518) 463-4741

The LSNYC Veterans Justice Project (VJP) provides comprehensive civil legal services to low-income military veterans, service members and their families. The VJP is designed to help veterans achieve greater housing and financial stability and connect veterans with social and mental health services in the City. The VJP works holistically to protect veterans and their family members from homelessness, resolve barriers to employment, preserve economic stability, and remedy many other problems that derail veterans’ successful reintegration into civilian life.

Housing Court Answers

The Housing Court Answers (HCA) also has a hotline at 212-962-4795 if you need help paying back rent. Call if you have a case in Housing Court and a good reason for falling behind in your rent such as a death in the family, serious illness, loss of job, or reduction in hours at work, if your income is now high enough that you can pay your future rent, and the amount of arrears is “manageable.” HCA does not provide direct financial help but refers callers to charities and provides information about NYC Human Resources Administrations rules for assistance. Staff and volunteers at information tables at all Housing Courts answer questions about court procedures and forms. They can also provide referrals to legal services providers and other eviction prevention organizations, resources, and agencies. Most staff members speak English and Spanish.

The Legal Aid Society

Housing, Foreclosure & Homelessness

Are you facing eviction in Housing Court or are you facing foreclosure in Supreme Court? Are you facing eviction in NYCHA housing, or trying to sue for repairs? Do you need help on other housing issues? Are you homeless? You may be eligible for free legal assistance. The fastest way to see if you qualify for free legal assistance in a housing matter is to call The Legal Aid Society neighborhood office in your borough:

Legal Aid Society Headquarters

• 199 Water Street

• New York, NY 10038

• Phone: 212-577-3300

• Manhattan: 212-426-3000

• Brooklyn: 718-722-3100

• Bronx: 718-991-4600

• Queens: 718-286-2450

• Staten Island: 347-422-5333

Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel

The mission of the Office of General Counsel (OGC) is to identify and meet the legal needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Its primary objective is to ensure the just and faithful execution of the laws, regulations and policies that the Secretary has responsibility for administering, and by so doing enable the Department to accomplish its mission of service to our Nation's veterans. 

Acting General Counsel: Richard J. Hipolit 

The General Counsel of the Department of Veterans Affairs issues written legal opinions having precedential effect in adjudications and appeals involving veterans' benefits under laws administered by VA. 

The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program

2101 L Street NW, Suite 225

Washington, DC 20037

P: (888) 838-7727 (toll free)

P: (202) 628-8164

The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program is a leading national 501(c)(3) charity that has offered free legal representation to veterans, their families and survivors at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) since 1992.

Legal Services Corporation (LSC)

3333 K Street, NW

Washington, DC 20007

T: 202-295-1500

For more than 45 years, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and its grantees, along with other legal aid programs, have been providing this help. It is the mission of LSC’s Veterans Task Force to further access to justice for veterans by:

• Raising awareness of the legal issues faced by veterans;

• Identifying ways to strengthen the relationships between legal aid providers and other veteran-serving organizations;

• Highlighting model programs that provide effective, integrated services to veterans; and

• Recommending strategies for engaging attorneys to provide legal assistance on a pro bono basis, including for complex legal issues.

Rental Assistance Forms & Documents (NYC)

Forms and Documents

Download important information and application forms for rental assistance programs.

• CityFHEPS Documents
• FHEPS Documents
• Pathway Home Documents
• SOTA Documents

The following programs are being replaced by CityFHEPS. Clients currently receiving these benefits will be moved to CityFHEPS when they renew.

• LINC Documents
• SEPS Documents

☐_Proof of where you live:

• Statement from landlord/primary tenant

• Current rent receipt or lease, or mortgage records

• Shelter Residency Letter from their case manager

☐_Proof of Income (if any):

• Current pay stubs

• Current income tax return

• Updated VA disability award letter (condition & rating every 90 days)

• Updated checking and savings accounts printouts

☐_Proof of Current Immigration Status:

• USCIS documentation

Receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not affect your immigration case or lead to deportation.

☐_2010e Mental Health Letter (NYC):

This is a standard necessity for Supportive Housing programs such as HASA or Long-Term Care Services and provided to the organization brokering the housing. Think of it as a Nexus Letter for Supportive Housing. For veterans pursuing supportive housing, it is mandatory to have the 2010e completed by their mental health care provider. Do not allow anyone to tell you a 2010e is not necessary for supportive housing.