State of New York Resources
New York State Resources
Please visit NYS’ website for more places of want or need.)
1.800.342.3355
To meet the emergency needs of residential consumers without gas or electric service.
7:30 am – 7:00 pm , M-F.
NYS Attorney General’s helpline - 1.800.771-7755
Banking - 1.877.226.5697
For consumer complaints and information concerning State-regulated financial institutions 9:00 – 5:00, weekdays.
Child Abuse - 1.800.342-3720
To report cases of child abuse or neglect. 24 hours, Monday – Sunday
Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors in NY
Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for persons with Disabilities - 1.800.624-4143
Consumer Protection - 1.800.697.1220
Information on reducing telemarketing calls and junk mail, and how to file a complaint with the
Consumer Protection Board, 9:00 – 5:00, M-F.
Domestic Violence - 1.800.942-6906
Provides crisis intervention and counseling referrals and information for victims of domestic violence. 24 hour, Monday – Sunday.
Drug Abuse - 1.800.522.5353
Information about drug abuse and assistance or confidential referrals. 24 hours. Monday – Sunday.
EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage) - 1.800.332-3742
Information about the state prescription drug program for seniors and assistance in obtaining and filling out
forms. 8:30 – 5:00 weekdays.
Food Stamps or Temporary Assistance - 1.800.342-3009
Free Credit Reports
Consumers are authorized by law to get a free copy of your credit reports every 12 months. However, beware of unofficial sites, or even the sites of the credit reporting agencies themselves that may end up charging you for this free information.
To get your free credit reports, you need to use the official website and toll-free phone number 1.877.322-8228. If you wish to mail in your request, you can print out the official request form from the website, or call Senator Farley’s office (455.2181) for a copy of the form.
Home Energy Assistance Program (“HEAP”) - 1.800.342-3009.
“Your Rights as a Hospital Patient in NYS” – As a patient in a NYS hospital, you have certain rights and protections guaranteed by state and federal laws and regulations. The state and federal governments require that all hospital patients in NYS be given certain information and materials when being admitted to a hospital. These laws and regulations help ensure the quality and safety of your hospital care. To help you understand your rights, the New York State Department of health has developed a 40 page pamphlet (that is entitled above) that you must receive if you will be having a hospital stay. For questions or comments: click here or call 1.800.804-5446 .
Identity Theft
Identity theft was deemed “the fastest growing financial crime in the nation” in 2007. The NYS Office of the Attorney General has a booklet, “Identity Theft Kit: What to Do If You Have Been Victimized.” To request a copy of the booklet, please call the Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Help Line, M-F, 8:30 – 4:30 , 800.771-7755.
Insurance - 1.800.342-3736
Assistance from the State Insurance Department on all types of insurance questions. 9:00 – 5:00, M-F.
Labor Department - 1.888.469-7365
Public Service Commission Helpline - 1.800.342-3377
For service and billing complaints. 10:00 – 4:00, M-F.
Senior Citizens - 1.800.342-9871
Assistance from the State Office for the Aging for senior citizens with any problem. 8:00 – 4:00 weekdays.
Taxpayer Assistance - 1.800.225-5829
Assistance to taxpayers on income tax questions and 1.800.698-2909 for sales tax questions. 8:30 – 4:30, M-F
Thruway Road Conditions
1.800.Thruway or 1.800.847.8929. For travel in the Albany area call “611-NY” or “61169”
Tourist Information - 1.800.225-5697
For travel information in New York, information on “I love NY” tour packages and travel and ski guides, 8:30 – 5:00, M-F.
Unclaimed Funds
Beware of companies that advertise that they can help you recover unclaimed funds from the State. You can do this yourself, for free…no cost, by calling the State Comptroller’s office at 1.800.221-9311 or, by visiting their website.
Unemployment Insurance - 1.888.209.8124
Veterans - 1.888.838-7697
Information on state and federal veterans benefits as well as county telephone numbers for assistance 9:00 - 5:00. They can also provide you with the phone number or address for your local veterans’ counselor. The Federal Department of Veterans Affairs can also be reached at 1-800-827-1000. For questions on health care benefits call 1-877-222-8387.