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Changes to federal benefits after passing of Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) have taken place.  Now that it's been months since DOMA passed, its helpful to look at how these changes may affect you and your partner.  A number of federal agencies have released information about changes to federal programs and benefits as a result of the Supreme Court’s decision:Taxes - The Department of Justice and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ruled that “same-sex couples, legally married in jurisdictions that recognize their marriages, will be treated as married for federal tax purposes".  This ruling

Today marks the first anniversary of Superstorm Sandy.  On October 29, 2012, Sandy blasted New York City with a record storm surge as high as 13 feet, as well as the Jersey Shore and New England, ultimately killing 159 people along the East Coast and damaging more than 650,000 homes. The storm caused $70 billion in damage across eight states. It's now become one of the most destructive storms in the nation's history.There are still many community groups on the ground helping families and individuals with recovery.

For families and individuals affected by Sandy, the complex maze of benefits, loan applications, insurance paperwork, home repair or rebuild plans, etc., is overwhelming!  If you find yourself struggling to keep up with all the paperwork and pending deadlines for benefits - contact the New York Disaster Interfaith Services and request a free Disaster Case Manager to assist you.Below is the information you need to contact them:For other information on resources for the most-commonly asked questions and issues coming up during the Sandy recovery process, view our New York Sandy Recovery

[caption id="attachment_3242" align="alignleft" width="150"] Photo: Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff[/caption]Governor Cuomo has announced that New York State's Housing Recovery Program will fully compensate homeowners affected by Sandy, Irene and Lee for repair costs of damage due to earth movement not currently covered in the National Flood Insurance Program.For more information about this and other assistance available from the state, call 1-855-697-7263 or visit www.stormrecovery.ny.gov.Other housing repair, Sandy homeowners can look into include:  The Neighborhood Revitalizati

[caption id="attachment_3245" align="alignleft" width="150"] Photo: Andrew Theodorakis - New York Daily News[/caption]Its been a year since Hurricane Sandy ravaged communities throughout New York and scammers are still trying to profit by the large numbers of water-damaged cars that were left in the debris.The Federal Trade Commission warned reports that more than 250,000 cars were left badly damaged after Sandy.  Out of this number, 212,000 of these cars have been marked as "flood damaged".   Sadly, professional scammers have been cleaning up these cars and trying to resell them in town

Lea en EspañolThis guide provides answers and information on resources for the most-commonly asked questions and issues coming up during the Sandy recovery process.FEMA Appeals and other Disaster AssistanceSandy FraudSandy Insurance IssuesSandy Legal Aid in NYC Housing IssuesTax IssuesAssistance for Small Businesses and Community GroupsHealth IssuesHotlines 

A real concern in New York State is domestic violence. New data shows an increase in domestic violence in New York.  The Division of Criminal Justice Services reported 54,848 domestic violence victims outside New York City, a 3% increase from 2011. The New York Police Department indicated an increase of 1,500 domestic violence victims from 2011 to 2012.

Sandy ravaged New York a year ago.  Yet, as families still struggle to put their lives together, there are scam artists preying on their frustration and desperation with getting repairs, struggling to keep their homes, or dealing with state and federal agencies.  Reports have found that scam artists posing as contractors or foreclosure "rescue" specialists have surfaced.  As a result, the Center for NYC Neighborhoods created these Public Service Announcements to warn people dealing with the aftermath of Sandy about these scam artists.Remember t

The Immigrant Bridge Loan Fund recently started in NYC is a first-of-its-kind pilot loan program aimed at boosting the earning potential of the city's immigrant population.  This program will provide interested and  high-skill immigrants with $1,000 to $10,000 loans to support their transition to higher paying jobs. Loans will be interest only in the first year, repaid over a 5-year period. Loans will have an interest rate of 9.99%.  Borrowers have the option of paying only interest for 12 months and have up to four years after to complete repayment.

Many people, desperate to save their homes, are being victimized by foreclosure rescue companies. Many of these companies promise to negotiate with mortgage banks for lower rates, get payment forgiveness and other benefits in exchange for illegal upfront fees —promises they won’t or can’t actually fulfill. As a result, consumers may find themselves further in debt and closer to foreclosure than before!The New York State Office of the Attorney General is investigating more than 20 such loan modification companies and has taken some companies to court to stop them.