For every Brooklynite
Help Directory
A nonpartisan public-service directory: the official city, state, and federal agencies Brooklyn residents actually need — from 311 to the Board of Elections to veterans’ services. We link out to government sources only.
Emergencies & hotlines
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911 — Emergencies
Police, fire, or medical emergency anywhere in New York City.
Official site ↗ 911
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NYC 311
Non-emergency city services — noise, sanitation, housing complaints, agency information. Online, by phone, or by app, in many languages.
Official site ↗ 311
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988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential support for people in distress, 24/7 — call or text 988.
Official site ↗ 988
New York City services
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NYC Board of Elections
Voter registration, poll sites, absentee and early mail ballots, election results for Brooklyn and all five boroughs.
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NYC Dept. of Small Business Services (SBS)
Free help starting and running a business — courses, financing assistance, permit navigation, and hiring support.
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NYC Dept. of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
Business licenses, consumer complaints, and worker protections (paid safe and sick leave, freelance protections).
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NYC Aging
Services for older New Yorkers — senior centers, meals, case management, and caregiver support.
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NYC Dept. of Veterans’ Services (DVS)
Connects New York City veterans and their families to benefits, housing, and employment help.
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NYC Dept. of Health (DOHMH)
Birth and death records, restaurant letter grades, food-service permits, and public health programs.
New York State services
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NYS Board of Elections
Statewide election calendar, campaign finance filings, and the official voter registration lookup.
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NYS DMV
Driver licenses, non-driver IDs, vehicle registration — and the online voter registration portal.
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NYS Dept. of Labor
Unemployment insurance, job listings, and worker retraining programs.
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NYS Unified Court System
Court information for Kings County and statewide — case lookup, jury service, and self-help resources.
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myBenefits (NYS OTDA)
Check eligibility and apply for SNAP, HEAP, and temporary assistance.
Federal services
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USA.gov
The front door to every federal agency and program, in English and Spanish.
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Social Security Administration
Retirement and disability benefits, replacement cards, and Medicare enrollment.
Official site ↗ 1-800-772-1213
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Medicare
Federal health insurance for Americans 65+ and certain people with disabilities — compare plans and enroll.
Official site ↗ 1-800-633-4227
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U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
VA health care, disability compensation, education benefits, and home loans.
Official site ↗ 1-800-698-2411
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Internal Revenue Service
Federal taxes — refunds, payment plans, EIN applications for businesses.
Official site ↗ 1-800-829-1040
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U.S. Small Business Administration
Federal small-business loans, counseling, and contracting programs.
Links go to official government pages. Agency names, numbers, and programs change — the linked agency page is always the authoritative source. Voter-specific help is in our voter resources, and business help in the small business hub.