When trying to figure out how to feed your family, the last thing you need cluttering your mind is a list of questions: "Which forms do I need to fill out? Where do I go? What do I need to bring with me?" Uncertainty and lack of clarity lead, inevitably, to more stress. Bureaucratic red tape can easily strangle and trip up individuals and families trying to take advantage of citywide aid, setting one upon the challenging task of simply utilizing these valuable programs. The idea that every program has its own boulder to push up that hill jeopardizes the clear intent of these resources: to help the working poor and/or disenfranchised establish or regain their self-sufficiency. ACCESS NYC was created to respond to the need for a better way to connect individuals to the help they need.

ACCESS NYC (www.nyc.gov/accessnyc) is a free, online service that efficiently pre-screens its users and determines their potential eligibility for thirty-five human service programs in any of seven languages. ACCESS NYC has a very easy to use interface, even for those with only the most basic computer knowledge. In a simple three-step process, a life can be made a little more manageable.

In the first step, the user provides general information about his or her household in order to get an idea about the types of programs that might be available. The second step starts fresh, setting up a user “household”, establishing household “members” and asking for more details regarding expenses, income, assets and housing situations. In return, ACCESS NYC provides more specific information on potential programs tailored to the user's situation. In the third and final step, ACCESS NYC assists in beginning the application process for any and all programs listed in the tool. Currently, ACCESS NYC itself does not enable users to submit an online application for any of the services for which the user may be eligible, though this functionality is planned for a future release. ACCESS NYC streamlines the application process by providing step-by step instructions on how to apply, partially-populated forms, information on required documents, and agency office locations. Arriving at the right place, with the correct form, and carrying the proper documents (proof of identification, driver's license, etc.,) eliminates a lot of missteps and wrong turns that present challenges.

ACCESS NYC has been recognized by the Citizens Budget Commission, a nonpartisan, nonprofit civic organization devoted to influencing constructive change in the finances and services of New York City and New York government, and was awarded its prestigious “Prize for Public Service Innovation" in 2007. In the same year, Center for Digital Government and Government Technology awarded ACCESS NYC its Best of New York Award for “Project Demonstrating Best IT Collaboration among Organizations.”. The true measure of ACCESS NYC's success is evidenced by the growing number of users--approximately 10,000 each month. Thousands of pre-populated applications have been printed and the number of user accounts created grows steadily. The option to register as a user or remain anonymous while using the site is a sensitive feature of ACCESS NYC, which adds to its appeal. Exploring one’s eligibility all of these programs anonymously allows the user to simply gather information if they are in the early stages of determining what programs are available. Users can comfortably investigate options without feeling pressed into making any declarations that they may feel are too personal during the initial search.