State agencies are required to provide language assistance services (translation and interpretation) to people of Limited English Proficiency (LEP).

• Read the Language Translation Services Law on Senate.gov.
• Learn more about the Statewide Language Access policy on the DHR Website.
• For additional information, see the New York State Language Access Policy Overview on NY.gov.

What is a Language Access Plan?

A Language Access Plan sets forth the actions to be taken by the agency to ensure meaningful access to their services. This includes but is not limited to the list of translated documents and languages available, total staff with language access skills and abilities, training plan, annual monitoring plan, and outreach strategies. Agencies are required to regularly update their Language Access Plans

• Read the DFS Language Access Policy (PDF on the DHR Website)

Call (800) 342-3736 for free help in your language. 

If you need a document translated into your language, send an email to [email protected]

Learn more about how to contact DFS on our Contact Us page.

Translation of this website into languages other than English is intended to assist the non-English-reading public and is accessed via the New York State managed universal navigation header and footer on every page of this website. We have attempted to provide an accurate translation through the use of this automated translation software.

• Web Translation Services Disclaimer (NY.gov website)

Translate a Webpage with Your Browser

If you are using a desktop or laptop and would like to translate website content into your preferred language by changing your browser settings, visit NY.gov for directions.

What is considered a vital document? Vital written documents include, but are not limited to "any paper or digital document that contains information that is critical for obtaining agency services or benefits or is otherwise required to be completed by law."

Top Twelve Languages

Based on US Census data the following are the top 12 languages spoken in New York State:

• Arabic
• Bengali
• Chinese
• French
• Haitian-Creole
• Italian
• Korean
• Polish
• Russian
• Spanish
• Urdu
• Yiddish

This may change over time.

State agencies that provide direct public services must offer interpretation services and provide vital forms and documents in at least the top twelve most commonly spoken languages in New York State, in addition to English.

Right to File a Language Access Complaint

If you feel that DFS has not provided you with adequate interpretation services or have denied you an available translated document, please complete our Language Access Complaint Form.

The information that you provide on the complaint form will help improve our services. This form asks you to provide your contact information so that we can respond to your complaint. All of the personal information included in your complaint will be kept confidential.

• Language Access Complaint Form

If you prefer to download, print, complete, and send back to us our language access complaint form, please use the link below:

• Language Access Complaint form (PDF)