BILL NUMBER: S1127
SPONSOR: PERSAUD
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to increasing the
standards of monthly need and home energy grant amounts for persons in
receipt of public assistance
 
PURPOSE:
This legislation will increase cash assistance grant amounts for utili-
ties and food and other necessities to account for inflation.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one amends paragraph (a-4) of subdivision 2 of section 131-a of
the social services law.
Section two amends paragraph (a-4) of subdivision 2 of section 131-a of
the social services law.
Section three amends subdivision 3-c of section 131-a of the social
services law.
Section four amends subdivision 3-d of section 131-a of the social
services law.
Section five establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Individuals receiving temporary assistance are provided monthly benefits
to cover the cost of shelter, utilities, food and other necessities.
Many families across the state rely on these benefits each month for
payment of home heating bills or to purchase groceries, medications,
clothing and other necessities. However, as utility costs and prices of
goods have increased over the years, the grant amounts have not. The
basic grant, intended to cover food and other necessities, was last
raised in 2012. The utility grants have not been increased since the
1980s.
Under current levels, a single adult is provided $158 to cover the cost
of food and other necessities and an additional $14.10 for their home
heating costs. New Yorkers receiving temporary assistance rely on these
grants to help cover everyday costs of living, but because the grant
amounts have not kept pace with inflation, it is increasingly difficult
for families who rely on them to escape poverty.
This legislation would adjust the basic grant and the utility grant
amounts to account for inflation since the amounts were originally set
in 1989 and 1981, respectively. By adjusting these amounts for
inflation, individuals and families will be brought in line with the
federal poverty level and be able to afford their everyday expenses,
helping them to escape poverty and achieve self-sufficiency.
 
HISTORY:
2024: S. 5270-A reported to Finance
2022: S. 9513 referred to Rules
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.

Statutes affected:
S1127: 131-a social services law, 131-a(2) social services law, 131-a(3) social services law, 131-a(3-c) social services law, 131-a(3-d) social services law