Bill > A00325

This bill amends the social services law to expand eligibility for certain public assistance programs for specific noncitizens, including those granted status as Cuban and Haitian entrants, Amerasian immigrants, and importantly, victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, or other serious crimes for whom immigration relief is available through various visa applications like T or U visas, Violence Against Women Act petitions, special immigrant juvenile status, or asylum applications. The bill specifies that these expanded benefits, which include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant program, safety net assistance, and medical assistance, are available for a limited time, generally within five years for TANF and safety net assistance and seven years for medical assistance, with provisions for continued eligibility while immigration-related petitions are pending or for up to two years if a petition has not yet been filed, provided certain conditions are met, such as confirmation of victim status by state agencies or a sworn statement with corroborating evidence from a qualified provider.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A325