Bill > S01458

This bill amends the New York Social Services Law to eliminate the requirement that rent arrears assistance be repaid in social services districts located in municipalities with a population of five million or more (which effectively means New York City). Currently, social services districts in smaller municipalities require recipients of rent arrears assistance to sign a repayment agreement and repay the assistance within 12 months. Under this bill, social services districts in New York City will no longer require recipients to repay rent arrears assistance. The bill applies retroactively to rent arrears assistance provided on or after March 13, 2020, which coincides with the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The change aims to provide additional financial relief to low-income residents in New York City by removing the repayment obligation for emergency rent assistance, helping those without immediate income or resources to meet their housing needs during challenging times.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1458