Bill > A02061

This bill aims to eliminate asset limits for households applying for public assistance programs in New York State. Currently, households are subject to various restrictions on assets they can own while receiving benefits, such as limits on cash reserves (previously capped at $2,500-$10,000), vehicle value, burial plots, and other specific financial resources. The proposed legislation would remove all these specific exemptions and instead simply state that "all assets held by the household" shall be disregarded when calculating public assistance benefits. This change would significantly simplify the asset calculation process and potentially make it easier for households to qualify for assistance without worrying about complex asset restrictions. The bill also maintains existing provisions that allow the department to exempt additional income and resources if required by federal law, and continues the practice of disregarding earned income tax credit refunds in public assistance calculations. The changes would take effect immediately but are technically linked to the existing expiration of the current section of social services law.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2061