Bill > A02542

This bill amends the New York Social Services Law to include home internet service payments as part of the standard public assistance package for eligible needy individuals and families. Specifically, the bill modifies existing provisions to add "home internet service" alongside other essential support items like shelter, fuel for heating, and additional meal costs. By inserting language about home internet service payments into the standard of need calculations, the legislation ensures that low-income households can receive financial support to help cover their internet service expenses. This change recognizes internet access as an increasingly important utility for communication, education, job searching, and accessing essential online services. The bill will take effect 90 days after becoming law, allowing state social services officials time to update their regulations and implementation procedures to incorporate these new internet service payment provisions into their existing public assistance framework.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2542