Bill > A03489

This bill amends the New York Social Services Law to authorize the reissuance of benefits in cases of fraud or theft, specifically for various assistance programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), emergency assistance to needy families, safety net assistance, and emergency assistance for aged, blind, and disabled persons. The bill requires social services districts to provide replacement benefits within seven days of a victim submitting a signed statement documenting the theft, starting from January 1, 2024. The legislation allows districts to reduce the replacement amount by any previously received benefits authorized under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Additionally, the bill modifies language related to unforeseeable circumstances in benefit applications and provides districts with the option to require assignment of any duplicate replacement benefits that may become available in the future. The key purpose is to protect vulnerable individuals by ensuring they can quickly receive replacement benefits if their assistance is stolen or fraudulently obtained, while also providing some administrative flexibility for social services districts in processing these replacements.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3489