Bill > S08576

This bill amends the New York Social Services Law to include home internet service payments as an allowable expense in public assistance calculations. Specifically, the bill modifies existing provisions to explicitly add "home internet service" to the list of items that social services officials can include when determining the standard of need for assistance recipients. This means that low-income families receiving public assistance can now potentially have their home internet service costs covered as part of their monthly benefits, recognizing internet access as an essential utility in modern life. The bill expands the definition of standard living expenses to include internet service alongside other existing categories like shelter, heating, and meal costs. The changes will take effect 90 days after the bill becomes law, allowing state agencies time to update their regulations and implementation procedures to accommodate the new provision.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8576