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Safety Net Assistance

Safety Net Assistance is one of New York's two welfare programs. (Click here to learn about New York's other program, Family Assistance). You get the same amount of welfare from Family Assistance and from Safety Net Assistance. Please select your question from the following.

Who can get Safety Net Assistance?

You can only get it if you have little or no income and less than $2,000 in resources. People over 62 must have less than $3,000 in resources. Resources are valuable things that you own, like money in a bank account.

After you meet the income and resources rules, you can get Safety Net Assistance if:

  • You have no dependent children, or
  • You are under 18 and you cannot live with an adult, or
  • Your family has reached the 5-year time limit on Family Assistance, or
  • You are disabled and are exempt from work

Some non-citizens can also get Safety Net Assistance. Click here to learn more about immigrant assistance or call (212) 440-4300.

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How long can I collect Safety Net Assistance?

There is no time limit. But the cash part of your Safety Net Assistance does have a time limit. Most people get cash benefits for a total of 2 years. After 2 years, you can get non-cash benefits.

You will not get cash benefits at all if:

  • You have already collected Family Assistance for five years
  • You are an adult using drugs or alcohol, and you are not in treatment
  • You refuse to answer questions about drug or alcohol use
  • You or a family member were sanctioned for drug or alcohol abuse

You alwaysget cash benefits, even after two years if:

  • The head of the household is disabled and exempt from work requirements
  • The head of the household is HIV positive

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What is non-cash Safety Net Assistance?

It's the same as cash benefits, except Welfare tells you what you can buy and where you can spend the money. Welfare gives you the same amount of benefits with cash benefits and non-cash benefits. For more information, click here.

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Where should I apply for Safety Net Assistance?

You can apply at a welfare or job center. Welfare can take up to 45 days to decide your completed application.

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Can I get emergency money while I am waiting for benefits?

You must ask for emergency money. You may be able to get it if:

  • You have no money to buy food, medical prescriptions or other necessary things
  • You face eviction or an electricity or gas shutoff
  • You are homeless

If you need more information about the following issues, please click here.

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Can I get Medicaid and Food Stamps when I get Safety Net Assistance?

To learn more about your Medicaid options, please click here. You may also click here to obtain more information about Food Stamps.

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What happens if my Safety Net Assistance application is denied?

Ask for a fair hearing. You should also ask for a fair hearing if:

  • Your application for Food Stamps or Medicaid is denied
  • Your Safety Net Assistance, Food Stamps, or Medicaid benefits are reduced
  • You think something is wrong with your case

Click here to print out a fair hearing request form. You can call (212) 417-6550 Monday thru Friday from 8AM to 5PM to schedule a fair hearing. Give your address and social security number when you call.

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Do I have to work for my Safety Net Assistance?

Usually you must work. But there are many people who do not have to work. To learn more about working for your public benefits, please click here.

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