Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

State Commissioner Discusses Plans for Upcoming Heating Season

Calls on Washington to Boost Funding for Low-Income Families - David A. Hansell, Commissioner of the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, today called on leaders in Washington to provide additional funding for home energy assistance to help address a pending crisis for low-income families this winter.

“As is obvious from everyday accounts in the papers, we can expect a very difficult heating season ahead, particularly for low-income and vulnerable New Yorkers, as home delivered fuel and utility costs continue to soar,” Commissioner Hansell said. “First and foremost, HEAP is a federally funded program and properly so, as the cost of energy is a national problem. The President and the Congress simply have to put additional HEAP formula and contingency funds forward as soon as possible at the federal level to address the crisis in affordable home heating fuel and electricity.” Continue reading about Upcoming Heating Season...

Food Stamps Help To Fill Gaps in Difficult Economy

State Efforts Have Made Obtaining Assistance Easier - The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) announced today that efforts to ease access to vital nutritional benefits for low-income working New Yorkers are already showing dramatic results.

OTDA Commissioner David A. Hansell announced that the state has already surpassed the mid-way point of reaching its goal of enrolling 100,000 additional working families in the Food Stamp Program by the end of 2008. Continue reading Food Stamps Help To Fill Gaps...

In Light Of Soaring Food Prices, Governor Paterson Announces More Than $150 Million In Annual Funding For Food Stamp Program

Average Monthly Increase of $118 in Food Stamp Benefits -Additional Food Stamps Benefit 115,000 of the Neediest Households across New York State - Governor David A. Paterson today announced that beginning October 1, 2008, thanks to the State's intervention, Federal Food Stamp benefits to low income families (primarily those living in public and Section 8 housing) will increase by more than $150 million annually. Continue reading Annual Funding For Food Stamp Program...