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NYS OTDA Temporary Assistance
Learn about Temporary Assistance from the topics below:
- What is Temporary Assistance (TA)?
- How do I apply for Temporary Assistance?
- What are the two major Temporary Assistance programs?
- Is there a limit on how long I can get Temporary Assistance?
- What is an Emergency?
What is Temporary Assistance?
Temporary Assistance is temporary help for needy men, women and children. If you are unable to work, can't find a job, or your job does not pay enough, TA may be able to help you pay for your expenses.
How do I apply for Temporary Assistance?
If you live outside of New York City, call or visit your local department of social services in the county where you live and ask for an application package. If you live in New York City, call or visit your local Job Center. You must fill out the application form and turn it in. You may turn in (file) the application the same day you get it. You should also identify any emergency needs you may have at this time. For more information on how to apply for temporary assistance see the How to Apply for Services page.
What are the two major Temporary Assistance programs?
Family Assistance (FA)
Family Assistance (FA) provides cash assistance to needy families that include a minor child living with a parent (including families where both parents are in the household) or a caretaker relative. FA operates under federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) guidelines.
Under FA, eligible adults are limited to receiving benefits for a total of 60 months in their lifetime, including months of TANF-funded assistance granted in other states. Once this limit is reached, that adult and all members of his or her FA household are ineligible to receive any more FA benefits. The months need not be consecutive, but rather each individual month in which TANF-funded benefits are received is included in the lifetime count. The counting of this 60-month limit began in December 1996.
Parents and other adult relatives who are determined to be able to work must comply with federal work requirements to receive FA benefits.
Parents are also responsible for cooperating with the local department of social services in locating any absent parent. Non-cooperation without good cause could result in lower benefits.
Safety Net Assistance (SNA)
If you are not eligible for other assistance programs, you may be eligible for SNA. SNA is for:
- Single adults
- Childless couples
- Children living apart from any adult relative
- Families of persons abusing drugs or alcohol
- Families of persons refusing drug/alcohol screening, assessment or treatment
- Persons who have exceeded the 60-month limit on assistance
- Aliens who are eligible for temporary assistance, but who are not eligible for federal reimbursement
Recipients of SNA, who are determined to be able to work must also comply with work requirements to receive SNA benefits.
Generally, you can receive cash SNA for a maximum of two years in a lifetime. After that, if you are eligible for SNA, it is provided in non-cash form, such as a two party check or a voucher. In addition, non-cash SNA is provided for:
- Families of persons abusing drugs or alcohol
- Families of persons refusing drug/alcohol screening, assessment or treatment
Is there a limit on how long I can get Temporary Assistance?
There is a 60-month limit on the receipt of Family Assistance benefits received under Family Assistance (FA), the former Aid to Families with Dependent Children (ADC), some Safety Net Assistance (SNA) or the Child Assistance Program (CAP). Additionally, a payment for regular maintenance needs under the Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAF) for the month of December 1996, or any month thereafter, are included in the 60-month count. Participants in CAP are also restricted to the 60-month lifetime limit.
Additionally, cash Temporary Assistance in New York State is limited to a cumulative period of 60 months for any adult. No cash assistance (FA or SNA) benefit is granted to a family that contains an adult who has received a combined total of 60-month benefits under FA or cash SNA.
What is an Emergency?
An emergency is an urgent need or situation that has to be taken care of right away. Some examples of an emergency are:
- You are homeless
- You have little or no food
- Your landlord has told you that you must move or has given you eviction papers
- You do not have fuel for heating in the cold weather period
- Your utilities are shut-off or are about to be shut-off, or you have a 72-hour disconnect notice
- You or someone in your family has been beaten, abused or threatened with violence by a husband, wife, partner or other member of the household
If you and/or your family are experiencing an emergency situation you may be eligible for emergency assistance. Some examples of emergency assistance include, but are not limited to:
- Payment of shelter arrears
- Payment of utility arrears
- Payment of fuel and/or cost of fuel delivery
- Payment of Domestic Violence Shelter costs
- Payment of Temporary Housing (Hotel/Motel) costs
Payments may be authorized once you are determined to be eligible for one of the following emergency programs:
EAA - Emergency Assistance to Adults provides assistance for individuals and couples who have been determined eligible or are receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
EAF - Emergency Assistance to Needy Families provides assistance to families with at least one child under age 18, or under 19 and regularly attending secondary school.
ESNA - Emergency Safety Net Assistance provides assistance to single adults and childless couples.
You DO NOT have to be eligible for ongoing Temporary Assistance to receive Emergency Assistance.