Requires applicants for public assistance to be fully informed that they may be liable to reimburse the state for benefits received

Title of bill

An act to amend the social services law, in relation to providing notice to applicants of potential liability for public assistance benefits

Purpose or general idea of bill

Directs the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to inform, both orally and in writing, applicants for either public assistance that they may be liable to reimburse the state for benefits received.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. Amends the Social Services Law by adding a new section 110-b. Requires an applicant to be informed, both orally and in writing that he or she may be liable to reimburse the state for public assistance benefits received. The applicant shall sign an acknowledgement form, separate and apart from the application for such benefits, provided by the OTDA and the local department shall keep such acknowledgement form in such applicant's file. States that the production of such from shall not be required for the recovery of benefits. Provides that the local social services district is not prevented from keeping its records electronically.

Section 2. Effective Date

Justification

Applicants need to know that they may be liable to reimburse the state for public assistance benefits received. By having this separate notice given, it provides clear and informed consent to the applicant for receipt of such benefits.

Existing law

None

Prior legislative history

2014: S. S.311C - Advanced to 3rd Reading, Committed to Rules /A.9317A - Amended and Recommitted to Social Services 2013: S.311A - Amended on Third Reading Calendar, Committed to Rules/A.547A- Amended on Third Reading Calendar 2012: S.6569 - Referred to Social Services/A.461- Advanced to Third Reading Calendar 330 2011: A.461 - Passed Assembly

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on June 30th, 2017.