What's happening
This bill doubles the maximum monthly rent subsidy for families in preventive services from $300 to $600 in New York.
Why it matters
Addresses housing instability as a cause of family separation. By increasing the maximum rent subsidy, the bill aims to reduce the number of children entering or remaining in foster care solely due to their family's inability to afford housing.
Offers greater flexibility for families facing eviction or homelessness. The higher subsidy can be used for both current rent and arrears, potentially preventing eviction and helping families stabilize their housing before crises escalate.
Limits remain in place to encourage long-term solutions. The subsidy increase still comes with a three-year time limit, signaling that this is a temporary measure intended to support families as they work toward sustainable housing independence.
Could reduce overall costs and trauma associated with foster care. By making it easier for families to stay together, the bill may save money on foster care placements and reduce emotional and developmental harm to children caused by family separation.
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Increase Rent Subsidies
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
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History
- Referred to children and families
- Referred to children and families
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Increase Rent Subsidies Limit
In Senate Committee · Social Services · Sponsor Tony Avella
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
300
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 5, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. HEVESI -- read once and referred to the Committee on Children and Families
AN ACT to amend the social services law, in relation to increasing the value of rent subsidies to be included as a part of preventive services
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraph (c) of subdivision 5 of section 409-a of the social services law, as amended by chapter 339 of the laws of 1993, is amended to read as follows:
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, where a social services official determines that a lack of adequate housing is the primary factor preventing the discharge of a child or children from foster care including, but not limited to, children with the goal of discharge to independent living, preventive services shall include, in addition to any other payments or benefits received by the family, special cash grants in the form of rent subsidies, including rent arrears, or any other assistance, sufficient to obtain adequate housing. Such rent subsidies or assistance shall not exceed the sum of [three] six hundred dollars per month, shall not be provided for a period of more than three years, and shall be considered a special grant. The provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to limit such official's authority to provide other preventive services.
§ 2. Subdivision 7 of section 409-a of the social services law, as added by chapter 83 of the laws of 1995, is amended to read as follows:
7. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if a social services official determines that a lack of adequate housing is a factor that may cause the entry of a child or children into foster care and the family has at least one service need other than lack of adequate housing, preventive services may include, in addition to any other payments or benefits received by the family, special cash grants in the form of
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01197-01-7
A. 300 2
rent subsidies, including rent arrears, or any other assistance, sufficient to obtain adequate housing. Such rent subsidies or assistance shall not exceed the sum of [three] six hundred dollars per month, shall not be provided for a period of more than three years, and shall be considered a special grant. The provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to limit such official's authority to provide other preventive services.
§ 3. This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.