What's happening
This bill requires that public assistance applicants be fully informed in writing about potential liability to repay benefits received.
Why it matters
Ensures transparency for applicants. By requiring written notice about potential repayment obligations, the bill helps applicants understand that public assistance is not always "free money"—they could be held financially responsible later if they have assets or gain property.
Reduces risk of surprise debt. Many recipients may be unaware that they could owe money back to the state. This explicit, written notification aims to prevent unexpected financial burdens and legal disputes over repayment.
Improves informed decision-making. Providing clear, accessible information (both in booklets and as standalone documents) allows individuals to make more informed choices about applying for public assistance, potentially influencing their financial planning and reliance on benefits.
Supports administrative modernization. The bill clarifies that local social service districts can maintain records electronically, making it easier for agencies to manage documentation and compliance, and possibly speeding up service delivery.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require Notice for Benefit Repayment
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to social services
- Delivered to assembly
- Passed senateVote 61–0
- Ordered to third reading cal.1724
- Committee discharged and committed to rules
- Referred to social services
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
7227
IN SENATE
January 4, 2018
Introduced by Sen. PARKER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Social Services
AN ACT to amend the social services law, in relation to providing notice to applicants of potential liability for public assistance benefits
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The social services law is amended by adding a new section 110-b to read as follows:
§ 110-b. Recovery from a person discovered to have property; notice. Notwithstanding any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, an applicant for public assistance shall be fully informed in writing that he or she may be liable to reimburse the state for public assistance benefits received, as provided for in this title. Notice may be given as part of an informational booklet promulgated by the office of temporary and disability services and as a standalone document on his or her rights and responsibilities. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent the local social services district from maintaining its records electronically.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on June 30, 2019.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06637-07-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
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, in writing, that he or she may he liable to reimburse the state for public assistance benefits received. Provides that the local social services district is not prevented from keeping its records electronically.
Section 2 - Effective Date
Existing law
None
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.
Prior legislative history
2016: S.505A - AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO SOCIAL SERVICES 2015: S.481A - PASSED SENATE 2014: S.3118-Amended and recommitted to Social Services/A.9317 Referred to Social Services 2013: S311A-Amended on Third Reading Calendar/A.547A- Amended on Third Reading Calendar 2012: 5.6569 - Referred to Social Services/A.461 Died on Third Reading Calendar 330 2011: A.461 - Passed Assembly 2016: ordered to third reading rules cal.386
Fiscal implications
None to State.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on June 30th, 2017.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.