Expands the age range eligibility for the rent subsidy payable to a foster child living independently to age twenty-four.
Summary
A00735 would amend New York’s social services law to expand eligibility for certain foster-care-related rent subsidies and housing assistance. Under current law, local social services officials may provide special cash grants in the form of rent subsidies, rent arrears, or other assistance when inadequate housing is the primary barrier to a child’s discharge from foster care or, in preventive cases, when housing instability could lead to foster care entry. The bill keeps the existing monthly cap of $725 and the three-year duration limit, but clarifies that these subsidies may be provided up to age 24 for youth discharged from foster care.
The bill applies both to youth leaving foster care for independent living and to families at risk of foster care involvement when housing is a factor and there is at least one additional service need. It also preserves the ability of recipients to live with roommates and does not limit local officials’ authority to provide other preventive services. The measure takes effect immediately if enacted.
Impact
The bill would amend section 409-a of the Social Services Law to extend the age eligibility for foster youth rent subsidies and related housing assistance to age 24. It would not change the monthly subsidy amount or the maximum three-year duration, but it would broaden the class of youth who can receive this benefit after discharge from foster care. Local social services districts would retain discretion to determine eligibility and to provide rent subsidies, rent arrears, or other housing assistance as preventive services.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests strong support for the bill, with the Assembly Children and Families Committee reporting it favorably by a 17-0 vote and referring it to Ways and Means. No committee transcript or recorded opposition is provided, and the bill’s framing indicates a generally supportive policy approach focused on housing stability for foster youth and families.
Contention
No explicit points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential policy questions implied by the bill include the fiscal impact of extending eligibility to age 24, the adequacy of the $725 monthly cap in high-cost housing markets, and how local social services officials will administer the expanded eligibility. However, the committee vote indicates no recorded opposition at the committee stage.