New Housing Laws Provide Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors
December 1, 2007
Domestic violence survivors face tremendous economic and housing-related hurdles when they attempt to break free of an abuser. Often the choices are poor—remain with an abuser or become homeless. Sadly, studies conducted both across the country and in New York confirm these concerns by demonstrating that domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women. Read More

New Housing Laws Provide Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors
A Brief Examination of Housing Challenges Faced by NY’s Domestic Violence Survivors
December 1, 2007
Domestic violence survivors face tremendous economic and housing-related hurdles when they attempt to break free of an abuser. Often the choices are poor—remain with an abuser or become homeless. Sadly, studies conducted both across the country and in New York confirm these concerns by demonstrating that domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women. Read More

Update on Domestic Violence Survivors and Homestead Exemptions
Recent Social Security Administration Policy Revisions
October 1, 2006
In response to advocacy by Empire Justice Center on behalf of domestic violence survivors who were facing complicated bureaucratic hurdles when they were forced to flee their homes to escape abuse, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recently revised several sections of its policy directives (Program Operating Manual or POMS). Read More

SSA Issues Administrative Message
Addressing Homesteads Owned by Domestic Violence Survivors Who Have Fled Their Abusers
August 1, 2006
In late 2004, advocates from the Empire Justice Center contacted the Social Security Administration (SSA) on behalf of survivors of domestic violence who were facing complicated bureaucratic hurdles when they had to flee from their homes to escape abuse. Read More

Housing and Domestic Violence
October 1, 2001
Under the regulations implementing the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act (QHWRA) of 1998, local public housing authorities (PHA) must submit an annual plan to be reviewed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This annual plan must explain how the local public housing authority will operate its housing programs. Read More