Food Stamps

New York Times Editorial Mentions Empire Justice
The average wait for Medicaid applicants fell to 29 days last year from 83 days in 2007, but that is still bad. One of the groups that brought the lawsuit, the Empire Justice Center, is planning to go back to court to force the county to meet its obligations. Read More

N.Y. fingerprinting for food policy was wrong
There has been considerable media coverage about fingerprinting for food stamps since Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that New York State will be eliminating the practice. Much of the focus has been on the stigmatization associated with fingerprinting that prevents families from applying for food stamps. Read More

Empire Justice Memo of Support: Ensure that Welfare Recipients are Not Punished for Being Disabled
Far too often, public assistance clients are sanctioned for non-compliance with work-related activities, yet the non-compliance is due to a unknown disability, child care problem or transportation difficulties. Empire Justice Center supports A.2669/S.4830, which will protect against unwarranted sanctions due to a disability. Read More

Provide Protecton and Fairness for People with Disabilities: Screening and Accomodation for Public Benefits Clients
Empire Justice Center proposes that local social services districts across New York State offer individuals the opportunity to be screened for disabilities, to ensure that needed accommodations and access to benefits are granted. Read More

Policy Matters: September 2012
In between juggling children’s summer camps and activities, taking vacations and attending family reunions, Empire Justice Center staff members did a lot of policy work this past summer. We are happy to share what we did in this issue of Policy Matters. Read More

Policy Matters: June 2012
What an incredible year. We are so happy and proud to be able to share with you the great things Empire Justice advocates helped achieve during the course of this legislative session. These accomplishments will help and protect low income New Yorkers, individuals impacted by domestic violence, families facing foreclosure, and those who need, but cannot afford, an attorney to figure out how the law affects their fundamental human needs. Read More

Public Assistance Issues for Teens and Young Adults / Housing Advocacy to Prevent Children from Languishing in Foster Care
This presentation will address some of the benefits and assistance available to teenagers, young adults and young families, approximately ages 16-22. Benefit areas covered will include cash assistance, Food Stamps, Medicaid and housing resources for teens and young adults who are living on their own or aging out of foster care. Read More

Emergency Assistance 101
This course provides an overview of the emergency assistance programs in New York State: Emergency Assistance to Families, Emergency Safety Net Assistance, and Emergency Assistance to Adults. The training reviews the situations that constitute an emergency, and the financial and categorical eligibility requirements for receipt of emergency assistance, and pays special attention to shelter and utility emergencies. Read More