Safety Net
Safety Net Assistance
Safety Net Assistance (SNA) is designed to provide benefits to eligible individuals and certain families who do not qualify for Family Assistance or other federal Temporary Assistance programs. SNA consists of cash and non-cash components and is funded primarily by state and local sources. All adults who can work must be working or involved in work-like activities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants of Safety Net New York Temporary Assistance must meet all applicable eligibility requirements governing Temporary Assistance programs. Household income, resources, living arrangements, monthly expenses, employability and alien status are some of the more important factors which are considered in establishing both initial and ongoing eligibility for assistance. The following needy individuals and families may qualify for SNA:
- single adults
- childless couples
- children living apart from any adult relative
- families of persons abusing drugs or alcohol
- families of persons refusing drug/alcohol screening, assessment or treatment
- persons who have exceeded the 60-month time limit on Family Assistance
- aliens who are eligible for Temporary Assistance but who are not entitled to federal reimbursement
Eligible households can generally receive SNA on a cash basis for a maximum of 24 months in a lifetime. If eligibility continues beyond the two-year limit, SNA may be provided in non-cash form, such as a two-party check or a voucher. In addition, non-cash SNA is also provided to families of persons either abusing drugs or alcohol or refusing drug/alcohol screening, assessment or treatment.
Application for benefits under the SNA program must be filed in person at the DSS District Office serving the household's municipality.