It's Your Money NYC: Hold Your Government Accountable

Funding for '09

$198,820,000

Employees

3,285

Who funds this program?

City

74,886,000 (38%)

State

53,969,000 (27%)

Federal

69,965,000 (35%)

How is the money spent?

Salaries

140,576,000 (71%)

Supplies and Materials

2,285,000 (1%)

Contractual Services

5,553,000 (3%)

Other Services and Charges

50,247,000 (25%)

What your money funds:

This program is responsible for funding the administration of Public Assistance (Cash Assistance) and employment services provided through the Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services. Eligibility for assistance is based on factors such as income and resources, household composition and citizen/legal alien status. Eligible clients receiving temporary cash assistance must engage in work activities.

1. The Family Independence Administration (FIA) coordinates HRA/DSS's Job Center Operations and the Food Stamp Program for New York City. FIA's programs include temporary cash assistance, food stamps, public health insurance for those receiving cash assistance, and employment services. Eligible clients receiving temporary cash assistance must engage in work activities. In FY08, approximately 3.4 million people received some form of cash assistance (either TANF or Safety Net). The average annual administrative cost per case was $461.
2. Temporary Aid to Needy Families Program (TANF): Eligible families may receive up to 60 months of federally funded cash assistance. As of October 2008, there were 151,481 people receiving temporary aid. The total expenditures for this program for the start of 2008 through October were close to $42 million. Also, families who have received cash assistance for 60 months may continue to receive benefits under the New York State Safety Net Program, as described below.
3. New York State Safety Net Program: Single individuals without children may receive benefits under this program. Additionally, families that have received cash assistance for 60 months may continue to receive benefits under this program. Benefits include a cash grant that includes a shelter portion, energy assistance grants, and additional money to assist with other expenses. In addition, people may apply for food assistance and medical coverage. As of October 2008, there were 85,921 people receiving aid as an extension from TANF and an additional 102,534 singles receiving aid through this program. The total expenditures for this program from the start of 2008 through October were approximately $65.5 million.
4. Employment Services works to help cash assistance clients become work-ready through training, literacy classes and resume assistance. Once employed, workers are automatically linked, where appropriate, to work supports such as food stamps, public health insurance, heating supplements, and the Earned Income Tax Credit so that their wages will be supplemented during their transition to employment.
5. According to HRA/DSS, in FY08, 800,000 cash assistance applicants were placed into jobs. Approximately 57% of cash assistance clients took part in job training and education. Additionally, 67% of Safety Net Assistance cases engaged in training and education.
6. According to HRA/DSS, in FY08, approximately 80% of cash assistance cases retained employment income 180 days after being placed in a job.