Bill S 2289 expands the eligibility for veterans' preference in Mitchell-Lama housing projects. Currently, this preference is available to veterans who served during a time of war. This bill removes that wartime service requirement, making the housing preference available to all veterans and their surviving spouses as defined by the civil service law. This change applies to projects with open waiting lists and will be implemented when closed lists reopen. The bill also maintains that current residents have first priority for internal transfers within their existing projects.
Prohibits unfair residential real estate service agreements which are certain service agreements which are not to be performed within two years following the time such agreement is entered into.
Provides for a continuation of senior citizen rent increase exemption benefits after a period of ineligibility due to a head of household's temporary increase in income.
Provides retroactivity to the original date of eligibility for the senior citizens rent increase exemption (SCRIE) and disability rent increase exemption (DRIE).
Relates to unlawful tenancies under the emergency tenant protection act of 1974; prohibits owners from entering or renewing leases where such owner has reason to know that such tenant will not occupy the housing accommodation as the tenant's primary residence.
Relates to eliminating rent for homeless shelters; provides that a homeless individual or family applying for or receiving temporary housing assistance shall not be required to pay to any local or state government or agency or any provider, room and board or contribute any earned or unearned income, available benefits or resources to eliminate their need for temporary housing assistance or as a condition to receive temporary housing assistance from such provider.
This bill expands New York's tuition assistance program to include students experiencing homelessness, directly affecting homeless students seeking financial aid for higher education. It modifies eligibility criteria to align with federal definitions under the McKinney-Vento Act and requires a standardized verification process for homelessness status across all tuition assistance programs. The bill also clarifies that homeless students cannot be considered "emancipated" for aid purposes solely based on their homelessness status. These changes aim to streamline access to financial aid for homeless students while ensuring consistent federal-aligned verification.
Relates to tax abatement for rent-controlled and rent regulated property occupied by and real property owned by senior citizens or persons with disabilities.
Relates to the standards of monthly need for persons in receipt of public assistance; provides for an increased monthly allowance for persons and families residing in shelters.
This bill increases financial assistance standards for New York residents receiving public assistance. Starting July 1, 2025, the monthly need standard for eligibility and maximum benefit amounts will double (e.g., from $158 to $316 for single-person households), with annual adjustments tied to federal cost-of-living changes. Home energy grants and supplemental home energy grants also double starting July 2025 (e.g., from $14.10 to $28.20 monthly for single-person households). These changes directly affect low-income individuals and families qualifying for state public assistance programs.
