New York State has increased its maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit (UIB) from $504 to $869.This change is possible because New York paid off its $7 billion federal loan to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund through the 2025 state budget. As a result, benefits can increase, and employers will no longer have to pay the Interest [...]

For 2025, there will be a 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) to Social Security and SSI benefits.The following are the federal monthly SSI benefit amount for 2025 (there is no increase to the NYS state supplement amount):For an individual living alone: $967, plus the NYS supplement of $87, for a total of $1,054.For a couple [...]

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) program is open and accepting applications! NYC residents can apply via ACCESS HRA.HEAP (known as “regular HEAP”) provides assistance to low-income households to help pay for energy expenses. HEAP benefits are either sent as a direct payment to the household’s heating/utility vendor, or as a one-time cash benefit directly to [...]

SNAP ReplacementAs a result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, states were permitted to use federal money to replace SNAP benefits lost due to EBT skimming. The authority to replace these benefits was originally set to expire on September 30, 2024, and now has been extended through December 20, 2024.Cash ReplacementRules on replacing cash benefits [...]