Since April 2020, the Benefits Plus Learning Center has been current on the changes to policy and procedures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the height of the pandemic there were many federal and state waivers to provide greater flexibility in the application process for cash benefit programs. However, many of these waivers have [...]

Beginning February 2023, BEV will resume their operations and conduct investigative interviews over the phone. Prior to the pandemic, the BEV review included an interview at the BEV office with all adults listed on the application and, if needed, a home visit. However, throughout the public health emergency, BEV paused their operations.Only certain Cash Assistance applicant [...]

Effective December 11, 2022, NYS has increased the HEAP base benefit amount for households that pay a vendor directly for heat for the 2022-2023 HEAP season. Households who had already received their HEAP benefit before the increase was implemented, are entitled to a supplement bringing them to the new base amount. For example, if your primary [...]

A waiver has been extended through February 28, 2023 to continue accepting applications for Cash Assistance and SNAP benefits over the phone without requiring a signature on an application. In addition, the waiver will extend domestic violence waivers, as well as other procedures and processes that require frequent contact with individuals experiencing homelessness and residing in [...]