BPLC Blog

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 [...]

New York State’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) closed its application portal on January 20, 2023 at 9:00pm (EST). This means that the State is no longer accepting ERAP applications. Applications that were submitted before the closing of the portal will be processed in the order received in accordance to program rules. Applications of households with [...]

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 [...]

NY Homeowner Tax Rebate Credit (HTRC) is a one-year tax credit program for eligible homeowners. The amount of the credit is between $250 and $350 and will be available through 2023. To be eligible, homeowners must be: Eligible for the 2022 School Tax Relief (STAR) credit or exemption,Make less than $250,000 a year (based on federal [...]