Background

HISTORY

In conjunction with the implementation of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program in January 1974, New York State established the Emergency Assistance for Adults (EAA) program to meet the emergency needs of NYS’ aged, blind and disabled population that cannot be met by a recipient’s basic SSI cash benefit. The EAA Program was originally approved on a temporary basis with the expectation that the federal government would take responsibility for the emergency needs of the SSI population. Since the federal government failed to act in this area, New York State continued to reauthorize EAA for one to two year extensions until 1990 when New York made the EAA program permanent.

WHO ADMINISTERS THE PROGRAM

EAA is administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and administered locally in NYC by the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA).

FUNDING

EAA is primarily financed by New York State and local funds.

Summary of Emergency Assistance to Adults

Emergency Assistance for Adults (EAA) is a New York State program intended to meet the temporary emergency needs of aged, blind or disabled individuals and couples who have been determined eligible for or are receiving SSI, which if not met would endanger the health, safety or welfare of the SSI individual or couple.

The amount of the grant is determined on a case-by-case basis and is based on the type of emergency. To qualify for an Emergency Assistance to Adults (EAA) grant, a member of household must be eligible for or receiving SSI and meet the criteria of an emergency. Households in NYC can apply for an EAA grant at any local Benefits Access Center (BAC). An eligibility interview will be conducted and the applicant will need to provide documentation to verify his/her eligibility.