Background

HISTORY

The HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) is a NYC program created in 1985 in recognition of the fact that people living with HIV/AIDS have special needs. HASA provides a “one-stop” center by offering intensive case management services that provides needed supports and government benefit programs for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

While NYC provides this “one-stop” center through its HASA program, other counties throughout NYS also provides the rental enhancement benefit to individuals with HIV/AIDS.

WHO ADMINISTERS THE PROGRAM

The HASA program is administered by the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA).

FUNDING

HASA recipients may be eligible for a full array of benefit programs, many of which are also available to non-HASA eligible individuals, such as Medicaid, SNAP, Cash Assistance rent arrear grants, etc. Funding for these benefits are the same as for any other eligible individual.

Funding for the rent enhancement benefit comes from both NYS and NYC. For benefits that are specific to the HASA program in NYC, New York City funds are exclusively used.

Summary of HASA

HASA is a NYC service program for individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Qualified individuals receive access to a broad range of benefits and services at a single intake site. While some benefits, such as an enhanced rent allowance for people living with HIV or AIDS, are available throughout New York State to eligible beneficiaries, the full service package under HASA includes the nutrition and transportation allowance, intensive case management, housing assistance and assistance in accessing a wide array of public benefits, is available only to New York City residents.

Applicants must be a resident of NYC, as well as meet other eligibility criteria such as, citizenship/immigration criteria and financial criteria, and must submit medical verification of their HIV/AIDS diagnosis with their application.

The Human Resources Administration (HRA) authorizes a HASA case for 12 months. At the end of this period of time, households must recertify and prove they continue to meet the eligibility requirements of the program.

Additional Benefits Under HASA

SCATTER SITE AND CONGREGATE HOUSING

HASA beneficiaries may be eligible for scatter site and congregate housing which provide social services to eligible beneficiaries. See below, Additional Benefits Under HASA, Scatter Site and Congregate Housing.

HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH AIDS (HOPWA)

HASA beneficiaries may be eligible for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program, which provides housing assistance and supportive services for low-income individuals with HIV/AIDS, and their families . See below, Additional Benefits Under HASA, Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA).