A city watchdog says processing times have improved but many applicants continue to wait for more than 30 days.
As the number of New Yorkers seeking cash and food assistance surges post-pandemic, many applicants still face delays in receiving benefits, according to a new report from a city watchdog.
The report said staffing and training shortages left HRA workers dealing with a heavy emotional toll “when benefits cannot be delivered in a timely manner, with applicants in tears.”But the IBO report suggests that HRA is still finding its footing amid the sharp increase in benefits applications since the pandemic.
The budget office said that in addition to the spike in cases, a steep decline in staffing that only started to reverse in 2023 as well as thesaid, which was released on Monday. “This in turn negatively impacts many New Yorkers, with both staff and recipients delivering public testimony detailing obstacles they faced as recently as May 2024.”
According to the IBO, more than half of HRA workers handling cash assistance cases currently have less than three years’ experience, as do 41% of those handling SNAP cases. The report’s authors attributed this to the agency’s recent hiring push and longer-standing turnover.that were suspended during the pandemic.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Yorkers can’t afford to foot the bill for council’s new proposalsWith prices continuing to rise across the board, it has become more difficult than ever for many New York City families to simply make ends meet. Despite
Read more »
Get in the mayor's race for real, Republicans — New Yorkers need a new visionNew York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing federal corruption charges and his fellow Dems are already jockeying for position to replace him — and it’s a basket of horribles.
Read more »
Free Skin Cancer Screenings Offered To New Yorkers Next WeekA nonprofit organization is bringing free skin cancer screenings to New Yorkers next week, starting Thursday, Sept. 26. Dermatologists will be available in RVs in Manhattan and Brooklyn to provide full-body checkups, answer questions about sun protection, and demonstrate proper sunscreen application.
Read more »
Exclusive: List of New Yorkers against $12 billion casino proposal near High Line growsThe list of Manhattan residents and organizations against a proposed casino near the West Side's High Line is growing.
Read more »
Another year of ‘Getting Stuff Done’ for New YorkersI am proud to be a New Yorker, and as your mayor, I am even prouder to announce that our city is getting safer, stronger, and more affordable every day. But
Read more »
New Yorkers like Kathy Hochul’s policies — but not the governor herselfRecent polling suggests Hochul is failing to connect with voters, even when they support the policies she champions.
Read more »