NEWS

From November through April, New York State follows a Code Blue program. Code Blue is a New York State-mandated program that provides funding for counties to provide shelter during the cold weather months when temperatures are 32°F or below with wind chill. The program has historically run from November to April. A warming center to […]

As temperatures drop, heating your home becomes essential—but for many families, it’s also a financial challenge. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is here to help. What is HEAP? HEAP provides financial assistance to eligible households for heating and cooling costs. You can receive: One Regular HEAP benefit per program year Emergency HEAP benefits if you’re in […]

The “Know Your Rights” page on dos.ny.gov is designed to provide New York State residents—especially immigrants—with essential resources and guidance to protect their rights and access vital services. Here’s a summary of its purpose and content. Purpose To educate individuals about their rights in areas such as immigration, employment, housing, health care, and safety. To […]

Send a Message to Your Representative   Congress has not yet reached an agreement on funding and the federal government is currently shut down. As a result, on November 1, federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has run out.   SNAP is an essential program that provides benefits to low-income households to […]

The 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 will have a direct impact on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in New York State who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Here’s how: 1. Increase in Monthly Benefits SSI recipients will see their monthly federal payment standard rise from $967 […]

🎃Halloween is a time for costumes, candy, and community. For people with developmental disabilities, thoughtful planning helps ensure that everyone can celebrate safely and inclusively. As an agency committed to empowering people to live meaningful lives in their communities, we are proud to share safety and inclusion tips for this season. 🛡️General Safety & Traffic […]

Scammers are trying to trick New Yorkers into giving up personal information to steal their inflation refund checks. 😡💸 💵 Important Reminder ✅ Eligible New Yorkers do NOT need to apply or sign up to receive an inflation refund check. 📄 If you filed a tax return and meet the income requirements, your check will […]