New York City experienced a significant increase in the number of residents receiving cash assistance last fiscal year, with 787,400 individuals receiving welfare checks. This is the highest number of welfare checks issued in over two decades, dating back to the Giuliani administration. Mayor Adams budgeted $2.46 billion in federal, state, and city funds for cash assistance payments during the fiscal year that ended on June 30, up from $1.99 billion in Fiscal Year 2023 and $1.57 billion in Fiscal Year 2022.
The surge in New Yorkers seeking handouts is attributed to the economic impacts of the pandemic, especially affecting people of color. Despite concerns about the growing welfare rolls, the city’s Department of Social Services clarified that the migrant crisis is not responsible for the rise in assistance. However, more migrants, including non-citizens with pending asylum applications, are receiving monthly checks through modified eligibility rules for the “Safety Net Assistance” program.
The history of welfare reform in New York City, particularly under Mayor Giuliani, saw a significant decrease in the number of individuals receiving assistance through initiatives focused on getting recipients back to work. While Mayor Adams’ administration has reinstated mandatory work requirements for welfare recipients to promote self-sufficiency, the number of individuals receiving assistance remains high. The city is working to connect recipients to employment supports to help them achieve financial independence.
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