REPORT & LEGISLATION
See how our research and laws may affect benefits, and what it means for all affected
Reports
These reports provide a clear snapshot of our progress and a roadmap for what’s ahead in addressing the benefits cliff.
They show how families are impacted, where gaps remain, and how solutions are creating measurable change.
Phase I Final Pilot Report
A detailed look at the pilot of the YourBenefitsNow calculator, capturing accuracy, usability, and impact, with insights that shaped every step of Phase II
Phase II overview
The enhanced YourBenefitsNow calculator is now more accurate, more accessible, and ready to serve the broader community, building on lessons from Phase I.
Focus group summary
Real voice from participants sharing barriers, needs, and ideas that drove the evolution of calculator and the broader projects.
Frontline Staff Feedback Summary
Insights from staff who supported clients during the pilot, showing what worked, what needed refinement, and how to make the calculator more effective.
Legislative Updates
Last Update: 11.1.2025
Care Subsidy Expansion
Families earning up to 85%. State Median income now qualify. with weekly childcare costs a $5.
What this means for you:
More families can keep childcare support even as income grows.
Free & Reduced School Lunch
Statewide access to free or low-cost school meals.
What this means for you:
Save on groceries with school-provided meals.
Expanded NY Child Tax Credit
Up to $1,000 per child under 4, and $500 for children 4–16.
What this means for you:
Extra cash at tax time for family essentials.
The Big Beautiful Bill (BBB)
Signed July 4, 2025, with changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility and requirements.
What this means for you:
Rules may change soon. Stay informed to keep benefits.
Senate Bill S244
Raises a task force to address the “benefits cliff.”
What this means for you:
Solutions may be coming to help families keep benefits longer.
Senate Bill S1454
Requires shelter allowances be set at up to one hundred percent of the fair market rent for the local social services district
What this means for you:
Assistance could better match true rent costs, easing monthly stress for households.
Senate Bill S182
Requires shelter allowances to match fair market rent.
What this means for you:
Housing assistance may soon better match actual rent costs.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Everything you need to check your benefits, find help, and plan your next steps - all in one place. Trusted by local agencies and used by individuals and families, our benefits calculator helps 79% of users feel more confident about their future.
