Federal Government Shutdown

The federally-funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) remains delayed until further notice as New York awaits funding from the federal government. Households lacking resources that can't afford a fuel delivery or are facing a utility shutoff can apply for Emergency Assistance through their local department of social services.

New York State has completed issuing full November SNAP benefits using federal funds. December SNAP benefits will be issued on a regular schedule without delay. The recently enacted federal spending bill also fully funds SNAP through the end of the federal fiscal year 2026.

Last updated: November 14, 2025, 3:40 PM

Refugee Services (RS)

OTDA Home Programs & Services Refugee Services Programs What Populations Do Refugee Services Programs Serve?

What Populations Do Refugee Services Programs Serve?

Unless otherwise noted Refugee Services programs serve the following eligible status:

  • A refugee, admitted under Section 207 of Immigration Naturalization Act (INA);
  • An asylee, granted asylum status under Section 208 of the INA;
  • A Cuban or Haitian entrant (as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 501 of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980);
  • An alien admitted into the United States as an Amerasian immigrant as described in Section 402(a) 2 (A) (I) (V) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 USC. 1612 (a) 2 (A);
  • A parolee admitted as a refugee under section 212(d) (5) of the INA;
  • A certified trafficking victim who has received a certification or eligibility letter from the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR);
  • Certain family members of a certified trafficking victim as described in Section 101 (A) (15) (T) (ii) of the INA;
  • Iraqis and Afghans granted special immigrant status as described in Section 101 (a) (27) of the INA; and
  • A lawful permanent resident admitted for permanent residence, provided that the individual previously held one of the aforementioned statuses above.

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