NYLAG Sues New York City for Delays in SNAP and Cash Assistance Benefits Processing
Forest v. City of New York
Thousands of New York City families rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and cash assistance benefits to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. Federal and state law require the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) and Human Resources Administration (HRA) to process applications and recertifications for these essential benefits quickly—within 30 days. Yet DSS and HRA are falling far short of this requirement, taking weeks or even months to process applications and recertifications. The New York Legal Assistance Group, along with the Legal Aid Society and the law firm Dechert LLP, filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of New York City residents to challenge these systemic delays, Forest v. City of New York.
On January 27, 2023, the Forest plaintiffs filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction and class certification. Those motions are pending before the Court.
More Information:
Name: Forest v. City of New York
Dkt. #: 23-cv-743 (S.D.N.Y.)
Judge: Hon. Jennifer H. Rearden
Co-Counsel: The Legal Aid Society, Dechert LLP
Status: Complaint Filed, motion for preliminary injunction and class certification pending
Claims:
Violations of the SNAP Act and implementing regulations; violations of the New York State Social Services Law and implementing regulations, violations of the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution
Highlights:
- January 30, 2023: Press Release
- Media Coverage
