On September 15, 2025, Abby Biberman, Associate Director of NYLAG’s Public Benefits Unit, delivered NYLAG’s joint testimony before the New York City Council on the catastrophic effect that federal budget cuts will have on New Yorkers’ access to public benefits and urged the Council to cap the rental contribution for CityFHEPS recipients at 30%.
Federal budget cuts and changing eligibility criteria for Medicaid, SNAP, housing, and other critical programs pose a threat to New Yorkers’ health and safety. In the face of these federal rollbacks and dual cost-of-living and housing crises, New Yorkers shouldn’t be overburdened by rent.
CityFHEPS was created to help New Yorkers transition out of shelters and avoid eviction by providing stable housing support. Increasing rent contributions for long-term recipients (many of whom continue to face financial instability) undermines the program’s core purpose. It penalizes individuals for maintaining employment while still needing support, and increases the risk of eviction, homelessness, and a return to shelter.
Housing instability has far-reaching consequences. Families paying 40% or more of their income toward rent have little room for emergencies. A missed shift at work or an unexpected expense can quickly lead to arrears and eviction. Children in rent-burdened households face worse health outcomes, developmental challenges, and reduced access to food and healthcare. Evictions worsen mental and physical health and often force families into lower-quality housing or homelessness.
