A new report from The Children’s Agenda, EdTrust-NY, and Raising New York highlights the need for more accessible public benefits programs in New York. The report surveyed 50 Monroe County families with young children, revealing challenges like confusing applications and long wait times for benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, and child care assistance.
The report emphasizes the importance of a more coordinated system, with suggestions including neighborhood-based in-person services, simplified paperwork, and better communication on recertification deadlines. The pandemic-era changes to WIC, which allowed remote enrollment, have been successful, increasing participation by 14% statewide.
“Improving families’ economic well-being is good for children and our community,” said Pete Nabozny, Policy Director at The Children’s Agenda. The report advocates for streamlined services and ongoing efforts to reduce child poverty in New York.
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