Federal Government Shutdown

Programs overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance – including Public Assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – are not immediately affected by the federal government shutdown and are continuing to operate. Benefits will continue to be provided, and use of benefit cards are not impacted by the shutdown. Additionally, applications for these programs overseen by OTDA will continue to be accepted at this time. This message will be updated if additional information becomes available.

Last updated: October 1, 2025, 9:10 AM

Division of Housing and Refugee Services

OTDA Home About OTDA Division of Housing and Refugee Services

Richard Umholtz, Deputy Commissioner

Housing and Refugee Services (HRS) administers housing-related programs targeted to homeless individuals and families as well as programs for refugees, repatriated American citizens, and victims of human trafficking.

  • Housing Services administers an array of programs to address the problems of homelessness in the State. These services range from programs which prevent homelessness to the construction of housing for homeless individuals and families. Other programs provide essential services to homeless persons to stabilize their housing situation and increase their levels of self-sufficiency.
  • Refugee Services directs resources to local contracted agencies to provide assistance to refugees and their families with employment and support services towards early economic and social self-sufficiency, to assure foster care for unaccompanied refugee minors, to assist victims of human trafficking, and to help repatriated U.S. citizens arrive home safely from abroad.

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