Federal Government Shutdown

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown and the lack of federal funding, the start of applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has been delayed until further notice. The shutdown is not yet affecting other programs overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance — including Public Assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Applications for Public Assistance and SNAP are continuing to be accepted, benefits are being provided, and use of benefit cards are not impacted at this time. If the shutdown continues into November, benefits for SNAP could be delayed. This message will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Call your member of Congress now to let them know how these cuts would impact you, your family, and your community..

Last updated: October 23, 2025, 9:10 AM

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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