New York, NY – Mayor Eric Adams revealed the launch of a pilot program in New York City aimed at providing additional financial assistance to migrant families. Under this initiative, 500 migrant families with children will receive pre-paid debit cards, granting each member $12.52 per day, totaling approximately $350 per month for food and baby supplies. Notably, this amount surpasses the maximum monthly allotment for low-income New Yorkers receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which stands at $291 for single households, as per the state’s website.
Similar to SNAP, the newly introduced cards come with specific usage restrictions. Recipients are limited to utilizing the funds exclusively at local bodegas, grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores, ensuring that the financial aid is directed towards essential needs. The mayor’s office emphasizes that the program mirrors SNAP benefits and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, characterizing it as a “cost-saving measure” that is expected to save the city $600,000 monthly.
It is worth noting that, as with SNAP, all participating families are required to sign an affidavit confirming their commitment to using the cards for their intended purposes. Violation of the program’s terms could result in removal from the pilot initiative. Additionally, while the focus of this pilot program is currently on New York City, there is potential for similar initiatives to be implemented in other regions, including Oregon, in the future.
