In January 2023, The Legal Aid Society, New York Legal Assistance Group and Dechert LLP filed a lawsuit against the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) and Human Resources Administration (HRA) for failing to process applications and recertification for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and cash assistance within the 30-day timeframe required by federal and state law.

In August, a judge ordered the City to come into full compliance with all processing requirements for these essential benefits and eliminate the backlog of delays by March 2024. Today, the City announced that nearly all of its backlog has been cleared.

“We are very pleased that the Adams Administration was able to correct the egregious backlog of applications filed by low-income New Yorkers for these life-saving benefits,” reads a statement from Legal Aid. “Going forward, we will continue to hold the City accountable for any processing delays that adversely impact our clients.”