“This first-of-its-kind partnership in New York is an example of how the public and private sectors can work together to foster a brighter future for the low-income families of our State,”Governor Paterson said. “These $200 grants will provide thousands of families with a much needed financial boost so that they can better meet the needs of their children as they prepare to go back to school. This partnership is a continuation of my commitment to aggressively identifying opportunities to use economic stimulus funds to help our neediest New Yorkers and to bolster our State’s economy.”
Mr. Soros said: “Even in the toughest of economic times, getting ready for school is important. When I was a student right after WorldWar II, I had no money. I received cash from charities and I remember how important that was to my education. Since then, I have been very fortunate, so I am happy I've been given the opportunity today to help others. I hope these funds will relieve some of the financial burden on New York’s families so their children can start the school year off with a measure of optimism and hope for the future.”
Starting today, the $175 million sum is providing eligible families of school children, ages 3-17, with a one-time payment of $200 per child. The funds are available through the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card system, which is used to access public assistance and food stamp benefits. Recipients can use their EBT card to withdraw the funds through an ATM, or to pay for items at retail locations where the cards are accepted.The supplements will be placed in accounts for each eligible family that can be accessed with their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which are normally used to access public assistance and food stamp benefits. Two-thirds of the eligible recipients of the back-to-school supplements are in food stamp-only households, and the majority of these households are low-income working families or families receiving unemployment benefits.
Families can use the money to buy their children books, pencils, pens, notebooks, calculators, backpacks, shoes, tutoring, school uniforms and other clothing and essential school items. Families should look to take advantage of discounts offered by retailers in the coming weeks before school starts. The $175 million in Back-To-School Supplements will provide an economic boost to communities through out the State as families purchase supplies, bolstering back-to-school retail sales.
Families should also check the New York State Consumer Protection Board’s “Stretch Your Dollar” tips at www.consumer.state.ny.us/syde_page.htm,to get ideas on how to make the back-to-school funds buy more while spending less to help their children. Recipients’ eligibility for public assistance, food stamps, child support and medical assistance will not be affected by receiving these one-time Back-To-School Supplements.
According to the NYC welfare office the funds are available for withdrawal up to 90 days from today.
