NYC Substantially Reduces Benefits Backlog, Mayor Adams Announces

Nearly 90% of SNAP and 97% of cash assistance backlogs have been addressed, with efforts to meet court-ordered deadlines ongoing.

Mayor Eric Adams reports significant progress in addressing the backlog of SNAP and cash assistance claims in NYC, with 90% of SNAP and 97% of cash assistance cases resolved.
A Manhattan federal court had previously mandated the city to clear all backlogged applications within a 30-day timeframe by the end of March, a goal that is nearing completion.
The city's efforts included hiring nearly 1,000 additional social services workers and investing in technology to speed up the processing of claims.
Despite the progress, over 400 SNAP applications and 1,150 cash assistance cases are still pending, with the city confident they will meet the court's deadline.
The Legal Aid Society, representing plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit that led to the court order, awaits further details on how the backlog was reduced and will continue to hold the city accountable for any processing delays.