TCA in the News
The Children’s Agenda issues report on navigating public assistance programs
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The Children’s Agenda published a new report on Thursday that aims to give New York state officials recommendations on how to make it easier to enroll in public assistance programs like WIC, SNAP, and Medicare.
The nonprofit advocacy group surveyed 50 parents about their experience with navigating public assistance programs. It concluded that the application process should be simplified.
“It doesn’t really help a family if they qualify for a program, but it’s so hard to access that the supports don’t get out the door,” said Pete Nabozny, policy director at The Children’s Agenda.
He said the state should reexamine the amount of paperwork needed to apply for and renew benefits.
“Those stressors can lead to kids not getting the care they need,” he said. “You shouldn’t have to worry about that paperwork.”
Nabozy said the report findings will be included with the state’s Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council recommendations this fall.