QUESTION
How are savings generated in the NYC benefits program, and is there advocacy to restore these cuts in the executive plan?
2:53:38
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94 sec
The Department of Social Services outlines a cost-saving strategy by removing a third-party intermediary, thereby reducing administrative costs, and confirms DSS staff will administer contracts directly.
- Savings are generated by transitioning contract administration from a third-party intermediary to direct management by Department of Social Services (DSS) staff.
- This transition eliminates a layer of administrative costs, leading to savings.
- The Department of Social Services commits to continuing the funding for Community Based Organizations (CBOs) for outreach efforts.
- DSS will directly administer the contracts but will maintain collaboration with not-for-profits, ensuring their continued involvement in program operations.
Crystal Hudson
2:53:38
The preliminary plan includes Citi Fund Savings of $1,000,000 in fiscal 2024.
2:53:44
And $3,000,000 in fiscal 2025 from the NYC benefits program, which contracts with community based nonprofit organizations across the city to provide assistance with public benefits, eligibility screening, and applications.
2:53:58
Funding for this program was first added at fiscal 2023 adoption, as a joint priority between the administration and the council.
2:54:05
And it's a vital resource aiming to increase public benefits enrollment amongst low income city residents.
2:54:11
How will the savings be generated?
2:54:13
And is HRA advocating for this cut to be restored in the executive plan?
Molly Wasow Park
2:54:18
Thank you, council member.
2:54:20
We are bid cheerleaders for this initiative.
2:54:22
We think it is really important that we continue to fund CBOs to do this outreach and engagement work.
2:54:29
When the program was originally stood up in order to be able to move quickly, there was a third party intermediary.
2:54:35
So we don't actually right now, we don't directly hold the contract with the CDOs.
2:54:40
We are able to now take those over so that we're losing a layer of administrative costs in between, but the CDOs, we are going to continue to work the CDOs.
Crystal Hudson
2:54:49
Are you referring to Q And
Raquel Grant
2:54:50
A?
2:54:51
Yeah.
Crystal Hudson
2:54:51
As the 3rd party.
2:54:52
So you're saying that they will or will not continue to administer the program?
Allison Robinson
2:54:56
Q And
Molly Wasow Park
2:54:56
A will no longer administer the program.
Crystal Hudson
2:54:59
Okay.
2:54:59
So how will the operations and administration of the program change when they're no longer involved?
Molly Wasow Park
2:55:04
DSS staff will directly administer the contract.
2:55:07
But we will continue to work with the not for profits.
2:55:10
They will continue to do the work that they've been doing.
