Hanif asks about DRI benefit takeover denials
Hanif asks how many DRI benefit takeover applications were denied because a surviving member wasn't listed on prior applications, and Shear reports none, as DOF changed its policy in fiscal year 2022 to no longer deny for that reason.
And how many DRI benefit takeover applications were denied because the surviving member had not been listed on prior applications?
Yes.
And I do have information.
I gave you three statistics.
Yes.
So just to fill out the information for 2025, we received 41 reasonable accommodation requests relating to DRI.
Two of those were denied.
And in fiscal year 2026, we received 72 reasonable accommodation requests and zero of those were denied.
Okay, and I say this, maybe this is just because I'm not as familiar, but that number seems extreme.
extremely low.
And so do you know, is it because folks are not understanding that they can apply for some of these benefits or exemptions or?
Well, to be clear, these are people who come to us who say that they have not been able or will not be able to make the deadline due to a, typically due to a disability.
Right.
So it is only a small set of the applications that we are receiving.
Most people are able to come to us with timely applications.
Okay.
And then of the, and this is in the world where people have their applications in, and do you have any sort of data or statistics on how many people have, that still could apply for certain benefits but maybe have not, and what the outreach is like there?
Yes.
We do issue a report that estimates how many are eligible,
but I want to emphasize that the mayor has been clear that he believes it is essential that we work hard to connect New Yorkers
to the services and programs available to them that can help make life in New York City more affordable.
That is why we continue to do extensive outreach for the rent freeze program in communities throughout the city.
So we do have a report, but the mayor wants us to be doing extensive outreach regardless of what's in that report.
Right.
Okay.
And we are committed to doing that.
Yeah.
No, and I have no doubt that you're committed to doing that.
I'm just trying to think, as we're going through these questions, trying to think through some creative ways of how to expand the pie, I guess, so to speak, or expand the outreach.
And then how many DRE benefit takeover applications were denied because the surviving member had, oh, I just asked that, sorry.
Yes, I didn't get to answer that.
Okay.
So please.
And the answer is none.
Do you?
COF changed its policy on this in fiscal year 2022, so we are no longer denying any for that reason.
Okay, perfect.