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Bill

S 8672

Enacts the employer-assisted housing matching grant act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pat Fahy and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a 50% state match (up to $3,000 per eligible employee per year) for employer-provided housing assistance to care workers to improve housing stability near work locations.

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Bill Summary · S 8672

Summary of Bill S. 8672 (2025-2026) — Employer-Assisted Housing Matching Grant Act

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes an employer-assisted housing matching grant program to help workers in New York’s care sectors live near their places of employment.
  • Targets nonprofit provider agencies that support vulnerable populations (developmental disabilities, mental health, substance use, etc.) facing housing-cost barriers.
  • Aims to stabilize the care workforce by enabling eligible employees to obtain or maintain housing through employer-provided assistance paired with state matching funds.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Section 47-f):

    • Eligible employee: An individual in a qualifying care workforce position (examples include direct support professionals, CNAs, LPNs, RNs, behavioral health/human services staff, early intervention/special education therapists) who:
    • averages at least 20 hours per week,
    • has household income ≤ 150% of area median income (or lower limit set by the employer),
    • maintains a primary residence in New York State.
    • Eligible employer: A nonprofit agency funded/approved/licensed/contracted by the state Offices overseeing developmental disabilities, mental health, or addiction services.
    • Employer contribution: Cash assistance by the employer or reimbursement to the employee for documented housing costs (not in-kind benefits).
    • Program: The employer-assisted housing match grant program.

  • Program establishment and administration (Section 47-f):

    • The Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), in consultation with relevant state offices, will establish and administer the program.
    • Eligible employers may participate; multiple employers can join through a collaborative or umbrella organization.

  • Uses of funds (eligible uses):

    • Residential security deposits
    • First month’s rent
    • Emergency rental arrears
    • Down payment and closing costs for a primary residence, with a requirement that the employee occupy the home for at least one year after purchase

  • State match and funding mechanics:

    • The state provides a 50% match of the employer’s contribution per eligible employee, up to a maximum of $3,000 per eligible employee in a rolling 12-month period.
    • Funds are disbursed to the employer upon documentation of payment to landlord/manager/settlement agent.
    • Employees may receive assistance in multiple years, but total assistance cannot exceed the rolling cap.

  • Administration and oversight:

    • DHCR will publish rules/guidance on applications, documentation, allowable uses, and reporting.
    • DHCR may advance funds to employers or reimburse after payment and may reallocate unused funds.
    • Employers must file annual reports detailing participants, types of assistance, total funds disbursed, and retention outcomes; DHCR may audit and recover misused funds.

  • Coordination with other programs & outreach:

    • Participation in this program does not preclude other housing assistance.
    • The department will provide outreach materials and ensure accessible application procedures (language access, evening/weekend options).

  • Appeals: Administrative process for denied eligibility determinations.

Affected entities and beneficiaries

  • Beneficiaries: Eligible employees in qualifying care positions who meet income and residency requirements.
  • Employers: Eligible nonprofit care providers collaborating with state offices; may participate singly or in consortia.
  • State entities: Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) administering the program; collaborating with the Offices of Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health, and Addiction Services and Supports.

Timeline and effective date

  • Effective date: The act takes effect 180 days after becoming law, with immediate authority to issue rules/regulations necessary for implementation before that date.
  • Status: Referred to Housing, Construction and Community Development; later referred to Finance for reporting.

Potential impact

  • May increase housing stability for essential care workers, improving continuity of care for vulnerable populations.
  • Creates a scalable, public-private matching approach to address housing costs within the care sector.
  • Requires robust administration, clear reporting, and audits to ensure proper use of funds and program integrity.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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