Eligibility
• Families with children under the age of 18 are eligible for cash benefits, which New York calls welfare or temporary family assistance. A family's gross income must be less than 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for a family of that size. Families can qualify regardless of whether both parents live in the home; however, if either parent abuses drugs or alcohol, that person's substance abuse disqualifies the family from cash benefits.

Benefits Cap
• Each individual living in New York may receive benefits for a total of 60 months over his lifetime. The 60 months do not have to be continuous. For example, if a person is on welfare for three months, then five years later experiences a financial crisis, that person is only eligible for benefits for an additional 57 months. In households where more than one adult is on welfare, the entire household loses the right to cash benefits as soon as any adult reaches the 60 month cap.

Work Requirement
• Adults on welfare in New York must begin working no later than 24 months after their welfare application is approved. How much work an adult must do depends on the amount of benefits he receives, including food assistance as well as welfare. Adults may substitute going back to school to get necessary education or skills to become employable. Self-employment does not count towards the work requirement. Single parents may be required to work up to between 20 and 30 hours per week, depending on their children's ages, while non-parents may be required to work up to 35 hours per week.

Domestic Violence Exceptions
• Persons who fear domestic violence from a partner or former partner may request an exception from certain requirements. Domestic violence victims can request a waiver from the work requirement or an extension of the 60-month time limit if they can demonstrate that these requirements increase the risk of domestic violence for themselves and their children. New York grants waivers from the work requirement for persons fearful that they will be stalked at work and gives an extension to person who cannot work because of a physical or mental condition caused by domestic violence.