NY A04266

Adds definition of "disability" to social services law meaning a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, with detailed specifications of covered conditions and activities.

Requires local social services districts to offer reasonable accommodations to public assistance applicants and recipients who have disabilities and fail to complete required processes, and prohibits conditioning benefits eligibility on completion of disability screenings or assessments.

Extends the timeline for providing medical documentation from 10 to 15 calendar days and requires districts to refer individuals without medical documentation to an independent health care practitioner for evaluation and determination of disability status and functional limitations.

Mandates districts accept medical documentation containing a specific diagnosis as sufficient evidence of work inability and modify work assignments accordingly; requires annual review and reassessment of employability plans to determine if assigned activities are helping individuals reach employment goals.

Limits job search activities to six weeks per calendar year for recipients determined to have a disability, unless the district finds additional time is needed, and requires work assignments to be consistent with treatment plans and limitations established by health care practitioners.