NY A01998

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) applicants age 18 and older must submit to a written substance abuse screening inventory test and may be subject to drug testing as a condition of receiving benefits

Reasonable suspicion for drug testing includes being charged with controlled substance offenses, screening test results indicating risk, or previously failing a drug test under this program

Recipients who test positive can continue receiving benefits if enrolled in a drug treatment program, but must test negative on two consecutive tests within four months or face a three-month ineligibility period

Testing positive when reapplying after an ineligibility period results in permanent disqualification from TANF for the individual, and children in their household become ineligible while residing with them

Drug test costs are paid by the local social services office unless the individual tests positive, in which case costs are deducted from future benefits; test results cannot be used against defendants in criminal proceedings