New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is a division of the New York state government responsible for overseeing programs that provide financial assistance, housing support, and other services to individuals and families in need.In 1867 a Board of State Commissioners of Public Charities was created to visit and examine into the affairs of all charitable institutions.[2][3] In 1894 a constitutional convention enacted a provision requiring the Legislature to establish a State Board of Charities to visit and inspect all institutions.[15][16] The Social Services Department and local social districts were responsible for eligibility determinations and paying claims, while the Health Department and local health districts were responsible for settings standards (including fees schedules) and supervising and surveilling providers.[16] On August 20, 1997, Governor Pataki signed the Welfare Reform Act of 1997 that, in relevant part, renamed it as the Department of Family Assistance, and also divided the department into Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and the State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).