New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 18 - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Chapter II - Regulations of the Department of Social Services
Subchapter B - Public Assistance
Article 3 - Authorization and Payment
Part 381 - Method Of Payment
Section 381.1 - Definitions

(a) Unrestricted money payment. An unrestricted money payment means one which is paid to the grantee, in cash, by check, or through an electronic benefit transfer system, and without direction on the check or by letter or by agreement as a condition of receiving the payment or by other notice, that the recipient must use his or her money in a specified way or for a specified purpose. Such unrestricted money payments must be payable to:

(b) Restricted money payment. A restricted money payment is a money payment made to or on behalf of eligible individuals or families in a form other than in cash, checks, warrants, or through an electronic benefit transfer system, immediately redeemable at par with no restrictions imposed by the agency on the use of the funds by the individual.

(c) Indirect or vendor payment. An indirect or vendor payment means issuance of an order to a vendor, or payment to a vendor for furnishing food, living accommodations, or other goods or services to a recipient.

(d) Protective payment. A protective payment means a check or warrant payable to an individual, other than the eligible relative in the case of family assistance, when payment is determined to be in the best interest of the recipient in accordance with the provisions of this Part.