Eleanor Baumes v. Abe Lavine, as Commissioner of New York State Department of Social Services

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals affirmed the Appellate Division's denial of emergency assistance under section 350-j, holding that the statute applies only to sudden emergencies such as disasters and not to ordinary wear and tear of furniture; the Court also declined to order class‑action relief. Justice Wachtler dissented, arguing that the regulation limiting relief is invalid and that the petitioners should receive emergency aid.