CLAFIN v. WING (1998)

There is no merit to the contention of petitioner that the notice of decision to discontinue her public assistance and medical assistance was not adequate to inform her of the action to be taken and the reasons for that action (see, Matter of Perry v. Wing, 242 A.D.2d 964, 665 N.Y.S.2d 947;  cf., Matter of Pleasant v. Wing, 249 A.D.2d 986, 671 N.Y.S.2d 383).   The notice stated that petitioner did not complete employment requirements because she failed to contact five employers per week for the week beginning May 30, 1997.   At the fair hearing, Jefferson County Department of Social Services (DSS) submitted proof establishing that petitioner had failed to make the required number of employer contacts.   DSS also submitted proof concerning an additional charge that petitioner failed to attend a Job Search appointment.   The record establishes that petitioner presented a defense to that additional charge, and thus petitioner has failed to show how she was prejudiced by the allegedly defective notice (see, Matter of Garofalo v. Dowling, 223 A.D.2d 770, 772, 635 N.Y.S.2d 986;  Matter of Mecca v. Dowling, 210 A.D.2d 821, 824, 620 N.Y.S.2d 584).   Respondents' determination is supported by substantial evidence (see, 300 Gramatan Ave. Assocs. v. State Div. of Human Rights, 45 N.Y.2d 176, 180, 408 N.Y.S.2d 54, 379 N.E.2d 1183;  Matter of Casid v. Prinzo, 232 A.D.2d 860, 861-862, 649 N.Y.S.2d 64).

Determination unanimously confirmed without costs and petition dismissed.

MEMORANDUM: