Court Rules Minimum Wage Applies to Public Benefits Work Program

The New York Court of Appeals has ruled that minimum-wage protections apply to public assistance receipients.

New York state is entitled to seize lottery winnings from people who have received public assistance. Courthouse News' Rose Bouboushian reports that the court reasoned that a Vietnam veteran, who received public assistance, was entitled to keep his $10,000 lottery winnings. Taking those benefits would have meant the veteran earned less than minimum wage while he was enrolled in a work experience program. By participating in the program, he was entitled to receive cash assistance and food stamps.