DOH Provides ACFs Flexibility with New EQUAL SFS Verification Requirement
(Jan. 10, 2026) Adult care facility (ACF) members who received EQUAL funds should have received Intent to Award letters on Dec. 18, 2025 with notice that proposed spending plans must be sent to ltcresidentialsupport.equal@health.ny.gov by 5:00 p.m. on January 19, 2026. Failure to meet that deadline could jeopardize your funding.
This year’s process also included requirements to include proof of Statewide Financial System (SFS) Vendor Identity.
Unfortunately, some providers were having difficulty accessing their SFS accounts, and were told it may take up to two weeks to resolve with the SFS system. Out of concern for providers and the residents who rely on EQUAL, LeadingAge NY together with other associations, reached out to DOH to request more flexibility with this requirement to allow time to resolve the SFS account issues. As a result, DOH sent out the below message on Jan. 8th, providing more flexibility, with a requirement to verify information via email with DOH.
While we appreciate this flexibility, we strongly urge members to ensure the SFS information is accurate to prevent any error or delay in the delivery of funds. Questions can be directed to HelpDesk@sfs.ny.gov.
Message from DOH:
DAL DRS 25-05 and associated instructions, dated October 3, 2025, outline the requirement to submit proof of Statewide Financial System Vendor Identity with proposed spending plans. Guidance on obtaining such proof is also provided.
Although we believe sufficient time was provided to verify this critical information, we are understanding of the difficulties facilities are facing. While we encourage facilities to make every attempt to provide this information and to ensure they have access to their respective SFS Profiles, we will waive the requirement of such submission.
Please Note: Submissions must still conform to the following requirement as set forth in the DAL:
- The proposed plan must include either the Resident Council Representative Approval or, for those facilities without a Resident Council, a Resident Petition in Support. Submissions must be completed using the appropriate form (Attachment 1). Failure to submit a proposed spending plan within thirty (30) calendar days will be considered forfeiture and the funding may be reallocated to other awardees pursuant to the Department’s funding methodology
Upon receipt and review of proposed spending plans, our EQUAL team will respond to the submitter with the Vendor ID, Payee Name and Payment Address. Facilities must reply with either confirmation or corrections within three (3) business days of receipt.
We hope this is helpful as we move toward a smoother process in future funding years.
Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828