§ 131-q. Electronic payment file transfer system pilot project. * 1. The commissioner is empowered to authorize the city social services district of the city of New York to continue the pilot project for the design, development, implementation and operation of an electronic payment file transfer system, in accordance with regulations of the department, as an alternative means of delivery of grants and allowances to public assistance recipients.

* NB Expired July 1, 1984

2. The city social services district is authorized to initiate activities to prepare for a city-wide conversion to the electronic payment file transfer system provided, however, the department shall conduct a hearing to elicit information concerning the effectiveness of such system and the impact of such system upon recipients, and such other matters as the department may deem relevant. Following such hearing, the commissioner may authorize city-wide implementation of such system.

3. A recipient residing in the city social services district in a geographical area where the electronic payment file transfer system is in operation shall be required to receive his public assistance grants and allowances at a location designated by the social services district. A recipient who is subject to the provisions of this chapter relating to work requirements shall remain subject to such provisions regardless of the location where he receives his public assistance grants and allowances.

4. The provisions of subdivision one of this section shall expire on, and be of no further force and effect after July first, nineteen hundred eighty-four.