Thousands of Long Islanders will see a pay bump in the new year as minimum wage increases to $17 an hour.

Some say it will help those struggling to be able to afford to live here.

"Every bit at that point makes a difference for them," said Patricia Lester, of Wheatley Heights.

Others say the minimum wage increase hurts small businesses.

"We opened here about 12 or 13 years ago. Minimum wage was $7 and change," said Nick DeVito, co-owner of Charlotte's Frozen Yogurt in Farmingdale.

DeVito says he can't afford to pay junior high and high school kids minimum wage at his ice cream and coffee shop. He says minimum wage has more than doubled since he first opened his store and he now has fewer employees working for him.

Economic advisor Martin Cantor says the 50 cents an hour increase, which equates to $20 more a week, does not offset the affordability issue of living on Long Island, but it may help someone put food on the table.

"That doesn't sound like a lot but if you're not making a lot of money, $20 could mean buying eggs and meat products or milk," Cantor said.

The minimum wage increase takes effect Jan. 1.