Government benefit programs and Social Services in Erie County New York.
Buffalo New York and Erie County residents can receive financial assistance, mainly in the form of government benefits, from the Department of Social Services. The programs, whether public assistance such as SNAP food stamps, low-income energy bill help or cash benefits focus on people who are unemployed, individuals who can't find a job, or those who are physically unable to work. Learn more on Social Services and the benefits in Erie County NY below, including how to apply.
Erie County’s Department of Social Services (ECDSS) is the main application site for essential government benefits in Buffalo and across the county. Whether you need help with groceries, a temporary cash grant, energy bills, child care, child support, or an urgent housing crisis, the county administers or connects you to programs run jointly with New York State.
Benefits to pay bills, including food and basic needs, in Erie County
Temporary financial assistance can be offered to Erie County New York residents from the government funded Department of Social Services. Any cash assistance from TANF for paying bills, medical expenses, rent, and other basic needs is short term in nature. All of the funds are temporary and have defined time limits and parameters. One of the big reasons is that Erie County has a Work First, job training program in partnership with NYS that focuses on satisfying the individual’s responsibility to achieve self-sufficiency over the long term.
Emergency Services is another benefit that provides government money. Social Services in Erie County can help people that are in urgent need, such as facing eviction, a utility disconnection or other challenge. Emergency Temporary Financial Assistance offers county residents in a crisis situation that has to be taken care of right away. Some examples of what social services can help pay for include:
- Someone who has received an eviction notice and needs funds to pay their rent in an emergency. If not qualified for Social Services, then referrals are given to other rental assistance programs in Erie County NY for the crisis.
- People who are currently homeless can get funds for paying security deposits and/or first month’s rent.
- If your utilities are currently shut off, or if you are faced with imminent disconnection, then the Erie County Social Service program may have funds.
- If need medicines for a serious illness or life threatening condition.
- Individuals who are out of heating oil or fuel may qualify for help.
- Emergency financial assistance can be provided for victims of domestic violence. If you or someone in your immediate family has been abused, beaten, or even just threatened with harm then you may be able to get help for bills.
To apply, start with Erie County’s Emergency Services page: https://www3.erie.gov/temporaryassistance/emergency-services. Applications can be mailed to Erie County DSS, Unit FA6/75000, P.O. Box 120, Buffalo, NY 14201-0120, dropped off in person at 460 Main St., 1st floor, or faxed. The county ECDSS office attempts to call you the same day for an interview if you provide a reliable phone number.
SNAP Food Stamps are another key government benefit. The local government office can also help people sign up for this program. Tens of thousands of families across Erie County New York receive help paying for food, groceries, and meals from the food stamp program, which is also known as SNAP. It has helped many people make it through a temporary hardship or crisis situation.
HEAP in Erie County is processed by Social Services. You can apply for energy bill help at the social services office. Prioirty in the application process is for senior citizens as well as families in Erie County NY that have young kids. The HEAP resource is a federal government funded utility and heating assistance program that was designed to assist low to moderate income households. Individuals can also save money on their energy bills from HEAP and specifically the weatherization program.
Erie County helps income-eligible families pay for child care while they work or attend approved education/training. Families up to 85% of New York’s State Median Income may qualify, with a sliding parent fee. You can reach the Day Care Unit at (716) 858-8953 with questions about eligibility and paperwork or learn more about ways to get help with daycare in NYS.
Other benefits from Social Services Department in Erie County
Help with medical insurance from Erie County Social Services improves access to health insurance/ The county office is also the place to contact to get information on and to learn how to apply for the federal government Medicaid Program. The program is administered across Erie County New York. In addition to that, Social Services may be able to provide low income families with access to a variety of public health insurance programs including Family Health Plus (FHP), Medicaid, Medicare Savings Program, as well as Family Planning Benefits Program.
The Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) can help establish and collect support, locate non-custodial parents, and modify orders. Erie County’s child support information and contact options are at OCSE: 95 Franklin St., Room 230, Buffalo, NY 14202; phone 1-888-208-4485.
Contact information for ECDSS
The Social Service office of ECDSS is headquartered at the Edward A. Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin St., Buffalo, NY 14202. Call the Erie County Department of Social Services at 716-858-8000.
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