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Welcome to the Department of Social Services

Rath County Office Building
95 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 858-8000
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Vision Statement

We envision a community where children, adults and families are healthy and safe and enjoy a quality life. As a responsive and efficient organization, we seek to continually engage the community in defining the role of Social Services.

Mission Statement

To engage people in need and provide a broad range of efficient and effective assistance and services with community partners to facilitate a brighter future for the people of Erie County.

Most Frequently Requested Telephone Numbers

Where do I apply for Temporary Assistance, Food Stamps, Medicaid?

Location:

Erie County Work Center
158 Pearl Street
Buffalo, New York 14202

Hours of Operation:

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM [Monday – Friday]

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Legal Advocacy for the Disabled

The Legal Advocacy for the Disabled [LAD] Unit of the Erie County Department of Social Services is dedicated solely to assisting low-income persons with the Social Security Administration’s Disability application process.

Legal Advocacy For the Disabled
43 Court Street - 4th Floor
Buffalo, New York 14202

Hours of Operation: 8:00am-5:00pm [Monday - Friday]
[716] 858-1702

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Services for Children, Families & Adults

Location:

478 Main Street
Hens & Kelly Building
Buffalo, New York 14202

Hours of Operation: 8:30am - 5:00pm

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Welcome to myBenefits!

The fast and easy way to find out about many health and human services programs and how to apply for them - anytime and anywhere. myBenefits is a quick and easy way for people in New York State to find answers to questions about New York State’s programs and services, including Food Stamps and Earned Income Tax Credits. Click the mybenefits link under the Hot Topics section on this website for further information.

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New York State Discount Prescription Program

This program has been developed by your County Executives and the County Legislatures to help lower the prescription drug cost for County residents. There is absolutely no charge to you or the County to belong to this program. This card was designed to be used if you do not have insurance or if something is not covered by your current insurance program. This card cannot be used in conjunction with another insurance program in order to discount your co-pays or deductible. Click the ProAct link under the Hot Topics section on this website for further information.

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NY Connects

What is NY Connects?

NY Connects is a trusted place where you can get the information and assistance you need to make informed decisions about long term care. NY Connects is for anyone who needs long term care information and services:

• A child or an adult with a disability
• An older adult
• Family members
• Friends or neighbors
• Helping profesionals

Click the NY Connects link under the Resources & Reports section on this website for further information.

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Affordable Housing

 Are you looking for affordable housing? Click here for further information.

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Tax Credits

For information on the following tax credit programs:

  • Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs)
  • New York State Noncustodial Parent Earned Income Tax Credit
  • Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits
  • New York State College Tution Credit and College Tuition Itemized Deduction
  • Federal Education Tax Credits
  • Solar Energy System Equipment Credit
  • Real Property Tax Credit for Homeowners and Renters 

Click here for further information.

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Paying for College

Learn about the financial aid that can help you finance your education.


Click here for further information.

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Financial Education

To assist you with credit usage and counseling, debt collection and mediation and how to open a bank account.

 

Click here for further information.

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Head Start and Early Head Start Program

Head Start and Early Head Start are comprehensive child development programs. Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5 and their families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and their families and children birth to age 3 and their families.

 

Click here for further information or to find a Head Start or early Head Start program near you.

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Consumer Information

Many consumers turn to the New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection as their first line of defense and initial point of contact with New York State government to resolve a marketplace problem or to receive guidance and information. The Division protects New Yorkers through direct assistance and mediation of their marketplace complaints. The Division provides information and guidance to New Yorkers regarding numerous issues, including credit cards, Do Not Call, identity theft, home improvement, utility services and, more.

Click here for further information. 

 

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Department Highlights

Are You a Grandparent or Non-Parent Caregiver of a Child?

You may be eligible for Cash Assistance and other benefits.

Foster Care

Are you a foster youth, foster parent, agency worker, or family member who wants information about helping prepare foster youth to enter and succeed in college?  There is help with applying for and obtaining financial aid for college. 

Child Care Policy, Procedures and Billing Manual

This manual is intended to answer any provider questions regarding Child Care payments.

Effective Wednesday, November 16th, 2011, the HEAP program will be open to the public for Regular Benefits Only

HEAP is a federally funded assistance program designed to assist low to moderate income households in Erie County, with the costs of heating their homes, and with energy conservation measures.

Pharmacy Benefit Change for Medicaid and Family Health Plus Recipients enrolled in a Managed Care Plan

Starting October 1st, 2011 pharmacy benefits will be provided by the Managed Care Health Plans {Community Blue (aka Healthnow), Independent Health, Fidelis Care of New York (aka NYS Catholic Health Plan), and Univera Community Health} for Medicaid and Family Health Plus (FHP) recipients that are enrolled in a managed care plan.

Day Care - What kind of help is available?

The Day Care Unit determines eligibility of families for day care subsidies and promotes quality day care in our community. 

Hot Topics
  • Do you want to improve your Families nutrition? Click here. 
  • For help in stretching Food Stamp Dollars, click here.
  • For more information on nutrition, click here
  • MyBenefits - To find out about human services programs and how to apply for them. Click here for myBenefits.
  • National Runaway SwitchBoard - Help keep runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe and off the streets. Click here.
  • ProAct - A program developed to help lower your prescription drug cost. Click here for ProAct.
  • To translate a Web Page or text into another language, click here.

 

 

Resources & Reports

 

Important Links