Public Benefits

Applying for Public Assistance

How do I apply for Public Assistance? Applying for Public Assistance can be different depending on which county you are in. You should start by contacting your local Department of Social...

Applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits

If you want to apply for SNAP benefits in Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, or Wayne County you may contact the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program Coordinator (NOEP) at Legal Assistance of Western...

Article 78 Proceedings – How to Appeal an Agency Decision

What is an Article 78 Proceeding? An Article 78 proceeding is used to appeal the decision of a New York State or local agency to the New York courts. What can I do if I get a decision...

Can My Partner Live With Me If I Get Public Assistance?

Can my partner with me if I receive public assistance? Your local Department of Social Services (DSS) cannot restrict who lives with you. However, who you live with may affect the amount of...

Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Welfare Benefits

If your local Department of Social Services (DSS) believes that you may have a problem with drug and or alcohol abuse, they can refer you for an evaluation. Depending on the county you live in,...

Fair Hearings

The Fair Hearing Process When Can I Request a Fair Hearing? If the Department of Social Services (DSS) does something you do not agree with, you have the right to request a fair...

How to Appeal a Fair Hearing Decision

What can I do if I get a fair hearing decision that I disagree with? If you disagree with a fair hearing decision, you can appeal the decision in New York State courts. This appeal is called an...

Protecting Your Benefits

Each year many people have problems with their public assistance benefits. If you know your rights and plan in advance, some of these problems can be prevented. Below are some steps you can take...

Public Assistance and Child Support

Note: The genders used below are for simplicity in most of the article. For example, if you are a father caring for a child under 21 and you apply for Public Assistance, you may also have to go...

Public Assistance and Liens

What is a lien? A lien is a claim against property that FKmay be used to repay a debt. If you sell property that has a lien against it, the lien must be repaid before you get any money from...

Public Assistance and Work Requirements

Do I have to participate in Public Assistance work activities or a Work Experience Program (WEP)? When you apply for or receive Public Assistance, unless the Department of Social Services...

What You Should Know About Emergency Assistance and the Department of Social Services

If you have an emergency and cannot afford to solve the problem, your local Department of Social Services (DSS) may be able to help. You DO NOT need to be eligible for public assistance to get...

You and Your Benefits - CASH and the Child Tax Credit

This was a live recorded presentation presented in collaboration with Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc., Action for a Better Community, Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative, CASH at...

You and Your Benefits - Health Insurance