PUBLIC ASSISTANCE:
In an effort to reduce walk-in traffic into local Social Service District offices and ease access to public benefit programs during the current state of emergency, face-to-face interviews for Public Assistance are suspended through April 11.
Effective with applications received after March 16, 2020, we will move to phone interviews for Public Assistance eligibility determinations. This includes applications for Emergency Assistance and Temporary Housing Assistance. Applicants already scheduled for in person interviews the week of March 16 can contact us at 753-6960 if they would like to move to a phone interview.
New applications received after March 16 will be scheduled for a phone interview. Applicants can drop off, mail or fax 585-753-5315 new Temporary Assistance (2921) applications to the Agency. The application should clearly mark what programs the applicant is applying for and include a valid phone number. Applications received without phone numbers will continue to be scheduled for face-to-face interviews. After the phone interview, applicants will be mailed a document requirement form with instructions to submit required documents to the agency by a designated due date.
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HEAP & HERR:
Face-to-face interviews for Home Energy Assistance (HEAP) and Home Energy Repair and Replacement (HERR) assistance have also been suspended. Individuals applying for these programs should provide their application and will be contacted for a phone interview. Applications can be mailed, faxed to 585-753-6102 or dropped off to 111 Westfall Road.
We will also be suspending other non-essential appointments, including Applicant Job Search, Employment Assessments, Disability Assessment interviews and Work Experience Program orientations for 60 days. Recipients participating in assigned activities are encouraged to continue to participate if the site remains open and available, however, absences related to illness, isolation or quarantine will be considered excused and will not result in negative action. Recipients in substance use treatment as a condition of eligibility for public assistance should look to their treatment provider for guidance regarding the protocols for attendance/absences during this emergency period.
The NYS Office of Administrative Hearings has also made temporary changes to allow for phone and video conferencing for Fair Hearings. Effective with requests initiated after 3/12/20, individuals will be given the option for alternative hearings. Clients who already have in-person hearings scheduled will be permitted to adjourn the request or have the scheduled hearing redirected to telephone, video, or other means on the already scheduled date and time.
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