Erie County Social Services You Can Access from Home – Non-Emergency Assistance, SNAP (food), Medicaid, Child Care Assistance.

Residents can access Social Services’ programs using the following methods:

Non-Emergency Temporary Assistance: The Department of Social Services Temporary Assistance program provides cash assistance to individuals and families.

1.       Download and print an application here. Completed applications can be mailed to: Erie County Department of Social Services; P.O. Box 120; Buffalo, NY 14201; Attention: Temporary Assistance.

2.       Request an application by calling us at (716) 858-8000.

3.       Request an application online here. After you receive the application, complete it, and mail it to the address above.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP): The Department of Social Services provides nutrition assistance for low-income households to reduce hunger and improve nutrition and health.

  1. Download and print an application here. Completed applications can be mailed to: Erie County Department of Social Services; P.O. Box 120; Buffalo, NY 14201; Attention: SNAP Division.
  2. Applications for SNAP can be obtained by calling the SNAP Call Center at (716) 858-7239.
  3. Applications can also be completed online at www.myBenefits.ny.gov.

Medicaid: The Department of Social Services, in junction with the New York State Department of Health, provides health insurance to assist low-income individuals and families in obtaining medical care for themselves and their children.

  1. Assistance with applying for Medicaid is available by calling the New York State of Health (Health Exchange) at 1-855-355-5777.
  2. Applications can also be completed online at www.NYStateofhealth.NY.gov.

Child Care Assistance: The Department of Social Services provides child care assistance to low-income working families.

  1. Download and print an application here. Completed applications can be mailed to: Erie County Department of Social Services; 95 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202; Attention: Day Care Division.
  2. Applications for Child Care can be obtained by calling us at (716) 858-8953.

Applicants are requested to call between 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.