Erie county temporary assistance application
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Welcome to Erie County, NY
Temporary Assistance » Emergency Services - Apply
Emergency Services - Apply
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- COVID-19 Update: For client and employee safety, we are practicing social distancing, reducing face-to-face contact as much as possible. You have additional options for submitting your application and you are temporarily not required to be interviewed face-to-face.
- Applications for Emergency Assistance may be (1) faxed to: 716-858-2628, (2) mailed to: Erie County Department of Social Services, Unit FA6/75000, P.O. Box 120, Buffalo NY 14201-0120, or (3) dropped off at 460 Main St, 1st floor. Please provide a reliable phone number on your application. We will attempt to contact you the same day for an interview.
- Clients with immediate needs may still apply in person at 460 Main St, 2nd floor.
- Emergency Services provides one-time emergency grants and/or loans to eligible individuals and families, experiencing immediate or special needs, which cannot otherwise be met by ongoing Temporary Assistance or by their current income and resources.
- Applications are madein person, Monday-Friday, at 460 Main St, 2nd floor, Buffalo NY 14202. An elevator is provided for your convenience.
- Our reception is located at Windows 2 & 3, and is open from 8:00am-4:00pm. In general, we are a “First Come, First Served” unit, but some appointments may also be made, depending on individual circumstances.
- Emergency Services’ application process is different from Temporary Assistance, because there isn’t a 30 or 45-day waiting period before finding out if you’re eligible.
- When your application is assigned to one of our workers, we generally provide you with a decision that same day. For this reason, it is important to bring all your documentswith you at time of application and expect to spend several hours in our office, whether you are a walk-in or have an appointment.
- Specific instructions about how to apply for each type of Emergency Service is included within the "Benefit" section about that benefit type.
Having Someone Represent You
General Information
- If you are physically unable to apply on your own, you may have someone represent you. The person you choose may be a friend, family member, neighbor, social worker, service coordinator, or someone else you trust. What’s important is that they are willing and able to act on your behalf, and are able to answer questions about your household, emergency, and financial situation.
- If you cannot find someone who can assist you, there may be other options available.
- If you are over 60 years old, you can call Erie County Senior Services/NY Connects at 858-8526.
- If you or your spouse receive SSI, you may contact Erie County Adult Protective Services at 858-6877.
Documentation for Reps
- Along with common documents needed for your application, your representative should submit:
- Photo identification for themselves and for you.
- Proof of your physical inability to appear in person (usually medical paperwork, but may also be employment verification, confirming your work schedule/ inability to be interviewed during regular business hours).
- Application completed and signed by you. If your representative is not your legal Power of Attorney they cannot sign an application on your behalf.
- Authorization to act on your behalf. This can be as formal as an agency consent form, Power of Attorney document, or as informal as a handwritten letter, signed by you. Here’s a simple example of what that letter might look like:
I, Jane Doe, allow my daughter Mary Doe to represent me in my application for moving assistance today. I cannot come in because I am currently on bed rest after my surgery.
JANE DOE
Common Documents Needed for Application
- Regardless of your emergency, you will most likely need to provide the following:
