Temporary Assistance

Temporary Assistance manages the Family Assistance Program and the Safety Net Program. These two programs provide temporary cash support to those who are living below the poverty level. The Temporary Assistance unit also manages the federal Food Stamp Program and the Home Energy Assistance program (HEAP).

Eligibility Requirements:

Due to the complexity of the regulations in Temporary Assistance, income eligibility charts are misleading, and therefore not useful for estimating eligibility. Budgets are produced by NYS's computerized budgeting system. The policy governing eligibility for Temporary Assistance has 3 main components:

• The household's total gross income cannot exceed 185% of the household's "standard of need" before the application of exclusions or disregards. The standard of need is an amount generated by the budgeting system, and depends on a number of factors, including the number of people in the household, the type of housing, what utilities are included, type of heat, etc.
• The net income on the case cannot exceed the standard of need after deducting the $90 work disregard plus 50% of the remainder of the earned income.
• Gross income cannot exceed the current monthly poverty level.

In applying for Public Assistance (cash), a DSS-2921 "Application for Services" must be completed. This application may be obtained at either the Hopewell or Geneva Department of Social Services office. After the application has been completed, attendance at the Applicant Orientation is mandatory . The orientation is held Monday - Friday promptly at 9:30am in the Hopewell office, and Monday - Friday promptly at 9:00am in the Geneva office. Once orientation has been completed, a face-to-face interview is needed.

Family Assistance (FA)

Family Assistance (formerly ADC) provides temporary, financial and other assistance to eligible families with children as they seek financial independence. Employable adults are required to work or participate in activities leading to work for 30 hours a week.

Responsible Person: Andrea McGraw, Head Social Welfare Examiner

Safety Net (SN)

Safety Net Assistance (formerly Home Relief) provides temporary assistance to childless individuals. Able-bodied program participants are required to engage in 30 hours of work or activities that will lead to permanent, unsubsidized employment. Disabled recipients are assisted to become employable, are provided with mandated treatment, or referred to other benefits programs for the seriously disabled.