Assistance Programs

Broome County Department of Social Services

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

607-778-8850

The Assistance Programs Division is responsible for the administration of the benefits programs. These include SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps), Temporary Assistance, Medicaid, Home Energy Assistance Program and Welfare to Work

You can find more information about these programs at:

www.myBenefits.ny.gov

SNAP

Food Stamps or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federally funded program adminsitered by the Department of Social Services for the United States Department of Agriculture. The goal of the program is to provide a higher level of nutrition to income eligbile individuals and families by enhancing their ability to purchase food.

Eligibility for the program is determined by financial criteria. Those found eligible receive an EBT (electronic benefit card) which is scanned in any of 29 local grocery stores and farmers markets in Broome County.

How to Apply for SNAP (Food Stamp) Benefits SNAP Eligibility

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) website

Applications, Forms and Information

Landlord Form SNAP WORK REGISTRANTS, NEED ASSISTANCE WITH JOB SEARCH?

SNAP (Food Stamps) and applications for other benefit programs (including applications in languages other than English and recertification forms)

When to Contact JP Morgan Customer Service. Call if:
You need your SNAP or cash account balance.
You have question or problems with your SNAP or cash account information.
Your card is lost, stolen or damaged.
You suspect that a transaction error occurred and you would like to file a claim.
You need information about using your benefit card or PIN.
Call toll free 1-888-328-6399 or on the Internet www. ebtaccount.jpmorgan.com
Your call will be answered by an automated system. You will be guided through menu options to help direct your call.

Community Resources: First Call For Help Choose My Plate


If you have a question regarding your benefits or would like to contact a local SNAP (Food Stamp) representative, you may call us at 607-778-2603 or email us at:
BCDSSSNAP@dfa.state.ny.us

Temporary Assistance

Is the cash component of the Assistance Programs. Consumers receive a cash benefit either paid to them or to a vendor to pay for specific household needs. Household compostion, resource and income levels will affect the amount of the shelter, heat, utility and other payments made for eligible families and individuals.

If you are a non parent caregiver for a minor child, you may also be eligible for cash assistance. Find more information at this link: Non-Parent (Kinship) Caregiver Assistance.

NYS Kinship Navigator provides information, advocacy and community referrals for resources to those who are raising someone else's child. The link to NYS Kinship Navigator is: www.nysnavigator.org<http://www.nysnavigator.org/>

NYS OTDA

Administration for Children & Families Department of Health & Human Services

Medicaid

Medicaid is the program that enables indigent individuals in our community to obtain necessary medical care, services and supplies by assisting them with the payment for such services. The increasing numbers of elderly in the community and federal policy changes, which added new programs, such as guaranteed continuuous coverage for children under 19, Facilitated Enrollment and Family Health Plus, continue to drive Medicaid caseload increases.

Application Assistance
No appointment required, walk-ins welcomed

Business Hours:
Monday- Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00PM.

Contact Number:
607.778.2604

Family Health Plus

Child Health Plus

Medicaid

Medicaid - Nursing Home/Chronic Care

Application Assistance
No appointment required, walk-ins welcomed.

Business Hours:
Monday- Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Contact Number:
607.778.2793

Unit Description:
Determines Medicaid eligibility for Nursing Home and Spousal Long Term Home Health Care with Waivered Services for Spousal Impoverishment cases.

NYS Health Department Broome County Health Department

HEAP

HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) provides energy assistance to low income housholds through payments to those households' fuel and/or utility suppliers. This program also provides emergency assistance for repair or replacement of applicant- owned essential heating equipment and in fuel emergency situations. This program includes a twenty-four hour hotline operational from October 15th thru April 30th.of each year to ensure that county residents have recourse in the event of an emergency when the department is not open.

Contact Number:
607.778.2638

HEAP PROGRAM - NYS OTDA How To Apply For HEAP

If you are over 60 years of age, you may apply for HEAP at the Broome County Office For Aging

Welfare to Work (WTW)

Provides employment services including assessment, employment planning, job readiness classes, workfare, job placement, and case management for Temporary Assistance applicants and recipients.

In addition to the services offered at our Main Street office, we also offer a Welfare to Work office located at 171 Front Street in Binghamton. Co-located with the Broome County Office of Employment and Training, New York State Department of Labor and the Broome County Daycare Unit we strive to connect all Temporary Assistance applicants and recipients with employment opportunies to help them obtain and maintain self-sufficiency.