Financial Assistance

The Financial Assistance Division is responsible for the delivery of Temporary Assistance, Medicaid, Food Stamps and daycare subsidies, and for ensuring that only persons eligible for public assistance services are provided such aid. This division also includes employment, domestic violence and managed health care services.

Financial Assistance services are provided in the form of cash, rent, utilities, transportation, food/nutrition, housing, health insurance, daycare subsidies, job search support, and job skills training to those who meet eligibility requirements.

The government assistance programs of Temporary Assistance, Medicaid and Food Stamps are complex and goverened individually by their own set of laws, rules and regulations. The answer to most program-related questions often begin with the words, 'it depends.'

In collaboration with community case managers from several local human services agencies, we have developed and published DHS 101. This booklet of information serves as a basic guide to navigating the complex systems of social services. We try to publish updates at least once per year, but the laws often change frequently. If you see information that is out-dated, please let us know.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) us a federally funded program that assists low income households in meeting the high costs of home heating.

If you are currently receiving Temporary Assistance or Food Stamps, please contact your worker directly. In most cases, you are automatically eligible and a HEAP benefit has likely already been calculated and authorized for payment in January.

If you are a Monroe County resident age 60 years or older, and are not currently in reciept of Temporary Assistance or Food Stamps, please call the Senior Citizen's HEAP office at Lifespan at (585) 244-8400 ext. 102 for assistance. Lifespan can answer any questions you may have, assist you with the application process, and address any emergency heating situations. Best of all, this may be accomplished over the telephone.

If you are a Monroe County resident who is under 60, and facing an emergency situation such as a shut-off, denial of service, or are out of heating fuel, please come to our walk-in office at 111 Westfall Road during Normal Business Hours.

For those who have general questions, or are interested in applying for HEAP benefits, please call our invormation and appointment line at (585) 753-6477 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Special Assistance for Home Owners: If you are a home owner and your furnace is in need of repair, we may be able to assist you with the cost of the repair. For more information, please call (585) 753-6477 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Food Stamps

The Food Stamp Program is a state-administered federal nutrition assistance program. Federal Law governs the criteria for eligibility and levels of benefits. Each state is responsible for determining and documenting eligibility, issuing benefits, and maintaining records.

To apply for Food Stamps please come see us at 691 St. Paul Street and apply in person. You will be screened that day for expedited benefits and, if eligible, you will receive them the next day. Although it isfaster to apply in person, you may also download an application here and mail it to us. You will then be contacted by phone to schedule an appointment.

Applications and Instructions

Medicaid

Q. How do I apply for Medicaid?

To apply for Medicaid, applicants under age 65 and not disabled may contact CCSI at 585-613-7662, Fidelis at 866-581-8603/585-383-8104 or Excellus at 800-716-4885  to be referred to a facilitated enroller near their home. 

For applicants over 65 years old or disabled, please contact 753-6960 fir an application. Applications can also be obtained from the New York State Department of Health.

Q. Where do I call for information about Medicaid managed care programs?

For information about Medicaid managed care programs, please call 585 753-6702.

Q. How do I order Medicaid transportation to a medical appointment?

If you are a Monroe County Medicaid recipient, you may call 585 288-4680 (Medical Answering Service) to request transportation to medical appointments.

Q. How do I report Medicaid Provider or Consumer Fraud?

To report provider or consumer fraud, you may call 1-877-87FRAUD (1-877-873-7283).

Q. Where do I get information about Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus, Women-Infant-Children, or Prenatal Care Assistance Program?

Check out the information about Family Health Plus (FHP), Child Health Plus (CHP), Women-Infant-Children (WIC) or the Prenatal Care Assistance Program.

class="download">Learn more at New York State Department of Health–Consumer Info.

Q. Where do I get information about the New York State Partnership for Long Term Care?

For information about the New York State Partnership for Long Term Care visit their website.

Learn more at NYS Partnership for Long Term Care.

Q. Where do I call for an application for Family Health Plus or Child Health Plus?

To request an application or an appointment for Family Health Plus or Child Health Plus, please call 585 753-6960.

Q. Where do I call for information about home care services?

For information about Medicaid home care services programs, please call 585 753-6563.

Chronic Care Medicaid: Chronic Care Medicaid is a health care coverage for those who reside in a nursing home type setting. The intent of the program is to assist those aging and disabled residents who cannot afford to pay for their own medical care. Eligibility for the program is determined through a means test that reviews the income and resources of the individual and/or spouse applyinf for coverage. A five year review of all financial transactions is required.

Chronic Care Medicaid applications are availablein the Monroe County Department of Human Services waiting rooms located at 111 Westfall Road or 691 St. Paul Street. To request an application by phone, please call (585) 753-6960.

Learn more about Medicaid at the New York State Departmen of Health.

Home Care Services Unit: The Home Care Services Unit (HCSU) is staffed primarily by Registered Nurses who are responsible for the broad oversight of health care services which allow clients to remain at home, thus preventing more costly nursing home placements. In general, these homecare servies may include home health aide or personal care service, personal emergency response system, and housekeeping. The HCSU oversees the following programs: Anticipated Home Care Plans, Assisted Living Program, Care at Home, Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, Personal Care Aide, Personal Emergency Response System and Title XX housekeeping and chore services. HCSU Nurses do not perform hands on care. Instead, HCSU contracts with provider agencies that provide direct care. The only exception is the Consumer Directed Personal Care Program which allows the client to hire, train, supervise and fire his or her own personal care aide. Individuals must have active Medicaid coverage for HCSU programs.

Temporary Assistance

Q. How Do I Apply for Temporary Assistance?

Please come to 691 St. Paul Street or 111 Westfall Road with your completed application to be screened for shelter, utility or food emergencies.

Applications are available on the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistancewebsite, both DHS offices and at many area community service agencies. Clients may also call the appointment line at 585 753-6960 to have an application mailed to them.

The Financial Assistance Division receives over 50,000 applications yearly. Applicants are scheduled to attend an Information Session about the application process and the applicants’ responsibilities. Applicants are required to look for work throughout the application process as well as pursue any other potential benefits such as Social Security and child support.

Important: To apply for Medicaid/Food Stamps or child care benefits only call:

Medicaid/Food Stamps: 585 753-6960

Child Care: 585 753-6960

Q. What is Meant by “Work First”?

“Work First” is the phrase used to convey the primary goals for applicants and recipients ... To consider work their first priority. “Work First” is based on the idea that finding a job and earning a paycheck is the best way for families to become self-sufficient.

The responsibility of this office and our partners in the community is to support work and help families overcome barriers. For job search assistance visit RochesterWorks! (585 258-3500) at 34 St. Paul Street.

Q. When I Work, Can I Still Get Temporary Assistance?

Yes! Partial benefits are available to families depending upon how much is earned. There are over 2,000 Temporary Assistance families who work and receive partial cash benefits and food stamps. DSS will also pay for child care.

Q. What Benefits Are Available When It Ends?

If you have children, you will still be eligible for Medicaid and Child Care. All child support collected will now go directly to you. Many families who leave Temporary Assistance will still be eligible for Food Stamps.

Q. What is the Earned Income Tax Credit?

The Earned Income Credit is a special tax benefit for people who work full or part-time. Even if you don’t owe income tax, you can get the credit. But, you must file a federal tax return. New York State also has an Earned Income Tax Credit.

Accessibility

If you are hard of hearing and you need assistance you may e-mail MCDSS@monroecounty.gov

TTY and Relay Services:

New York State Relay: Dial 711
TTY Phone Numbers: (800) 421-1220 OR (800) 662-1220

• Then call: (585) 753-6000, option #1 for your worker's phone number OR option #8 for Customer Service
• You may also dial: (585) 753-6298, option #3 if you are unable to obtain the information you are inquiring about at the above phone numbers.