Financial Assistance

Contact Information

Robert Franklin

Deputy Commissioner

e-mail

Department of Human Services

111 Westfall Rd.

Rochester, NY 14620

Phone: 585 753-6298

Fax: 585 753-6296

The Financial Assistance Division is responsible for the delivery of temporary assistance, Medicaid, food stamps and day care 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, child care, job search support, and job skills training to those who meet eligibility requirements.

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.

Applications and Instructions

Medicaid

Q. How do I apply for Medicaid?

To apply for Medicaid, call 585 753-6960 and an application will be mailed to you. Or, you may pick up an application from the Monroe County Department of Human Services waiting room at 111 Westfall Rd., Rochester, NY.

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.

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.

Temporary Assistance

Q. How Do I Apply for Temporary Assistance?

To Apply: Phone 585 753-6960 to request to have an application mailed to you or you can stop at any of our offices and pick up an application.

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.