585-268-9622

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

As the name implies, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a temporary measure.  Eligibility is based on both the income and assets of the family.  Most TANF recipients are required to participate in employment programs, with a goal of becoming financially self-sufficient.  While they are working toward this goal, TANF provides cash assistance to help people pay their rent, utilities, and meet their other basic needs.  TANF recipients are also required to participate in other Department programs that apply to them, such as child support enforcement or drug and alcohol screening.

Safety Net Assistance

Safety Net assistance can help single individuals or childless couples in much the same way as TANF helps families with children.  Like TANF, eligibility is based on both the income and assets, and most recipients are required to participate in employment programs, with a goal of becoming financially self-sufficient.  All Safety Net applicants have a mandatory 45-day wait before they can receive any benefits. While working toward this goal, Safety Net provides cash assistance to help people pay their rent, utilities, and meet their other basic needs. Safety Net recipients are also required to participate in other Department programs that apply to them, such as drug and alcohol screening.

Emergency Assistance

Emergency assistance can help families and single individuals to meet one-time emergency needs.  Need and cost-effectiveness are determined on a case-by-case basis.  In some cases funds are loaned with an expectation of repayment; in other cases funds are granted with no expectation of repayment.

All services have an application and interview process. You will be required to bring several documents with you, including:

• birth certificate, driver’s license or other proof of your identity.
• social security card for all household members, including children.
• rent receipt/lease agreement or mortgage/taxes/insurance.
• gas, telephone, or electric bills
• bank statements on all checking, savings, and other accounts, including CD’s, bonds, credit unions, etc.
• pay stubs for all employment income, or self-employed records.
• copies of Social Security, VA, or other checks received.
• cancelled checks or other proof of payment to child care providers.
• cancelled checks or other proof of payment to medical provider or for Health Insurance.