Madison County Department of
Social Services
FOOD STAMPS
Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food
Stamp (FS) Program issues monthly benefits redeemable at authorized
retail food stores. Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household
size, income, assets and other factors. The food stamp income eligibility
limits enable families earning up to 130 percent of the poverty level to
qualify for the program, and there is no time limit for receipt of
benefits for families with children. To help with the transition to
self-sufficiency, food stamps can be continued for families leaving
temporary assistance to move into the workplace.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
Temporary Assistance (http://www.otda.state.ny.us/otda/ta/default.htm) is temporary help for needy men,
women and children. If you are unable to work, can't find a job, or your job does not pay enough, TA may
be able to help you pay for your expenses. Family Assistance (FA) provides cash assistance to needy
families that include a minor child living with a parent (including families where both parents are
in the household) or a caretaker relative. FA operates under federal Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families (TANF) guidelines. If you are not eligible for other assistance programs, you may be eligible
for SNA. SNA is for:
Single adults
Childless couples
Children living apart from any adult relative
CHILD SUPPORT COLLECTION
and ENFORCEMENT
- The child support (https://newyorkchildsupport.com/home.html) enforcement units (CSEU)
are responsible for providing the following child support enforcement services:
- Creating computerized case files.
- Initiating location searches.
- Interviewing recipients of services and non-custodial parents.
- Preparing and filing paternity and support petitions, affidavits, and orders.
- Providing legal services.
- Preparing and filing acknowledgments of paternity.
- Monitoring cases for support compliance.
- Administering support collections.
- roviding payment information.
- Issuing administrative enforcement notices.
- Referring cases to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
- Issuing orders for DNA or genetic marker testing in contested paternity cases.
- Issuing subpoenas for information.
- Accessing information from government agencies.
- Accessing employment and financial records.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES
New York State’s Welfare Reform Act of 1997 contained several new components, including the Family
Violence Option (http://www.otda.state.ny.us/otda/domv/default.htm) which addresses the safety needs
of domestic violence victims and their children who are applicants or recipients of public assistance.
The Family Violence Option includes procedures for screening for domestic violence, assessment, service
referrals and temporary waivers of public assistance requirements, which would place the victim at further
risk.
The regulation implemented on April 1, 1998 requires that:
- all applicants for and recipients of public assistance receive information about domestic violence and the protections and services available
- as part of the application and re-certification process, applicants/recipients are screened to determine those currently affected by domestic violence
- disclosure is voluntary and confidential; and
- individuals who self-identify as victims must be referred to a specially trained domestic violence
liaison who assess whether the domestic violence claim is credible and whether it impacts the individual’s
ability to meet PA program requirements such as child support cooperation requirements, work activity
requirements, and other PA program mandates.
FOOD STAMP NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM
In New York State, the nutrition education program is called Eat Smart New York
(http://www.otda.state.ny.us/otda/fs/FSNEP/FSNEP_default.htm) ! Nutrition education is
free and the only thing it costs participants is their time. Classes are held at area
cooperative extensions or at individual homes or on-site agencies like senior centers or
head start locations. During FFY 2002, local FSNEP staff across the state made 275,250
contacts with low-income residents who are participating or eligible to participate in the
food stamp program. The FSNEP mission statement is to increase food security and reduce
hunger in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and low income
people access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education in a manner that supports
American agriculture and inspires public confidence.
HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP)
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) (http://www.otda.state.ny.us/otda/heap/default.htm)
is a federally funded energy assistance program. New York's benefit program is structured in such a way
that higher benefits are provided to those households that: have larger percentages of their income spent
on energy costs; contain a vulnerable individual; and have the lowest income. Vulnerable individuals are
defined as children under the age of 6, adults aged 60 or older, or disabled individuals
EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC)
The Federal and State Earned Income Tax Credits are refundable tax benefits for working people with low
or moderate incomes. They have several important purposes: to reduce the tax burden on these workers,
to supplement wages, and to make work more attractive than welfare. Workers who qualify for the EITC
and file Federal and State tax returns can get back some or all of the income tax that was withheld
during the year. They may also get extra cash back from the IRS and from New York State if their EITC
is higher than the taxes they owe. If you are eligible for a Federal EITC, you are also eligible for
a State EITC.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
The department provides support services (http://www.labor.state.ny.us/welfare2work/WTWHomePage.shtm) for welfare recipients in their search for employment. We provide
job search assistance, job skills training, post-employment services and other programs that help overcome
barriers to employment.
MEDICAID
Medicaid (http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/medicaid/medicaid.htm) is a program for New Yorkers who
can’t afford to pay for medical care.
Medicaid may cover you if:
- You have high medical bills
- You receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- You meet certain income, resource, age, or disability requirements
- Pregnant women and children can apply at many clinics, hospitals, and Prenatal Care Assistance Program
(PCAP) offices.
*NOTE: Medicaid coverage is available, regardless of alien status, if you are pregnant or require
treatment for an emergency medical condition. A doctor must certify that you are pregnant or had an
emergency, and you must meet all other eligibility requirements.
FAMILY HEALTH PLUS
Family Health Plus (http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/fhplus/index.htm) is a public health insurance
program for adults between the ages of 19 and 64 who do not have health insurance — either on their own
or through their employers — but have incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid. Family Health Plus is
available to single adults, couples without children, and parents with limited income who are residents of
New York State and are United States citizens or fall under one of many immigration categories.
Family Health Plus provides comprehensive coverage, including prevention, primary care, hospitalization,
prescriptions and other services. There are no costs to participate in Family Health Plus. Health care is
provided through participating managed care plans in your area.
CHILD HEALTH PLUS
New York State has a health insurance plan for kids, called Child Health Plus (http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/chplus/what_is_chp.htm).
Depending on your family’s income, your child may be eligible to join either Child Health Plus A
(formerly Children’s Medicaid) or Child Health plus B. Both Child Heath Plus A and B are available through
dozens of providers throughout the state. Enrolling in Child Health Plus is easy.
DAY CARE SERVICES
In general, families are eligible for financial assistance if they meet the state's low income guidelines
and need child care (http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/becs/) to work, look for work, or attend employment
training. You are guaranteed child care if you are on Public Assistance and need child care in order to
meet any work participation requirements. You are also guaranteed assistance in paying for child care for
one year after leaving Public Assistance if you left Public Assistance for a job and need child care to go
to work. Your County Department of Social Services (in New York City, the Human Resources Administration
and Agency for Child Development) determines family eligibility based on income, reasons for needing day
care, and your child's age and individual needs. In most cases, families receiving a child care subsidy
can choose any legal child care provider. If you are interested in finding out if you are eligible for a
child care subsidy, or if you would like to apply for a subsidy for your child, contact your local
Department of Social Services. If you want general information about child care subsidies, your local
Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCRR) can also help you.
CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Suspect Abuse or Maltreatment? Report it Now!
Call our Toll Free Telephone Number: 1-800-342-3720
The abuse or maltreatment (http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/cps/) of children is against the law. Victims
need an effective child protective service to prevent them from suffering further injury and impairment.
The purpose of the Child Protective Services Act of 1973 is to encourage more complete reporting of child
abuse and maltreatment. The law established a Child Protective Service in each county in New York.
Each Child Protective Service is required to investigate child abuse and maltreatment reports, to protect
children (under 18 years old) from further abuse or maltreatment, and to provide rehabilitative services
to children, parents, and other family members involved.
If you suspect a child who has been harmed or who is at risk, dial 1-800-342-3720, to report what you have
seen or heard. You can make a difference!
PROTECTIVE SERVICES FOR ADULTS
One out of every 14 Americans over the age of 60 may be suffering from some sort of abuse. And for each
case of elder abuse reported, five more cases go unreported. It's hard to imagine that those who have
protected and cared for us for all these years may now need our care and protection, but it's true.
New York State's Protective Services for Adults (http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/psa/) program, provided
through local county departments of social services, has been created by law to aid in the protection of
impaired adults over the age of 18 who may be falling victim to abuse.
PSA clients are among the most debilitated and neglected members of the community: the frail elderly,
the mentally ill, the mentally retarded and the abused and exploited. These persons are often not known
to any agency or have refused services and are isolated from family and friends. The need to provide help\
for these individuals will continue to grow as our population ages and family ties become strained by
distance and the burden of chronic illness.
FOSTER CARE
Children are placed in foster care (http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/fostercare/) either by order of a
court (involuntary) or because their parents are willing to have them cared for temporarily outside the
home (voluntary). An involuntary placement occurs when a child has been abused or neglected
(or may be at risk of abuse or neglect) by his or her parent or someone else in the household, or because
a court has determined that the child is a “person in need of supervision” or a juvenile delinquent. The
court orders the child removed from the home and determines the length of the placement.
A voluntary placement occurs when parents decide that they are temporarily unable to care for their
child for reasons other than abuse or neglect. For example, the family is experiencing a serious medical,
emotional, and/or financial problem. The parents sign a voluntary placement agreement that lists the
responsibilities of the parents and the agency during the child’s placement. In the case of a voluntary
surrender, however, the parents voluntarily and permanently give up all parental rights and transfer
“custody and guardianship” to an authorized agency.
To become a FOSTER PARENT (http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/fostercare/requirements.htm)
, call: (315) 366-2548.
To learn more about ADOPTION SERVICES (http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/adopt/) , call: (315) 366-2548
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