Albany County Department Of Social Services

This program offers temporary support to individuals and families in need as they work towards achieving self-sufficiency. Assistance can be provided for either a security deposit or the first month's rent, but not both simultaneously. Additionally, it covers the costs and helps arrange burials for Albany County residents who pass away without financial resources or family to handle the burial expenses. The Family Assistance (FA) program offers financial aid to families with children, with cash benefits capped at five years per recipient's lifetime. After this period, those who are disabled and unable to work may still receive assistance or be directed to apply for Safety Net Assistance (SNA). SNA provides funds for basic living costs for single adults and couples without children, or families that have exhausted their FA benefits, with a limit of two years of cash benefits. Following this, a non-cash Safety Net Assistance voucher system is available. Emergency Temporary Assistance is also offered through Emergency Assistance for Families (EAF) or Emergency Safety Net Assistance (ESNA) to help with urgent situations such as evictions, moving costs, utility shutoffs, and payments to prevent ongoing assistance needs. Individuals do not need to be receiving public assistance to qualify for Emergency Temporary Assistance.

Intake Procedure: Applications can be made by calling, walking in, or online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov.

Fees: There are no fees associated with this assistance.