Herkimer County Department Of Social Services

This initiative delivers temporary support to individuals and families in need as they work towards becoming self-sufficient. Assistance is available for either a security deposit or the first month's rent, but not both. The program also coordinates shelter assistance during and after business hours. Additionally, it covers the costs and helps schedule burials for Herkimer County residents who pass away without financial resources or family to manage burial arrangements. Family Assistance (FA) offers financial aid to families with children, with cash benefits capped at five years within a recipient's lifetime. After this period, recipients may still qualify for benefits if an adult in the household is disabled and unable to work, or they may need to seek assistance through the Safety Net category. Safety Net Assistance (SNA) provides funds for basic living costs for single adults and couples without children, as well as families who have exhausted their five-year FA limit. Cash benefits under SNA are restricted to two years in a recipient's lifetime, after which a non-cash voucher system is utilized for assistance. Emergency Temporary Assistance, available through Emergency Assistance for Families (EAF) or Emergency Safety Net Assistance (ESNA), addresses crisis situations such as evictions, moving costs, utility shutoffs, and diversion payments to help individuals avoid ongoing assistance needs. Notably, individuals do not need to be on public assistance to qualify for Emergency Temporary Assistance.

Intake Procedure: Call or walk-in to apply

Fees: None