Rensselaer County Department Of Social Services

This program offers temporary assistance to individuals and families in need as they work toward achieving self-sufficiency. It can help with either a security deposit or the first month's rent, but not both. Additionally, it is responsible for funding and coordinating burials for Rensselaer County residents who pass away without financial resources or family to manage the arrangements. Family Assistance (FA) offers financial support to families with children, with cash benefits capped at five years per recipient's lifetime. After this period, if an adult is disabled and unable to work, they may continue to receive benefits or may need to apply for support through the Safety Net category. Safety Net Assistance (SNA) provides financial aid for basic living costs to single adults and couples without children, or families who have exhausted their five-year FA limit. Cash benefits under SNA are limited to two years per recipient's lifetime, after which a non-cash voucher system is implemented. Emergency Temporary Assistance, available through Emergency Assistance for Families (EAF) or Emergency Safety Net Assistance (ESNA), offers help during crises such as evictions, moving costs, utility shutoffs, and diversion payments to prevent ongoing assistance needs. Individuals do not need to be enrolled in public assistance to qualify for Emergency Temporary Assistance.

Intake Procedure: Contact via phone or visit in person for information and services.

Fees: None.