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1. How do I apply for Temporary Assistance?

You must first fill out a common application form and submit it to our office. You may come to our office to obtain an application or you may call to request one to be mailed to you. You may also download an application from www.mybenefits.ny.gov. Once we receive your application we will send you an appointment letter to come in for the mandatory face to face interview. If you have an emergency such as an eviction, utility shut off, domestic violence etc. you may submit your application and be seen the same day for an interview without a scheduled appointment. www.mybenefits.ny.gov.

2. What are the income guidelines for Temporary Assistance?

You can find the current income eligibility guidelines by going to www.mybenefits.ny.gov. www.mybenefits.ny.gov

3. Do I have to come into the office to apply?

Yes, you must have a face to face interview for Temporary Assistance. All adult members of the household must be present to apply.

4. What documentation will I be asked to submit?

All cases are different, however, we will need birth certificates and social security cards for all members of your household, proof of residence, verification of shelter expenses, verification of last 4 weeks wages (if you just started a job we will need a statement from your new employer stating your rate of pay and hours worked weekly), verification of all resources, deed to your home if you own one, verification of school attendance etc. Please understand this is just a guide and you may be asked to submit more documents after you are interviewed and that these documents do not need to be submitted right away. We give 10 days to obtain any documents requested at interview. However, if you are seeking emergency assistance you will want to submit documentation as soon as possible.

5. Once I apply, when will I receive my benefits?

Applications will be processed within 30 days from the date of application. If you are a single individual you will not receive cash benefits until 45 days after your application date.

6. If I am living in a county other than Washington County and am seeking help to move to Washington County can I apply in Washington County?

No, you must apply in your county of residence.

7. My landlord is threatening to evict me as I have been unable to pay my rent- what do I do?

We may be able to help pay for rental arrears to prevent your eviction. You would have to apply for Temporary Assistance, have a face to face interview and submit documentation requested to determine if you fit the eligibility criteria.

8. I am behind in my rent and am unable to pay. Do I have to have a court ordered eviction in order to receive help with the arrears?

No, but you do have to have a written eviction letter from your landlord showing intent to evict due to nonpayment of rent. If you wait to apply until after a court eviction notice is received, it may be too late to stop the eviction.

9. If I have no place to stay, what do I do?

You should ask friends and relatives if you can stay with them temporarily. If you are unable to find someone to stay with then you should come into the agency to apply for temporary housing.

10. My electricity is going to be turned off for non-payment- what do I do?

We may be able to assist with utility arrears through the Temporary Assistance program. You must come into the agency and have a face to face interview. Prior to coming into the agency you must call the utility company and do a financial worksheet over the phone. This is a necessary part of the interview and will be accessed via the utility’s website by the examiner who conducts your interview. You will be asked to verify your income, resources and expenses as well as provide birth certificates and Social Security cards.

11. I am a non-parent caregiver for a child in my home. What services are available to me and the child?

You can apply for Temporary Assistance and Medicaid for them. Your income does not count as this would be considered a child only case. You may apply for SNAP for the entire household as well if your combined income is below the income guidelines.

View information on Non-Parent Caregivers (Grandparents, Other Relatives, Friends) Caring for Children