What to Expect

We are committed to assisting and supporting you in a professional and respectful manner. We want to help you with your goal of achieving self-sufficiency.

You, in turn, must be committed to becoming self-sufficient and must be responsible for participating in activities to reach self-sufficiency including work activities.

What to Expect when you visit the office

.... when you first visit the office you will be asked by reception staff how they might help you. Once you state your business, they will give you some information, application packets, etc. for your use, and they will offer to ask someone from the staff to meet with you to clarify what we may or may not be able to do to assist. You might also be given some information of other places in the community that may be able to lend a hand or help with your issue.

As you meet with program staff, they will share with you information you need to have to be able to formally request services.

How Long will it take?

The time you spend in the office depends on the complexity of your needs and possible solutions. We attempt to see everyone asking for some assistance within a half hour of their arrival. Depending on what program(s) you apply for will determine how long you may have to wait for actual assistance.

Time frames before services that you might experience:
Time frames for emergency services/ immediate needs are handled on the same day as the application or visit to the office.

Time frames for cash assistance and medical application are 30 to 45 days after submitting an application.

Time frames for food stamps, child care, HEAP range from 30 to 45 days after a completed application.

Time frames for adult service programs and for children's service programs will generally be determined by the particular need and issue.

What you might need to bring with you:

Since may of the programs offered through the Department of Social Services have eligibility requirements applicants must provide documentation. You will be apprised of the factors (such as income, age, social security number and so on) that must be verified for the type of program or assistance that you are applying for at your first visit to the department. You will be given information on the type of documentation that we may accept: generally if you can supply that to us at your full interview, the length of time necessary to authorize services will be speeded up.

A form listing the various documentation needed for most applications for services is here.