Social Services

Our Vision

The Yates County Department of Social Services will be recognized as a leader and a partner in building a healthy, safe and caring community through our compassionate and respectful services to individuals and families.

Services

Find out if you may be eligible for any of our income related services and apply online.

*As of April 28, 2020, Yates County now has a new, free mobile application (app) available to county residents that enables them to submit necessary documents. NYDocSubmit is a mobile app that provides individuals who have applied for or are receiving Department of Social Services (DSS) benefits, the ability to simply and quickly submit documentation to the DSS. This mobile app is available for download on Google PlayTM or the Apple App StoreTM and can be used to take photos of documents and upload them to [insert county] DSS. During this time of COVID-19 restrictions, having the ability to submit the necessary documentation from the comfort and safety of home is essential to continue supporting families in our county.

COVID-19 has impacted the employment and income of many county residents. Anyone in receipt of SNAP whose employment has been affected, either because they are currently unemployed or are experiencing a decrease in hours worked, should report these to changes to Yates County DSS as soon as possible as it may affect their SNAP benefit amount. A convenient way to report this information is to complete and submit an online SNAP change report form (https://www.mybenefits.ny.gov/). If you are now in receipt of unemployment, you can submit proof of this and other documentation using NYDocSubmit.

FREE TAXES RESOURCES for households making less than 60k

IN PERSON:
1. AARP Site (through Yates County Office of the Aging): *NO AGE RESTRICTION FOR CUSTOMERS!*
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
135 Hamilton St
Penn Yan, NY 14527
Volunteer Prepared Taxes
Service Details: Mon 9:00AM to 3:30PM; Wed 9:00AM to 3:30PM; Thurs 9:00AM to 3:30PM
*Call to make an appointment (315) 279-4321*
Dates Open: 1/17/23-4/18/23

2. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Site:
BluePrint Geneva Public Library VITA
244 N Main St
Geneva, NY 14456
Volunteer Prepared Taxes
Service Details: Mon 5:00PM to 8:00PM; Tue 9:00AM to 12:00AM;Thu 5:00PM to 8:00PM;Fri 9:00AM to 12:00AM;Sat 9:00AM to 12:00AM
*Call to make an appointment (315) 789-5303*
Dates Open: 1/15/23-4/25/23

*You can also call 211 to find free local tax assistance

ONLINE:

https://www.getyourrefund.org/en: Offers free tax preparation online on your own or with a phone call with a tax preparer.

https://myfreetaxes.com/: Offers free tax preparation online on your own (links to Taxslayer free filing).

Protect Yourself from EBT Skimming!

Helpful Resources

P-EBT food benefits (issued by OTDA)

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

The purpose of the federally funded Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is to reduce hunger and malnutrition by supplementing the food purchasing of eligible low-income individuals.

SNAP-Ed NY teaches people how to shop for and cook healthy meals on a limited budget. Our goal is to give you the tools, tips, and tricks to help you make nutritious food choices and choose a physically active lifestyle. Click the link below to learn more.

Homepage - SNAP-Ed New York (snapedny.org)

Non-Citizen Eligibility: Applying for or receiving SNAP benefits does not make you a public charge and will not be considered in a public charge determination, for more information click the link below:

Home Energy Assistance Program

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that assists eligible households in meeting their home energy needs. This program helps families maintain heat in their homes, as well as furnace repairs and replacements for homeowners.

HEAP Clean & Tune Program and the HERR Program (Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement) are currently open. Please contact DSS HEAP department for more details.

For additional information about HEAP, please visit OTDA’s website at: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/

Water Assistance Program

Do you need help paying for overdue water and wastewater bills?

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) can help.

LIHWAP is a drinking water and wastewater emergency assistance program funded through new federal resources. Benefits are based on the amount of unpaid water and wastewater bills owed by applicants. This assistance is targeted at low-income households and income guidelines will mirror that of the Home Energy Assistance Program

LIHWAP benefits are based on the actual amount of drinking water and/or wastewater arrears, up to a maximum of $2,500 per drinking water or wastewater provider, or $5,000 if drinking water and wastewater services are combined, per household. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s drinking water and/or wastewater vendor(s).

For additional information about LIHWAP, please visit OTDA's website at: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/water-assistance/

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/Safety Net

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/Safety Net program helps low-income families and individuals enter the workforce and achieve self-sufficiency.

Child Care Assistance

Provides assistance in the form of subsidy for working parents/caregivers and those who are participating in approved educational, rehabilitation, or vocational activity, program or course of study. Proof of participation is required.

Child Care Income Guidelines

Child Care Application Packet Part 1 of 2 *MUST COMPLETE BOTH PARTS*

Child Care Application Packet Part 2 of 2 *MUST COMPLETE BOTH PARTS*

Instructions for Completing Part 2

For a list of approved providers or for assistance in getting your provider approved contact Child & Family Resources

Fraud & Front-End Detection System

The purpose of the Public Assistance Fraud Unit is to prevent and detect Welfare Fraud, pursue criminal action against those who obtain benefits they are not entitled to and to recoup those benefits. Fraud prevention is accomplished by having an investigator verify information, often before any benefits are issued. This process is referred to as Front End Detection (FEDS). You can report fraud online by emailing our department.

Medicaid

Medicaid is the federal/state health insurance program administered by New York State, and funded from federal, state and county revenues. In New York, Medicaid is overseen by the Department of Health. Medicaid assists qualified individuals to obtain health insurance necessary to receive adequate medical care. Medicaid consists of multiple health insurance programs each having their own eligibility criteria and unique benefit package.

Child Support

The Child Support Program assists custodial parents seeking to obtain court-ordered child support for their children. The program will assist in establishing paternity, establish and enforce child and medical support orders. Learn more about child support programs by calling 888-208-4485.

Children’s Services

The goal of the Children’s Services Unit is to keep children safe within their communities or homes, and to build permanency for children entering the child welfare system. This program investigates maltreatment/neglect issues involving children under the age of 18 which are believed to be caused by a parent or a “person legally responsible.” Caseworkers meet with the family to assess the conditions leading to the report, as well as any safety and risk issues. Caseworkers work with the family to facilitate services and minimize the risk of future maltreatment of the children. These cases work towards ensuring the safety of children that are at risk of placement or preventing a return to placement. Caseworkers’ responsibilities include, but are not limited to: referrals to needed services, mandated contacts 2 times per month, collateral contacts, writing court petitions and reports, and documentation

Foster Care is a program utilized when parents or guardians are unable to care for or keep their children safe in the home. Foster Care takes place in community home settings and higher levels of care such as institutions for children with high needs.

If you suspect a child is being neglected or abused, 800-342-3720. If you believe that a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department.

Adult Services

Programs in Adult Services serve vulnerable adults living in our community. The opening of an adult protective investigation begins with a referral from someone with information regarding the safety of an adult. Programs include Preventive, and Protective Cases, Personal Care, Financial Management, and Guardianship. If you suspect that an adult is being neglected, maltreated, or abused, please fill out a referral form (PDF) and return it to the department by mail or by fax 315-536-5168.