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What Assistance Can You Receive After Securing Shelter Through Department of Social Services(DSS). "READ BELOW TO ENSURE YOU'RE RECEIVING ALL THE BENEFITS YOU'RE ENTITLED TO!"

Updated: Aug 21, 2025

What Assistance Can You Receive After Securing Shelter Through DSS on Long Island, NY?


Congratulations on securing shelter through DSS on Long Island, NY. Here are the steps and details regarding the financial allowance, food stamps, and other assistance you may be entitled to:


Financial Allowance

1. Eligibility: Once you're approved for DSS shelter, you may qualify for a cash assistance allowance. Eligibility is usually based on your income and household size.

2. Application Process:

- Visit the Local DSS Office: You can apply for cash assistance at your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office.

- Provide Documentation: Be prepared to provide necessary documentation, including identification, proof of income, and residency information.

3. Monitoring Approval: After submission, the DSS will review your application and inform you about the approval status. If approved, you should receive your allowance every two weeks.


Food Stamps (SNAP Benefits)

1. Eligibility: Food stamps, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in New York, assist individuals with purchasing food. Eligibility depends on gross income, household composition, and expenses.

2. Application Process:

- Apply Online or In Person: You can apply for SNAP benefits online through the NYS MyBenefits website or visit your local food stamp office.

- Complete the Application: Provide all required information on your household income, expenses, and members.

3. Interview: An interview will typically be required to finalize your application. This can often be done over the phone after you apply.

4. Receiving Benefits: If approved, benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used at participating stores for food purchases.


Other Assistance You May Be Eligible For

1. Medical Assistance: If you meet the income criteria, you may qualify for Medicaid or low-cost health insurance through the NY State of Health Marketplace.

2. Employment Services: DSS offers various employment services, including job training programs and assistance finding employment.

3. Child Care Assistance: If you have children, you may qualify for child care assistance to help pay for child care while you work or attend school.

4. Utility Assistance: Look into programs that offer help with heating and cooling costs, such as HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program).


Resources for More Information

- New York State Department of Social Services: NYS DSS Website (https://otda.ny.gov)

- Local DSS Office Finder: To locate your local office, use the DSS office locator tool on the website.

- NY State of Health: For health insurance information, visit NYS of Health (https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov).


It's important to communicate regularly with your caseworker for updates on your applications and any additional support you may need. Good luck!


Extra information

Help with an emergency grant for your storage. Furniture Voucher after exiting shelter if DSS didn't have to pay your storage for you. EG to help pay for movers to move into a new place. You can also get your SNAP expedited (5 days). If you have nothing you can get a few days of restaurant cash they give you in an envelope. You can ask for tokens for the bus. You can get a one shot deal to move into a new place (Security/1st month) IF you will be able to afford the rent going forward. You can get help with a rental supplement like SSP or RSP. You can get connected with SILO if you are disabled physically and would qualify for the NHTD/TBI or RTHP waivers that can come with Housing subsidies. You can get connected with a DCAP worker to assist you if you need SSI or SSDI. If you meet eligibility you can get connected to care coordination thru Medicaid. Weird because they give you a TON of paperwork but no one helps you to apply for Section 8 open wait lists and when you have a disability and need to stay where your medical or family supports are you can apply across the country and on a "reasonable accommodation" under the FHA you can port the voucher back here if you come up on a list anywhere in the Country. Officials know this but no one helps anyone to learn it. Sign up for Alerts at affordablehousingonline.com


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