Temporary Assistance

The Chemung County Department of Social Services, Division of Temporary Assistance is dedicated to helping the citizens of Chemung County. The Division of Temporary Assistance consists of Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), and Child Care.

  • To save time, please visit myBenefits.ny.gov where you can create an account to apply for HEAP, SNAP, and Public Assistance.  You can also report changes, recertify benefits, and obtain your current budget information. myBenefits
  • We can serve you best when you submit required documents electronically using the NYDocSubmit mobile application. NYDocSubmit | OTDA
  • If you have questions about your EBT card, you can visit ebtedge.com to manage your account, view transactions, current balances, lock or cancel your card, or request a replacement card.  ebtEDGE is also available as a smart phone mobile application. 

Government Solutions

Both mobile apps are available for download at the GooglePlay or Apple store.   You can find more information and helpful tips by visiting the links above.

Notice to Applicants and Recipients of Temporary Assistance, Emergency Assistance, and SNAP Programs

 

Applicants for Temporary Assistance and/or Emergency Assistance must complete a face-to-face interview. When applying for Temporary Assistance and/or Emergency Assistance, a scheduled intake interview appointment date/time/location will be mailed to you. You must attend the scheduled face to face interview appointment in person as a condition of eligibility. Failure to attend the face-to-face interview appointment will result in the application being denied.

Applicants for SNAP have the option to choose a face to face or phone interview. When applying for SNAP, a scheduled intake interview appointment date/time/location will be mailed to you. If you choose to have a phone interview, please be sure to include a working phone number on your application, so that this can be accomplished. A staff member will call you a few minutes after your scheduled intake interview appointment time. If you fail to complete the interview by phone or in person, you will receive a SNAP missed interview letter advising how to proceed. You have 30 days from the submission date of your SNAP application to complete an eligibility interview. If you fail to complete an eligibility interview within that time frame, you will have to reapply.

Recipients of Temporary Assistance must complete a face-to-face recertification interview. When your household is due for recertification, a scheduled recertification interview appointment date/time/location will be mailed to you. The option for a phone interview may be approved for extenuating circumstances. If a phone interview is needed, contact the district at (607)-737-5302 to make this request. 

Recipients of SNAP have the option to choose a face to face or phone interview. When your household is due for recertification, a scheduled recertification interview appointment date/time/location will be mailed to you. If you choose to have a phone interview, please be sure to include a working phone number on your recertification, so that this can be accomplished. A staff member will call you a few minutes after your scheduled recertification interview appointment time. 

Please note the following suggestions:
 It is recommended to submit a completed application, recertification, and any supporting documentation the following ways:

  • Use the Mobile Document Upload App "NYDocSubmit" on Android or iPhone.
  • Drop off items using the secure white mailbox labeled Department of Social Services located on the parking lot side of the building at 425 Pennsylvania Avenue.
  • Mail information to the Chemung County Department of Social Services @ P.O. Box 588 Elmira, New York 14902.
  • Use the self-scanning stations located in the reception area.
  • Fax items to 607-873-1815.

 

Individuals can submit applications in person for Cash Assistance and SNAP during the hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday. Some intake interviews can be completed same day, others will be scheduled with appointments to be completed face to face, or by phone.

Applicants for HEAP, who did not receive a HEAP benefit during the last Heap season, must complete a phone interview. A member of the Heap Unit will call to complete the interview.