South West Center - Suffolk County Social Services Department

This office provides:
Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Temporary Assistance
Temporary cash benefits and support for those who are found to be financially eligible. Emergency assistance may also be available for a crisis situation such as an eviction or utility shut -off or for those who are homeless, with no food or are a victim of Domestic Violence.

SNAP Food Stamps
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP - formerly Food Stamps) supplements the food budget of financially eligible households.

Medicaid
Health insurance coverage for low-income persons not required to obtain coverage directly from New York State of Health. (https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov) Coverage assists with medical bills, hospitalization, doctor’s visits, prescriptions etc. Also coverage for income eligible elderly and disabled and for nursing home care.

Child Care Subsidies
Help with child care costs for income eligible people to support employment and/or training leading to employment or if a parent(s) is unable to care for children due to illness or incapacity.

Child Support
Assists Albany County Public Assistance recipients in establishing paternity (if needed) and establishment and enforcement of child support orders. DSS also assists when there is a dispute over court ordered child support for all County residents

HEAP Program
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income people pay the cost of heating their homes.

If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off.