Mission Statement


We are dedicated to empowering our clients to achieve self-sufficiency through personal responsibility.

While recognizing the diversity of the people we serve, we will provide appropriate assessments, referrals, supportive services, and financial assistance.

By delivering these services in an efficient and professional manner, we are committed to enhancing our clients' quality of life.

• Single adults
• Childless couples
• Children living with a caretaker other than a parent
• Families of persons abusing drugs or alcohol
• Families of persons refusing drug/alcohol screening, assessment or treatment
• Persons who have exceeded the 60-month limit on assistance
• Aliens who are eligible for temporary assistance, but who are not eligible for federal reimbursement

Generally, you can receive cash SNA for a maximum of two years in a lifetime. After that, if you are eligible for SNA, it is provided in non-cash form, such as a voucher. In addition, non-cash SNA is provided for families of persons abusing drugs or alcohol and families of persons refusing drug/alcohol screening, assessment or treatment

Where do I apply?

If you live in the southern portion of Chautauqua County you can apply in our Jamestown office which is located at:

Chautauqua County Department of Social Services
110 East Fourth St. Jamestown, NY 14701
Phone: (716) 661-8200

Chautauqua County Department of Social Services
319 Central Ave., Dunkirk, NY  14048
Phone:  (716) 363-3538

If I apply what should I expect?

When you apply you may be asked to complete a short questionnaire that helps us prepare for your eligibility interview. You will also be given an application to complete. You have the right to turn in an application the same day you get it and an interview will be scheduled.

You may be prescreened, have a short interview, to determine if you have any emergencies that need to be taken care of immediately. If you have one of the following:

• You are homeless
• You have little or no food
• You have been told by your landlord you must move or you have been given eviction papers
• During the heating season you are out of fuel or have less than a 7 day supply
• Your utilities are shut off or you have received a shut off notice
• You or someone in your family has been beaten, abused or threatened with violence by another member of your family

The prescreener will help you with your emergency and then schedule an eligibility interview for ongoing benefits for you.

If you do not have one of the emergencies mentioned above an eligibility appointment will be scheduled for ongoing benefits for you.

TA is a temporary service and if able, you will be expected to be involved in employment, work experience, training, or another activity to help you become self sufficient.  You may be asked to come to a Self-sufficiency Plan meeting with a case manager. This is to assess your strengths and abilities to determine what type of employment or training may best suit you. You may also be asked to take a reading and math test called TABE. This is done to determine if you need additional help with reading or math that will help you become successful with your Self-sufficiency Plan.

You must keep your eligibility appointment to find out if you are eligible for ongoing assistance for you and your family.

During your eligibility interview, an Examiner will go over your application with you to make sure it is complete and that you understand each question. You will also be asked to document and/or verify your response to questions on your application. Some of the things you may be asked for are:

• Birth certificates or other verification of identity for yourself and your family members
• Verification of Social Security Numbers for yourself and family members
• Proof of residence and shelter expense such as a rent receipt or mortgage payments
• Fuel or utility receipts
• If employed, current wage verification
• Proof of any other type of income such as but not limited to support, Veterans Benefits, Unemployment Insurance Benefits, Social Security Benefits, SSI, pensions etc.
• Proof of any resources such as but not limited to bank statement, insurance policies, ownership of real property, motor vehicles etc.
• If you state you are disabled, you may be asked to sign a consent to have your doctor complete a medical statement

If you have a child whose other parent is absent, you may be required to have an interview with the Child Support Enforcement Unit to seek support and/or establish paternity. You have the right to claim good cause for not cooperating with the Child Support Enforcement Unit in establishing paternity or seeking support, if you have been physically or mentally threatened, abused or fear for the life of you or yourself child. You must be able to substantiate your claim.

If you have a problem with alcohol or substance abuse or are suspected of having a problem you may be asked to see a counselor who will assess your treatment needs. They can assist you with getting the care that you may need to become successful in attaining self-sufficiency.

You will be given the opportunity to complete a voluntary Domestic Violence Screening form and be provided with important information on how to obtain Domestic Violence Services. Anyone who voluntarily self-discloses the presence of domestic violence will be afforded the opportunity to talk to a Domestic Violence Liaison.

You may be asked to have your picture taken and an image made of your fingers. New York State Law requires that everyone eligible for Transitional Assistance programs be identified so duplicate benefit payments are avoided.

When applying for Temporary Assistance you will also be applying for Medical Assistance and Food Stamps. Your eligibility determination will also inform you of your eligibility for these other programs. You have the right to a determination within 30 days of the date you submit your application.

Services and Assistance Programs for Non-Parent Caregivers

Non-Parent Caregivers who are caring for children without a parent living in their home may be eligible for Temporary Assistance and/or Other Services.  For more information about Programs that you may be eligible for click on the link below.