Department of Social Services: Temporary Assistance (TA) Temporary Assistance is a broad term used in New York State to describe a range of public assistance (welfare) programs. TA may provide benefits and support for those who do not have sufficient income to pay for basic needs. DSS staff works with individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency and independence. This may include assistance with identification and removal of barriers to employment and provision of resources to support employment readiness.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is geared toward enabling low-income households to purchase the food they need to maintain proper nutritional levels and good health.
Click on the following links for more information about SNAP in your county: Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer
Medicaid Medicaid is a medical assistance program jointly financed by the federal, state and local governments for low-income individuals. Eligibility is based on income and resource guidelines as well as certain other criteria. Medicaid provides medical coverage for people who are unable to pay for their medical care and who have income below the eligibility guidelines set by the State (New York State Medicaid FAQ).
Click on the following links for more information on Medicaid in your county: Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer
Office of Refugee Resettlement of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services The Office of Refugee Resettlement wants to make sure that refugees and service providers know how to navigate the health insurance landscape, and has developed tools to help with outreach and enrollment activities. The ORR produced a six-minute video to introduce the Health Insurance Marketplace to refugees, available in six languages available here.
Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center provides direct and comprehensive services to all victims of sexual assault and personal violence to change, through community and prevention education and bystander engagement, the societal conditions that allow oppression, especially interpersonal violence, to exist. Treatment is offered to groups, individuals, and families. The Center operates a 24-hour crisis hotline for supportive counseling and facilitates access to the hospital and/or police station for victims of sexual violence. For more information, call (518) 447-7100 or e-mail: [email protected]. Hotline: (518) 447-7716
Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) offers wraparound services for newcomer families, including case management, school information, employment support, and immigration assistance. RISSE also works with a network of partners to provide referrals for food assistance, medical care, housing, and more.