Social Services
Our Mission is to Focus on the Well Being and Safety of Children, Adults
and Families through a Variety of Economic Supports and Services
COMMISSIONER - Jennifer Jones
Services We Offer:
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Child Protective Services (CPS)
Foster Care / Preventive Services
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Social Services Welfare Investigations
COVID-19 Pandemic EBT Food Benefits for the 2020-2021 School Year
COVID-19 Pandemic EBT Food Benefits for the 2020-2021 School Year - Spanish
Key Information for the Public in the need of or in receipt of Public Benefits during the Covid-19 Pandemic:
To help stop the spread of COVID-19 Lewis County DSS is asking applicants to do everything they can through myBenefits.ny.gov. Please call the agency at 315-376-5400 with any questions prior to coming into the office. Currently All SNAP, Temporary Assistance and HEAP application interviews may be done by phone.
To Apply for SNAP or HEAP you can do so online at: www.mybenefits.ny.gov
OR
To Apply for SNAP, Temporary Assistance or HEAP, you can also go to www.otda.ny.gov and print off an application.
Or
Call 315-376-5400 and an application can be mailed to you.
You can submit the application and/or supporting documentation by:
- Fax: 315-376-4112
- Mail: PO Box 193 Lowville, NY 13367
- Drop box: Located at the main entrance of the Social Services Building
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families. Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income and other factors.
It is possible to get SNAP right away, or within a few days of applying. If you have little or no money and need help right away, you may qualify for "expedited" SNAP. If you do, you must receive your initial SNAP benefit within five days. You will still have to complete the eligibility process and supply all the required documentation at a later date.
Any Stimulus rebate payments from the Federal Government’s CARE Act will be excluded as income.