Eligibility Programs

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Contact the SNAP Unit at (845) 364-3100 Option 1, option 1, then follow the prompts.

email: RocklandSNAP@dfa.state.ny.us or FAX: (845) 364-3089

SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families by putting healthy food on the table.  Monthly benefits are issued through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, similar to a bank debit card or credit card, that can be used to purchase food at authorized retail food stores.

See detailed information about SNAP income guidelines, benefit allotments, allowable purchases, authorized retailers, and other Frequently Asked Questions online at OTDA SNAP Program Overview.   

Apply for SNAP or Recertify (renew your SNAP benefits)

There are multiple ways to apply or recertify for SNAP.

1. Online at myBenefits.ny.gov
2. In person at Rockland County Department of Social Services, 50 Sanatorium Rd. Bldg. L, Pomona NY 10970.
3. Sending a completed SNAP Application/Recertification form to the SNAP Unit via: 

• email RocklandSNAP@dfa.state.ny.us
• USPS Mail to the address above, ATTN: SNAP
• FAX (845) 364-3089

Download the SNAP Application/Recertification form. 

View the instructions on How to Complete the SNAP Application/Recertification form.

4. Visit a community agency that can help you get, complete and submit an application or recertification for SNAP.  Some local agencies are listed below. 

Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card

Once your SNAP application is approved, your benefits will be issued through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card, which looks like a debit card.  You will receive your EBT card in the mail. 

If your EBT card was never received, is lost, or stolen, call 1-888-328-6399 to cancel the card and have a new card mailed to you.  If you need a replacement card right away, a temporary EBT card can be issued for immediate use at the Department of Social Services located at 50 Sanatorium Rd., Bldg. L, Pomona, NY.    

See detailed information about how to use and manage your EBT card online at OTDA Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card Overview. 

SNAP Program Work Requirements 

SNAP recipients determined to be "Able Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD)," must comply with federal work participation rules.  

New York State is currently operating under a federal waiver of the ABAWD requirement for the period October 1, 2020, through February 28, 2025. 

Other Important Resources for SNAP Applicants and Recipients

• Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens in Rockland County distribute healthy food at no cost to families in need. For a complete listing, visit Rockland Community Against Hunger.

• National School Lunch Program (includes Breakfast) provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost meals to children each school day.  Contact your child's school to ensure enrollment.  Read more about the program National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Fact Sheet.

• Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) for School Age Children Program provides additional food benefits (like SNAP) to all households with eligible children who receive free school lunch under the National School Lunch Act.  For questions about the program, call NYS P-EBT Hotline at 1-833-452-0096.  Read the P-EBT Frequently Asked Questions for more information.  

• Summer Food Service Program offers low-income children 18 years of age and younger, as well as disabled young adults over age 18 enrolled in school programs for persons with disabilities, to receive free, nutritious meals during the summer months when schools are not in session. Call 1-800-522-5006 or visit the USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder for a location near you.

• Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides checks to women, infants and children through the Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) and to seniors through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for the purchase of locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables, which can be purchased with FMNP checks at local farmers' markets during the summer and fall.

• Eat Smart NY provides workshops on food-related topics, including nutrition/food safety education, assistance with family financial management, help with dietary planning and food shopping for low-income individuals and families. Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland County at (845) 429-7085 or visit www.rocklandcce.org, for additional details.

Non-Discrimination Statement Regarding SNAP

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the Rockland County Department of Social Services is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

• Nondiscrimination Statement (Spanish)

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form or request one from any USDA office, by calling (833) 620-1071. 

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Contact the HEAP Unit at (845) 364-3100 Option 1, then option 3.  OR Email RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us

Fax (845) 364-3130

HEAP is a federally funded energy program that assists eligible low-income individuals and families meet their immediate home energy needs. HEAP benefits are payable for eligible households whose source of heat is Electricity, Natural Gas, Propane, Oil, Wood/Wood Pellets, Kerosene, Coal or Corn.

HEAP is comprised of the following components:

• Regular HEAP - benefits issued for eligible households that pay directly for heat based on actual usage. You may be eligible for a regular HEAP benefit if your household's gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size and meet all other non-financial requirements. The benefit amounts will vary depending on your household income, fuel type, and if a vulnerable member (Disabled, Child under the age of 6, or an individual age 60 years or older) is in your household. You may be eligible for a regular benefit even if you have money in the bank, stocks, bonds or other resources.  

• Emergency HEAP - benefits issued for eligible households experiencing a heat related emergency.  A heat related emergency is defined as:

• Your natural gas or electric service for heat or heat-related electric service is terminated or scheduled for termination.
• You have less than ¼ tank of oil, kerosene or propane.
• You have less than a ten-day supply of any other deliverable fuel source. 

 

 

Emergency HEAP benefits and eligibility are based on income, available resources and the type of emergency.

• Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement (HERR) - benefits issued for eligible homeowners for the repair or replacement of a furnace, boiler, and/or other essential heating equipment when the equipment is inoperable or unsafe and needs repair or replacement.  Your household's gross monthly income and resources must be at or below the current income/resource guidelines for your household size and all other non-financial requirements must be met.

• Clean and Tune - benefits issued for eligible households for the cleaning of primary heating equipment, chimney cleaning, minor repairs and other items deemed necessary to allow for the safe, proper, and efficient operation of the heating equipment.  The heating system must be at least 12 months old, not have been cleaned within the last 12 months, and must be operational.  Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred, up to a maximum of $500.

• Cooling Assistance - eligible households can receive one benefit for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help the home stay cool.  Your household must have at least:

• One individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat, or
• Your household contains a vulnerable member based on their age (elderly age 60 years or older, or young children under age 6) which meet all other component eligibility criteria, and
• A member of your household is a United States Citizen or Qualified Non-Citizen, and
• You currently do not have a working air conditioner or the air conditioner you have is five years old or older, and
• You did not receive a HEAP funded air conditioner within the past five years.

HEAP program benefits are paid directly to the vendor.

View information about HEAP program dates and income eligibility guidelines. 

Applicants/recipients of SNAP or TA who are also the customer of record (heat/fuel vendor), do not need to submit a separate application for Regular HEAP.   

How to Apply

• Apply online via www.Mybenefits.ny.gov (Emergency HEAP is not available online).
• In person at Rockland County Department of Social Services, 50 Sanatorium Rd. Bldg. L, Pomona NY 10970.
• By phone if you received Regular HEAP during the past HEAP season and meet additional household criteria. 
• By sending a completed application via
  • email RocklandHeap@dfa.state.ny.us
  • USPS Mail to the address above
  • FAX (845) 364-3130

Click the link to download a HEAP application.  

Temporary Assistance (TA)

Contact the Temporary Assistance Unit at (845) 364-3100 Option 1, option1, then follow the prompts. 

email: RocklandDTA@dfa.state.ny.us OR Fax (845) 364-3089

Temporary Assistance (TA), also known as Public Assistance (PA), is temporary help for needy adults, and children. If you are unable to work, can't find a job, or your job does not pay enough, TA may be able to help you pay for certain expenses.

Temporary Assistance Program Categories

Ongoing Assistance

• Family Assistance (FA) provides cash assistance to eligible needy families that include a minor child living with a parent(s) or a caretaker relative.

• Safety Net Assistance (SNA) provides cash assistance to eligible needy individuals and families who are not eligible for FA.

Emergency Assistance

• Emergency Assistance is a category of Temporary Assistance that helps resolve an urgent need or situation. 

Eligibility 

Each individual and household's circumstances are different, and several factors may impact a household's eligibility for benefits, including household size, housing situation, income level, type of income, resources and other benefits received. In addition, there are certain eligibility requirements for applicants and recipients of Temporary Assistance, including compliance with federal work requirements, drug and alcohol screening and assessment, and child support enforcement activities.

View the Fact Sheet: Temporary Assistance Employment Services 

Rockland County Department of Social Services offers an in-person prescreening for Temporary Assistance, Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.

How to Apply 

• Apply online via www.myBenefits.ny.gov
• In person at Rockland County Department of Social Services, 50 Sanatorium Rd. Bldg. L, Pomona NY 10970.
• By sending a completed application via
• email RocklandDTA@dfa.state.ny.us
• USPS Mail to the address above
• FAX (845) 364-3089

Application links  

• Download the Application: Application for Certain Benefits and Services (LDSS-2921)
• View the instructions for Completing the Application for Certain Benefits and Services (PUB-1301)
• See a list of Documents needed for a TA Application 

Recertification Links

• Download the Recertification: Recertification Form for Certain Benefits and Services (LDSS-3174)
• View the Instructions for Completing the NYS Recertification Form (PUB-1313)

 Download forms in other languages:  Common Application for Public Assistance (LDSS-2921)

NOTE:  The Temporary Assistance Unit also determines eligibility for Medicaid and Food Stamps for Temporary Assistance applicants and recipients.

Rights, Responsibilities and Other Information  

Below are links for three informational books that contain information on New York State (NYS) assistance programs.

• What You Should Know About Your Rights and Responsibilities (LDSS-4148A)
• What You Should Know About Social Services Programs (LDSS-4148B)
• What You Should Know If You Have an Emergency (LDSS-4148C)

Applying for Benefits or Recertifying to Continue Benefits

Apply Online 

myBenefits.ny.gov is an online portal where New York State residents can apply for certain assistance programs. Users can submit (1) New Applications; or (2) Recertifications for Continued Benefits, to the Department of Social Services for the following Eligibility programs: 

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
• Temporary Assistance (TA)

Users will need to create a login username and password.  

Supporting documents can also be uploaded at the time of submission.

After your application/recertification is filed, the Department of Social Servies will review your information, conduct an interview if necessary, and determine your household's eligibility. You will receive a detailed eligibility determination notice in the mail. 

Apply in Person 

The Rockland County Department of Social Services is located at 50 Sanatorium Rd. Bldg. L, Pomona NY, 10970. 

Agency hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM- 5PM.  The Agency is closed on federal, state and local holidays. 

Submit a Completed Application 

• View Application/Recertification information for SNAP  
• View Application/Recertification information for TA 
• View Application information for HEAP 

NYDocSubmit Mobile App

NYDocSubmit is an app for mobile devices. Take a picture of supporting documents and submit them to the SNAP, TA, HEAP or Medicaid unit.  

There is no cost to download NYDocSubmit, however downloading or using the app may result in charges to your data plan with your mobile provider. You are solely responsible for any data access, messaging, and other service rates and charges that may incur in connection with your mobile device and use of NYDocSubmit.

Document Submission Methods  

Other methods for submitting documentation to a social services district include:

1. email
2. FAX
3. U.S. Postal Service mail.
4. In person at the Rockland County Department of Social Services, located at 50 Sanatorium Rd., Bldg. L, Pomona NY 10970. 
   • An exterior Drop Box is available for secure document deposit during non-agency hours. 
5. Online at myBenefits.ny.gov at the time of submitting an electronic application or recertification.

Check the Contact Us page for Agency hours, Unit email and FAX information. 

Employment and Training Services 

Contact the Employment Unit at (845) 364-3100 Option 1, option 5, then then follow the prompts.

email RocklandEmployment@dfa.state.ny.us or Fax 845-364-3023

Employment and training services are provided to Temporary Assistance (TA) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants and recipients to support required and voluntary participation in work activities approved and assigned by the Department of Social Services.

Temporary Assistance applicants and recipients must participate in work activities assigned by the Employment Unit. These work-related activities are intended to lead applicants and recipients to employment opportunities that will return them to self-sufficiency.

A partial list of work activities includes, but is not limited to:

• Employment - both subsidized and unsubsidized
• Job search and job readiness training
• Work experience
• On-the-job training
• Community service
• Vocational education

Please view the Temporary Assistance Employment Services Fact Sheets for more information.

Employment Services Fact Sheet (English)

Employment Services Fact Sheet (Spanish)

SNAP Recipients are also subject to work requirements. To get more info see the SNAP Employment Services Work Requirements Fact Sheet.

SNAP Work Rules Forms

• General SNAP Work Rules
• SNAP ABAWD Work Rules

Rockland Works Information

• Rockland Works Flyer (English)
• Rockland Works Flyer (Creole)
• Rockland Works Flyer (Spanish)

Medical Assistance

Contact the Medicaid Unit at (845) 364-3040 Option 1, option 2, then follow the prompts or email: RocklandMedicaid@dfa.state.ny.us.

The local Rockland County Department of Social Services' Medicaid Unit processes Medicaid applications for residents who are:

• Medicare recipients.
• 65 years old or older who are not caretakers for children under 18 years of age.
• Looking for assistance with the cost of Home Care, Assisted Living Facility or Nursing Home Care.
• Disabled adults and children eligible for the Excess Income Program.
• Disabled adults and children applying for specialized waiver programs.
• Eligible for help paying for Medicare premiums and/or co-pays through the Medicare Savings Program.

All other persons looking for medical insurance must apply for health insurance (including public health insurance programs like Medicaid and Child Health Plus) through the New York State of Health.

How to Apply for Medicaid

Those meeting the criteria listed above for local processing may drop off a completed Medicaid application, supplement A and supporting documents at the Rockland County Department of Social Services, Building L, 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona, New York 10970 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you need assistance completing your application you can call (845) 364-3040 Option1, option 2 then follow the prompts, or come to building L any Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Individuals may also mail in their application, supplemental A and supporting documents to the Department of Social Services at the above address, attention Medicaid Unit.

Applicants who are applying through the New York State of Health have 3 options:

• Apply online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov.
• Call the New York State of Health at 1-855-355-5777, Monday – Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Customer Service Representatives can take over-the-phone applications.
• Check the nystateofhealth.ny.gov website for contact information for in-person assistance provided by Navigators and Certified Application Counselors located throughout the community.

What do I do if I have to apply for expedited Personal Care Services/Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services?
Please see our Informational Notice and Attestation Form for more details.

Important Notice to All Medicaid and Medicare Savings Program Recipients

When the COVID- 19 public health emergency ends, New York State will resume eligibility reviews and renewals for those individuals who are currently enrolled in health insurance through Medicaid, Child Health Plus or the Essential Plan. In preparation for these changes you should verify that the New York State of Health or Rockland County Medicaid office has your current mailing address and phone number so you can be contacted when it is time to renew your health insurance.

If you are receiving Medicaid through the New State of Health and need to provide updated information:

• Call NY State of Health at 1-855-355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220)
• Log into your account at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or
• Contact an enrollment assistor

If you are enrolled in Medicaid or the Medicare Savings Program through the Rockland County Department of Social Services and need to provide updated information:

• Call the Rockland County Medicaid Office at 845-364-3040 or
• Email us at RocklandMedicaid@dfa.state.ny.us

Child Care Assistance Program

The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible families pay for some or all of the cost of child care.

Are you Eligible? 

Families may qualify based on income, reasons for needing day care, and a child’s age or individual needs. 

View the Eligibility Criteria

• Child Care Eligibility Criteria (English)
• Child Care Eligibility Criteria (Spanish)

CCAP Eligibility Questionnaire: Answer a short series of questions to see if you may be able to get child care at low or no cost - in 10 minutes or less! 

Do I qualify for CCAP?

New Users: You can apply for CCAP using the Child Care Assistance Application portal, unless you reside in New York City or Schenectady County.

Apply Now for CCAP

Help Paying for Child Care

Returning Users: Users who have already registered can sign in to visit their application dashboard.

Visit Your Application Dashboard

Complete an Application Packet

An application packet can be downloaded, picked up at the Department of Social Services, 50 Sanatorium Rd - Bldg. L, Pomona, NY 10970 or call (845) 364-3100 Option 1, then option 4 for a packet to be mailed to you and for any questions. 

Application for Child Care Assistance

• Application for Child Care Assistance (English)
• Application for Child Care Assistance (Spanish)

Instructions for completing the Child Care Application

• Child Care Application Instructions (English)
• Child Care Application Instructions (Spanish)

Additional Documents

• List of Necessary Documents
• Licensed Provider Form
• Shelter Verification
• Employment Verification
• Self-Employment Necessary Document List
• Income Eligibility Standards
• Book 1 - English
• Book 1 - Spanish
• Book 2 - English
• Book 2 - Spanish
• Book 3 - English
• Book 3 - Spanish
• CCAA-Help

You may submit your application and documents in person, by mail, by fax (845) 364-3477, or email RocklandCCS@dfa.state.ny.us.

To either find or become an approved child care provider visit ocfs.ny.gov.

Housing 

Contact the Housing Unit at (845) 364-3100 then follow the prompts.

email: RocklandHousing@dfa.state.ny.us or FAX (845) 364-3111

The Housing Unit offers services to eligible families and individuals experiencing homelessness or facing an imminent loss of housing. Staff seek to address the crisis or urgent circumstances impacting the individual or family.  Casework counseling and referral to needed services are provided on an ongoing basis to address issues such as domestic violence, substance abuse, lack of employment, mental health, and lack of childcare. 

The Housing Unit is notified of all eviction notices, electric utility terminations and residential Health Department violations. Staff meets with individuals and family members in an attempt to help them retain safe and affordable housing. In many instances, home visits are conducted to ensure that frail, elderly and minor children's health and safety needs are met. Emphasis is placed on maintaining family stability and in protecting the health and safety of all individuals at risk.

Housing staff also communicate with attorneys and landlords to prevent impending evictions. Staff negotiates payments of rent arrears, seeks out rent subsidies, explores housing alternatives, and secures permanent housing for the homeless.

The unit actively seeks to participate in grant-funded opportunities that can supplement housing supports for low-income residents facing loss of housing.

Rockland County Rental Supplement Program Plan

Rockland County's Rental Supplement Program (RSP) is a program established to provide vital rental assistance to individuals and families, regardless of immigration status, who are experiencing homelessness or are facing an imminent loss of housing. The RSP is available to individuals and families both with and without children.

Program Eligibility and Program Requirements

• Eligible participants are individuals and/or families, both with and without children, who are experiencing homelessness or facing an imminent loss of housing, regardless of immigration status.
• Households must earn no more than 50% of area median income (AMI) at the time of application based on location and household size, with initial priority given to households who earn no more than 30% of AMI.
• Rental supplement amounts shall be set at 85% of local Fair Market Rent (FMR) values.
• A household's financial contribution will be limited to 30% of their household's total earned and/or unearned income.
• Supplements are to be provided until the household's income reaches 30% or more of their monthly rent, at which point the housing will be considered affordable for the individual/family and the supplement will end; and,
• Receipt of TA is not a requirement for determining eligibility for the RSP.