Erie County Department of Social Services

Category: Social services organization in Buffalo, New York

Address: 158 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Phone: +17168588000

Opening hours

Sunday: Closed

Monday: 8:30AM–4:30PM

Tuesday: 8:30AM–4:30PM

Wednesday: 8:30AM–4:30PM

Thursday: 8:30AM–4:30PM

Friday: 8:30AM–4:30PM

Saturday: Closed

Reviews

Stacey P.

Jul 31, 2022

Still not fun going down there but they have a good system in place allowing you to get in and out more quickly than in past years.

Donnell Barnes

Jun 30, 2022

I went to the 4th floor on Pearl Street and I needed help and there was this older lady African-American lady and she helped me and I was a little frustrated but she was very patient and we went step by step and I was out of there within 20 minutes.

Fern Lovebond

May 25, 2022

The staff seem helpful and non-judgmental but tend to not tell you everything you need to know. For instance, they tend to tell you which documents will be needed, but forget to mention easy ways to obtain them. I'm struggling without essential documents to get state-issued photo ID, and am applying for services largely just to get necessary documentation for obtaining a social security card so I can use that to obtain a state ID (in order to be employable). I have said so to every staff member I've spoken to this far, but learned from a 3rd party that the Medicaid office can provide photo ID free of charge during my application process. Naturally. All the services require copious forms to be filled out, generally asking the same information over and over, and each with different layouts and ways of asking (address arranged one way at the top of page on this form, arranged a different way on another form, in a box on the right, and so on). You're also expected to sign forms that haven't been filled in yet for them to fill out later, which seems inappropriate. It's a bureaucratic boondoggle, and the overworked staff are likely not half as informed as they ought to be about the system they're putting us through, but at least they're trying.

Michelle Mascellino

Apr 10, 2022

I had a jerk of a case worker. Then got a good lady. Then i get another lady. This was all with in 4/5 months. Im a ditabetic and food is seriously expensive over the last 4 months. I can't work 2 jobs like before. So money is tight. And with my other conditions i can barely work the job i have now. They say they send out a paper. They dont! They give you 4/5 days to get info in. You call and leave a message. No call back. You call again. Nothing. Now i had to redo everything. Sitting here trying to eat as healthy and low carb low sugar and natural stuff as possible. The salad dressing i need is 4 to 6 dollars a small bottle. The beginning helped with in between pay checks and with extra cause of covid helped when rent was due and i didn't have alot of $. Uuuughh

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Questions & Answers

How do i get in touch with someone to talk to?

Barbara Taylor | Sep 7, 2019
Tania Pagan | Sep 7, 2019

Where

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how can i check my food stamp balance on line?

errol bulutt | Sep 6, 2020
Samuel Smith | Sep 6, 2020

On line or call number on the back of your card

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How do you access money awarded you from the department of social services

Dorothy Ring | Sep 6, 2020
Jessica Sinclair | Sep 6, 2020

IF you get anything,they put em on that card that have to say they accept EBT/star, usually in grocery stores and gas stations that sell some kinda food....

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why are the people who work here so mean and nasty? its so odd because you are in the position to literally help people not go hungry. I hope they all get the karma they deserve.

Caleb Graham | Jun 8, 2022
Randie Joseph | Jun 8, 2022

I'm sorry you were treated badly I work in the daycare unit and I love helping my providers I'm always smiling and talking with them just know all workers aren't the same I wish you better luck in the future and don't be afraid to ask for the supervisor if you're treated poorly 🙏🙏

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I move from nyc to buffalo how can i transfer my food stamp

AHMED ATAUL KAMRAN | Sep 6, 2021
valerie redden | May 9, 2022

You need to apply in the County your moving to. Let NYC know your moving so you'll have closing letter when you apply

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Can you send by mail a letter of how much my son Angel receive for food stamp? please let me know. THANK YOU!

Marlyn Cruz Soto | Sep 6, 2021
Randie Joseph | Sep 6, 2021

Please don't listen to justice no offense justice but that information is considered confidential and you can not get the info you're looking for. I have worked there for 23 years now so I know what info you can receive and 💯% of the info you're looking for they won't tell you. Hope everything works out for you

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Do I need an appointment before I go downtown and stand in line?

Deborah Bernas | Sep 6, 2020
hockey fan 2020 | Sep 6, 2020

No

I have a open cps case and the DSS attorney is lieing in documentation and my attorney or my wife attorney is not willing to do anything about the perjury.how can DSS attorney mislead the judge in the way in family court

Mike Brown | Sep 6, 2020
hockey fan 2020 | Sep 6, 2020

Find a new attorney

Can I have a tenent's Public assissance check rent direct deposited in my savings account

OvalCircle | Sep 7, 2019
Danielle Robinson | Sep 6, 2021

U can call their case worker especially if it's used for rent and if they r not using. That money for that purpose they can be investigated and i found out u can if they get section 8

Im confused...do i come here or go to the rath building to apply for emergency food stamps?

courtney l | Sep 7, 2019
Jessica k | Sep 7, 2019

You can go to the social services building or apply online.

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What floor do I have to go on to sign a voucher and give to accounting to get rent

steve w | Sep 7, 2019
Marissa Krashefski | Sep 7, 2019

1st floor is where you'd apply for housing help or cash assistance.

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They say if you see or know something say something. What can you do if know there might be a chance of child endangerment????

Gwyn Smith | Sep 7, 2018
Monique Maldonado | Sep 7, 2019

Call cps and make an anonymous tip

Can my wife just use her income to apply for this insurance

Robert McDonald | Sep 7, 2018
marie willgens | Sep 7, 2018

I'm not exactly sure, however the best thing to do is go there and find out.

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Who do we address a letter from the doctor for the air conditioning that is needed for my kids that are in need????

A Google User | Sep 7, 2018
hockey fan 2020 | Sep 6, 2020

HEAP office

If you apply now for section 8 how many years is the waiting list

Tracy Mages | Aug 30, 2022
Tremaine Mayfield | Sep 5, 2022

You probably would have to wait 1 year or 2 the most hope that answer ur question

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How do I retrieve a budget letter stating how much snap benefits I get

Kenneth Haze | Aug 7, 2022
Kerry curry | Aug 7, 2022

TA is on the 4th floor, SNAP I believe is on 2nd now

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Where do I go for rental assistance? I lost my job recently and I can't make my rent this Friday, June 1st

Chad Foster | Jul 8, 2022
Mandy Charles | Jul 8, 2022

490 main

Is there a drop off box outside ??

Jazmine Ramos | Jul 8, 2022
Mandy Charles | Jul 8, 2022

Yes

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My Adopted daughter has just given birth to a baby, i need to know how to apply for medicaid for the new born child.Was told by the Social Worker of the adopted child that her benefits did not cover the child!

Mary Lotempio | May 9, 2022
Sophiaplus Adgate | May 9, 2022

All children have the first year automatically covered my mothers insurance. While in hospital mother will be required to fill out health care information application for health insurance for both of them and will services if she qualities

Parking spot near Erie county social service department ?

Shajjad Hossain | May 9, 2022
Toni Robinson | May 9, 2022

If you can't/don't want to pay for parking ramp, at least bring quarters to feed the parking meters on street 🤷‍♀️

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How can I get ahold of case worker, my son trying since Dec 2021. No response, tried faxing and calling case worker and leaving numerous messages. Still has not received any food stamps all this time after moving in November. Completed all papers

Jane Seiler | May 9, 2022
Billy Maurer | May 9, 2022

Seriously can anyone tell me when I have been waiting over 9 months paperwork lost twice to add my kids to Food stamps case

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Who's my Medicaid worker? Can I see they in person?

Robert Macre | May 9, 2022
Daren Henderson | May 9, 2022

Yes, you may have to wait a bit but usually you can.

Will Medicaid pay for Life Alert equipment?

Robert Macre | May 9, 2022
Mandy Charles | May 9, 2022

Yes

If I receive Social security disability can I also get cash assistance?

Violet Schulz | Jan 9, 2022
queen of leelee | Jan 9, 2022

No they won't

My name is Shahed ahmed this month November 8 2pm my telephone interview date but not calling any problem or continue get my benefits?

Singer Shahed | Dec 10, 2021
Jason Pilarski | Dec 10, 2021

I would make sure your case worker has your current phone number just incase aswell as call your worker. Thier name and number is on that phone interview paper. Leave message with personal info if need be and number. Just incase.

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Why don’t I get EBT if everyone who has a children in public schools gets it and I don’t.And people are get PEBT and I haven’t gotten anything?

gabriel lopez | Oct 11, 2021
Brenda Santos | Oct 11, 2021

Call -the social services they will give tou the number for it.

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I have madicaid.but quest diagnostics bill me when I switched my insurance.and they send bill to collection agency.in this situation what can I do.

Mohammed Talukder | Sep 6, 2021
Clarence Simon | Sep 6, 2021

Call quest and give them your medicaid number to your account

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I need help my sister is going to lose her food stamps in Aug. 2021. do to the factor that a MR.Pagan did not call her or me on JUNE 24,2021. for Recertification interview we waited all day and never got called.I am my sisters payee .

Darlene Kramer | Sep 6, 2021
Darlene Kramer | Sep 6, 2021

I have called him so many times already and left messages with no return calls. I just wish that people would do their jobs 🙂 right

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How does my granddaughter get a replacement card for Medicaid

andrea Hessel | Sep 6, 2021
Mike Salisbury | Sep 6, 2021

Go in and tell the receptionist you need a new medicaid card. After you go threw the security check point there will be a computer where you get your waiting line ticket on your right side. Stay on the first floor and go to the left to Window D. If your ticket number starts with "700" you picked the right option at the kiosk computer. You're questioned and directed by staff as soon as you walk in the building so this review is kind of frugal.

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Where do I go to file my application for snap.

David Kester | Sep 6, 2021
queen of leelee | Sep 6, 2021

Third floor is snap

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What the number for l9st or samaged card

kaceyxx williams | Sep 6, 2021
Gabrielle Cromer | Sep 6, 2021

Buffalo bones1100 yes it would b quicker

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I need appointment asap

Bonnie Childress | Sep 6, 2020
Etta-Anne Leedy | Sep 6, 2020

You can schedule an appointment on the website. You can also request an application.

How and, or where do I apply for emergency foodstamps? I'm new to Buffalo.

Tonya Dupont | Sep 6, 2020
David Kester | Sep 6, 2021

Where do I go to file my application

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Do they help you get apartment if you have a baby?

Janeka Thomas | Sep 6, 2020
hockey fan 2020 | Sep 6, 2020

You could try Housing or Emergency Services.

Are they open on monday

Vanessa Galarza | Sep 6, 2020
abdulkadir Abdullahi | Sep 6, 2020

Yes they are open you can pickup or drop off application and some services are online.

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My friend put down a deposit on an apartment for cleaning and damages but never moved in. They returned 300 of the$600 but will not return any more. Can we get that last$300 back?

Ginnie Lewis | Sep 6, 2020
Heavyweight44 Meech | Sep 6, 2020

Yes

What is the mailing address for Erie county snap?

Mike Zimmerman | Sep 6, 2020
Tina Wass | Sep 6, 2020

95 Fanklin St Bflo NY 14202 3rd floor

how much income can I make to get food stamps

Angela Catania | Sep 6, 2020
Jessica york | Sep 6, 2020

It depends on how many kids you have if you have any

Will the food stamp building be open on Christmas Eve tommorow ??

Shania Williams | Sep 6, 2020
Volunteer Navigator | Sep 6, 2020

I wish I could help you about the but I'm not sure I have a not passed front of the office they my hat a sign Good luck

What's needed to apply

muncherdad | Sep 6, 2020
hockey fan 2020 | Sep 6, 2020

Application, and typically proof of any income. The worker will let you know if more info is needed.

Can you Apply for welfare online?

Terry Clark | Sep 6, 2020
Andrew K | Sep 6, 2020

You cannot apply for Temporary Assistance online. You can for SNAP.

Is the domestic violence building open tomorrow? It's a holiday and I have an appointment? Is this possible

Crazy Girl | Sep 6, 2020
Wil Madden | Sep 6, 2020

Yes still open

What number do I call to speak with a snap worker?

terry strianese | Sep 6, 2020
Kelly Frantz | Sep 6, 2020

The number that is on the back of your snap card

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Do i contact State if a Supervisor is Unable to provide me with an different Case Worker?

Stephanie M. Thomas | Sep 7, 2019
hockey fan 2020 | Sep 6, 2020

State has no authority in that regard. Typically case workers are assigned by your last name so you can not just change them.

Why would my case be considered "RE OPENED" if i want to re-apply?

Stephanie M. Thomas | Sep 7, 2019
Jessica Marino | Sep 7, 2019

Because it was never closed. If you apply and don't comply, it takes 30 days to close the original case. It's all just vocabulary. It doesn't change the process.

Can I get a stove and refrigerater vochour here

Kayla Taylor | Sep 7, 2019
hockey fan 2020 | Sep 6, 2020

Yes, contact Housing

How do I report change of income?

melissa lewis | Sep 7, 2019
Me cojio la rueda us | Sep 7, 2019

On your online acct or in the number that is on the communications letters.

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Where do I go for help with my foreclosure on my house I heard assistants for all county help has moved. Including heap snap??? I really need help here

Shannon Mantione | Sep 7, 2019
Renato Graham | Sep 7, 2019

Call 211

When is the office less crowded quotes of Art what's the best time to apply for Social Service?

j j | Sep 7, 2019
ahmed murshe | Sep 7, 2019

The best time and easy way to apply is online application do all your paper work by online and after you gonna get call from officers and you report for the interview or other way is grab application from the office and fill it and drop off and after 15 min they will do the interview that is it so one way the other

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What number do I call for medicaid

Karen Toomey | Sep 7, 2019
Andy Lyons | Sep 7, 2019

(716) 858 - 8000 is the General # for information on the Department of Social Services. Call that # and follow the prompts and you'll either be connected to the medicaid department or given the number specifically for medicaid.

Will I get food stamps in March 2019

Aretha Devers | Sep 7, 2019
Ronnie Cason | Sep 7, 2019

Yes its posted online for march 1st

What's number to heap

Cheryl Washington | Sep 7, 2019
Lisa Kucharski | Sep 7, 2019

858 7644

Is the social services open on Christmas Eve

Joanne Dykes | Sep 7, 2019
Brian Borden | Sep 7, 2019

Yes

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Are u open today

Lourdes Sanchez | Sep 7, 2019
ahmed murshe | Sep 7, 2019

Good

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When do I renew my food stamps

Richard Bowden | Sep 7, 2019
Sophiaplus Adgate | Sep 7, 2019

Every six minths to year depending on ones situation

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How do I renew my food stamps on line

darrin shivers | Sep 7, 2019
Nicholas Puglisi | Sep 7, 2019

Google mybenefits NYS that and it'll pull it up so you can renew them

How do I change my address?

Michelle Clark | Sep 7, 2018
Marie Willgens | Sep 7, 2018

There are a few ways, the easiest way would be to call the number on the back of your card. Or to go down to your local department of social services building.

Are they open today? 1/5

Andy Blair | Sep 7, 2018
Andy Blair | Sep 7, 2019

They opened yesterday

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Is their parking ?

Jennifer Sulzbach | Sep 7, 2018
Jennifer Sulzbach | Sep 7, 2018

No parking anywhere ? Close or not. Is the main place mall still there ?

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Do i drop my daycare info at this office

Louise DeBold | Sep 7, 2017
Stephanie M. Thomas | Sep 7, 2019

Depending on the Case it may be a different building

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