Temporary Assistance

Cash assistance for individuals and families in need.

Program Overview

Temporary Assistance is the cash component of the Assistance Programs. Consumers receive a cash benefit either paid directly to them or to a vendor to cover specific household needs. Household composition, resources, and income levels affect the amount of shelter, heat, utility, and other payments made for eligible families and individuals.

Eligibility & Benefits

Eligibility is based on household composition, income, and resources. Benefits may be issued to cover shelter, heating, utilities, or other essential needs.

Non‑Parent (Kinship) Caregiver Assistance

If you are a non‑parent caregiver for a minor child, you may also be eligible for cash assistance.

Forms

Contact Information

Broome County Department of Social Services – Temporary Assistance Unit
Phone: 607‑778‑1100 (M–F 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Fax: 607‑778‑3007

If you have a question regarding your benefits or would like to contact a local TA representative, please call the number above.

Shelter Arrears Eviction Forestallment Program (SAEF)

Help for Households at Risk of Eviction

The Shelter Arrears Eviction Forestallment Program (SAEF) may help eligible households that are behind on their rent or other qualifying shelter costs and are at risk of losing their housing. The goal of the program is to help eligible households remain safely housed by addressing qualifying shelter arrears and preventing homelessness whenever possible.

Who May Be Eligible?

You may be eligible for assistance if you are experiencing shelter arrears that place your housing at risk and you meet applicable Temporary Assistance or Emergency Assistance eligibility requirements. Eligibility is determined on an individual household basis. Submitting a request for assistance does not guarantee that a payment will be made.

Non-Public Assistance recipient households must meet the EAF or ESNA income eligibility requirements listed below. The income of all the individuals that reside in the household, must be counted.

2026-2027 Income Guidelines for EAF and ESNA

The household is financially eligible for EAF if the available income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines for the household size on the date of application.

200% of Federal Poverty Level Guidelines
EAF Gross Available Test

Household Size

Annual

Monthly

1

$31,920

$2,660

2

$43,280

$3,607

3

$54,640

$4,553

4

$66,000

$5,500

5

$77,360

$6,447

6

$88,720

$7,393

7

$100,080

$8,340

8

$111,440

$9,287

Each Additional Member

$11,360

$947

For ESNA, the household’s gross income at the time of application must not exceed 125% of the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines for the household size.

ESNA 125% of Federal Income Poverty Level Guidelines

Household Size

Annual

Monthly

1

$19,950

$1,663

2

$27,050

$2,254

3

$34,150

$2,846

4

$41,250

$3,438

5

$48,350

$4,029

6

$55,450

$4,621

7

$62,550

$5,213

8

$69,650

$5,804

Each Additional Member

$7,100

$592

What Can the Program Help With?

Depending on your circumstances and applicable program rules, assistance may be available to address qualifying shelter arrears, such as unpaid rent, mortgage arrears, homeowner’s association fees, legal and/or late fees and tax arrears. The amount and type of assistance available will depend on your household circumstances, eligibility, the amount of arrears, and applicable program requirements.

If You Are Behind on Your Rent

Do not wait until you are facing an immediate eviction. If you are behind on your rent or have received a notice related to your housing, contact the Broome County Department of Social Services as soon as possible. Early contact may allow DSS to review your circumstances, determine whether you may qualify for assistance, and identify other resources that may help you remain housed.

How to Apply

In Person:
Broome County Department of Social Services
36-42 Main Street
Binghamton, NY 13905

When contacting DSS about shelter arrears, be prepared to provide information about your household and housing situation. Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to provide documentation such as:

  • Your current lease or rental agreement;
  • Information from your landlord;
  • Documentation showing the amount of rent or other shelter arrears owed;
  • Any eviction notice, court paperwork, or other documentation concerning your housing;
  • Proof of household income and resources; and
  • Other documentation needed to determine eligibility.