Tag: dss

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County is reminding residents that the Code Blue Overnight Warming Center at United Presbyterian Church in Binghamton will be open this weekend and continues to operate seven nights a week, providing overnight shelter for individuals in need.

Code Blue is an emergency response designed to help protect people who do not have access to safe, adequate shelter during dangerously cold weather. The Overnight Center at UPC provides a safe place to sleep, along with dinner and a light breakfast.

The center is located at 42 Chenango Street in Binghamton. Check-in begins at 5 p.m., and guests must check out by 9 a.m.

The Overnight Center is jointly operated by United Presbyterian Church and the Broome County Urban League. For more information, visit the Overnight Center at UPC website.

(BINGHAMTON, NY) – The Broome County Suicide Prevention Coalition (BC SAFE – Broome County Suicide Awareness For Everyone), along with its partners the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Care Compass Network, will host a community event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, in the Decker Room of the Broome County Public Library (185 Court Street, Binghamton).

The event will focus on suicide prevention within the LGBTQ+ community. This event is to honor both Mental Health Awareness Month in May, and Pride Month in June.

During the event, there will be facilitated conversation with a panel of experts. Members of the panel will include peers with life experience, mental health experts, and other advocates. The organizers wish to include peers, allies, advocates, caring community members, families, and loved ones. Registration is required at https://gcnybcsafe529.attendease.com.

The panel will cover what we know about suicide, up-to-date research on prevention, and what can be done to combat suicide among LGBTQ+ friends and loved ones.

Given the sensitivity of the topic, the coalition requests that attending media arrive prior to the start, or at the end of the event. Panelists and/or coalition members will be available to answer questions.

If you or someone you know needs emotional support or help, call the Suicide and crisis Lifeline at 988, where trained helpers are available 24/7 or text “Got5” to the Crisis Text line at 741741. BC SAFE includes resources and information on suicide awareness and prevention at broomecountyny.gov/mh/bcsafe.

The Broome County Department of Social Services has detected dozens of applications submitted by Broome County residents in which their benefits were stolen due to Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) “skimming.” This illegal process involves a device (skimmer) placed on top of a store’s card reading machine. The skimmer copies card and personal identification number (PIN) information from EBT cardholders. The stolen data is then used to access an individual’s EBT account and spend their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance (TA) cash benefits.

All EBT cardholders should take these steps to protect their benefits.

Change their PIN immediately and remember to change it frequently.
Remember to protect their EBT card and PIN information.

Monitor their EBT account regularly to watch for unauthorized transactions.

If someone suspects their benefits have been stolen, please immediately call the Broome County Case Integrity Unit at 607-778-2519.

For more information, please visit the following websites:

https://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/EBT-scam-alert.asp#scam-type

             The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will return to its normal allotment levels starting in March 2023. Recipients have received a temporary increase in their benefits since March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This change is a result of Congress’ approval of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023; neither the Broome County Department of Social Services (DSS) nor the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) have control over this decision.

All SNAP households will be mailed a letter in February explaining the end of the supplemental emergency benefits. Additionally, SNAP households with mobile phone numbers on file will receive a series of three text messages from OTDA. The messages will be sent from 877-902-0684 to remind households that SNAP EA benefits are ending and directs them to a FAQ webpage. Text messages will be sent in late January, February, and early March. Neither OTDA nor Broome County DSS will ask SNAP recipients for their EBT card number or PIN. Never give your card number or PIN to anyone who texts, emails, or calls you asking for this information as it is likely a scam. 

Beginning in March 2023, recipients will continue to get normal monthly SNAP benefit for as long as they are eligible. To ensure you are receiving an accurate SNAP benefit, households that recently experienced loss of income or an increase in expenses – such as housing costs, childcare fees, child support payments or have allowable medical expenses over $35 (for those age 60 or older, or disabled) since your last recertification – can report changes to their local district office which may result in an increase in the household’s normal monthly SNAP benefit. Families that need to recertify will receive a notice with instructions on how to do so.

For more information or if you need help with food or additional household expenses, visit https://otda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19/Frequently-Asked-Questions.asp.

Families earning below 300% of poverty level will be eligible

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) –  Broome County officials were joined by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo Monday to remind residents that they may soon be eligible for help paying for childcare. As part of the 2022-23 NYS Budget, families earning below 300% of the federal poverty level will qualify for assistance beginning August 1^st. Previously, the income standard set by the State for childcare subsidies was 200%. Assistance will be administered by the Broome County Department of Social Services and applications will be accepted starting this Tuesday, July 5^th.

“It’s simple: a strong childcare system helps create a strong economy,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “People can’t go to work if they don’t have a quality, safe place to send their children. As more people look to return to an office setting following two years of working from home and others re-enter the workforce, we need to do all we can to make sure they have access to childcare. I’d like to thank Assemblywoman Lupardo and other State leaders who have championed this issue for years.”

“After years of advocacy, we allocated an historic $7 billion for childcare in this year’s state budget,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo. “By expanding the eligibility for who can receive assistance, thousands of families across the state can now receive help paying for child care. By making child care more affordable, many will finally be able to return to the workforce where they are needed.  If you think you may be eligible under the new guidelines, please contact Broome County for more information.”

The chart below outlines the income requirements for the updated childcare assistance program. Questions may be referred to the Broome County Department of Social Services.

*For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,720 for each additional person.

As Part of Child Welfare Appreciation Week September 13-17   

 Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Broome County Department of Social Services Commissioner Nancy Williams are recognizing child welfare workers as part of Child Welfare Workforce Development Month.

Child welfare workers provide essential services in Broome County and have worked nonstop throughout the past 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We owe a debt of gratitude to all our child welfare workers,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “Their commitment and dedication to helping children in our community is deeply appreciated. I am proud to proclaim September 16, 2021 as Child Welfare Worker Recognition Day.”

“We are so proud of the work done by our child welfare workers,” said Commissioner Williams. “They are vital to the health and well-being of our community’s youngest residents and help keep families safe, stable, and healthy.”

Funding Available for Landlords and Tenants Affected by COVID-19

The New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will begin in Broome County next week. This effort will provide significant economic relief to help low- and moderate-income households at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.  Eligible residents will be able to apply for assistance beginning June 1st via a portal located on the NYS Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA) website, https://otda.ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance/#overview.

New York residents are eligible for ERAP if they meet ALL the following criteria:

· Household gross income is at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). A household may qualify based on current income or calendar year 2020 income that is at or below 80 percent AMI. These income limits differ by county and household size.

· On or after March 13, 2020, a member of the household received unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in income, incurred significant costs or experienced financial hardship, directly or indirectly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

· The applicant is obligated to pay rent at their primary residence and has rental arrears (rent overdue) at their current residence for rent owed on or after March 13, 2020.

· The household must be at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, which can be demonstrated by having rental arrears owed on or after March 13, 2020.

Households eligible for rental arrears may also be eligible for help paying utility arrears at the same rental unit.

If approved for ERAP, households may receive:

· Up to 12 months of rental arrears payments for rents accrued on or after March 13, 2020.

· Up to 3 months of additional rental assistance if the household is expected to spend 30 percent or more of their gross monthly income to pay for rent.

· Up to 12 months of electric or gas utility arrears payments for arrears that have accrued on or after March 13, 2020.

Payments will be made directly to the landlord/property owner and utility company on behalf of the tenant. Tenant applicants will be notified of the amounts paid on their behalf. If a landlord is difficult to locate or does not otherwise provide information needed to complete the application, funds will be held for up to 180 days to allow sufficient time to locate the landlord and collect required information as well as to provide tenant protections and maximize landlord participation.

Broome County DSS is contracting with United Way to provide outreach and application assistance. Targeted outreach efforts will be provided through direct mailing, email, and social media.

We will also be utilizing the existing 211 call center staff to assist applications. In addition, 211 staff will have the ability to schedule appointments for those who need one on one assistance. Those appointments will be provided at the Broome County DSS Office located at 501 Reynolds Road Johnson City.

A help line has also been established for assistance: 1 (844) NY1-RENT. This line will be available 7 days a week between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM for the first two weeks and then 6 days a week from 8:00 AM until 7:00 PM.

More details can be found on the County website (https://broomecountyny.gov/dss) and on the NYS Office of Temporary Disability Assistance website (https://otda.ny.gov/programs/Emergency-Rental-Assistance/).

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) The Broome County Department of Social Services wants to alert families to a targeted outreach effort by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) intended to increase the redemption rates of Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) food benefits among certain Medicaid households with children who received the benefits.

On Monday, November 30th, OTDA sent text messages to approximately 96,000 households of children whose P-EBT food benefits were issued onto the Medicaid Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC) of either the parent/guardian or oldest child in the Medicaid-only household (P-EBT “Group 2” households), and who have not yet redeemed any P-EBT food benefits. 

The text message was sent to households which have not redeemed benefits and for which OTDA has a working cell phone number. The text message reminds them that their P-EBT food benefits are still available and will provide a link to a webpage with resources to assist them in creating a PIN for the CBIC linked to the P-EBT account.  

The text message was sent from 877-452-0098 and reads as follows:

Your child has been issued P-EBT food benefits that have not been accessed. Visit https://otda.ny.gov/PEBT for info on how to access these benefits.      

For more information head to: https://otda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19/PEBT/

(BINGHAMTON, NY) Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Broome County Department of Social Services Commissioner Nancy Williams are recognizing child welfare workers as part of Child Welfare Workforce Development Month. 

Child welfare workers provide essential services in Broome County and have continued to do so during these unprecedented times and despite the challenges of COVID-19.  

“Child welfare workers are everyday heroes,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “Their commitment and dedication do not go unnoticed and I am proud to proclaim September 15, 2020 as Child Welfare Worker Recognition Day.”

“Broome County child welfare workers are vital to the health and well-being of our community’s most vulnerable members,” said Commissioner Williams. “Child welfare workers provide services and supports to keep children, youth and families safe, stable and healthy. We are proud of all of their efforts!” 

Many thanks to Broome County Social Services Child Welfare Workers for their continued service to Broome County and its citizens. 

(BINGHAMTON) An Expansion of Child Care Assistance Program grant has been awarded to the Broome County Department of Social Services to expand the availably of subsidized childcare in Broome County.

This is a one-time grant which is targeted to expand availability of childcare subsidies to more residents in Broome County. Broome County was one of several counties awarded an Expansion of Child Care Assistance Program grant for 2020-2021.

Changes that Broome County DSS will be implementing include:

• Expanding subsidies for temporary assistance (TA) recipients and low-income families not receiving TA, with income up to 200% of FPL, for obtaining a GED, attending basic remedial education, literacy training, ESL, two-year college degree, prevocational training or vocational training through Department of Labor. *
• Expanding subsidies for low income families not receiving TA, with income up to 200% FPL, who are attending college and working 17.5 hours. Include study time (1 hour for each hour of class).
• Expanding subsidies for low income families not receiving TA, with income up to 200% of FPL, and working 17.5 hours, who are attending an educational or training program to allow eventual attainment of a 4-year degree, not to exceed 30 consecutive calendar months.
• Expanding subsidies for low income families, not receiving TA, with income up to 200% FPL who lose jobs, and are job searching from 6 weeks to 12 weeks.
• We will begin including 18, 19, and 20-year-olds in the household count for determining eligibility and parental share when it will benefit the family.
• In addition to absences for child or parent illnesses, all providers except the legally exempt providers will also receive payment for absences due to court appearances related to provision of preventive, foster care, adoption and child protective services.
• Program closures will be covered for the following days, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and States of Emergency when parent/guardian is scheduled to work or participate in an approved activity.

Additionally, the Broome County Day Care Unit has moved to the DSS building at 36-42 Main St. Binghamton. Their hours of availability have not changed and are also attached.