Erie County Benefits & Assistance Programs 2026
Find SNAP food stamps, Medicaid, housing assistance, cash aid, and utility help available in Erie County, New York — including step-by-step guides and official resource links for Buffalo and Western New York residents.
NYBenefitsGuide.com is an independent informational website — not affiliated with Erie County, New York State, or any government agency. Always verify through official sources before applying.
🥕 SNAP Food Stamps in Erie County
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps eligible Erie County residents pay for groceries each month using an EBT card. Erie County DSS is headquartered in the Rath Building in downtown Buffalo.
Apply through mybenefits.ny.gov — easiest option for Erie County residents.
Visit the Erie County Works Center at 158 Pearl Street, Buffalo — the central intake point for assistance.
Use the free NYDocSubmit app or mail to PO Box 120, Buffalo, NY 14201-9903.
If approved, benefits are loaded onto your EBT card for eligible grocery purchases.
📍 Erie County DSS — Buffalo Offices
95 Franklin Street, 8th Floor
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 858-8000
Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:00pm
158 Pearl Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 858-8000
Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:00pm
Central intake for TA/SNAP/Medicaid
SNAP Income Guidelines 2026
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,580 |
| 2 people | $2,137 |
| 3 people | $2,694 |
| 4 people | $3,250 |
| 5 people | $3,807 |
| Each additional | + $557 |
🏥 Medicaid in Erie County
Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Erie County residents. The Erie County Works Center handles Medicaid applications. Applicants over 65 or disabled use the Access NY Healthcare application DOH-4220.
Apply through NY State of Health at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call (855) 355-5777.
Mail application to PO Box 120, Buffalo, NY 14201-9903. Include a working phone number for interview.
Visit the Erie County Works Center at 158 Pearl Street, Buffalo, NY 14202.
If approved, enroll in a Medicaid Managed Care plan — Fidelis, WellCare, United Healthcare, and others available.
- Doctor visits and checkups
- Hospital care
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment
- CDPAP and personal care services
- Nursing home and long-term care (CASA)
🏠 Housing Assistance
Erie County residents may qualify for emergency housing, rental assistance, and temporary shelter. The Emergency Services unit is located on the 4th floor of the Rath Building.
Visit or call (716) 858-8000 — Emergency Services is on the 4th floor of 95 Franklin Street.
Available for eviction, utility shut-off, homelessness, no food, or domestic violence situations.
Call 2-1-1 for after-hours emergency housing and shelter assistance in Erie County.
95 Franklin Street, 4th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 858-8000
Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:00pm
💵 Cash Assistance
Erie County residents may qualify for temporary cash assistance through New York State’s Family Assistance and Safety Net programs. The Erie County Works Center is the central intake point.
⚡ Utility Help in Erie County
Erie County residents may qualify for help paying heating bills through HEAP. The Regular HEAP benefit typically opens December 1 each year. The HERR benefit assists with heating equipment repair and replacement.
- LIHEAP — federal heating assistance
- Emergency HEAP — if fuel runs out
- HERR — heating equipment repair/replacement
- Weatherization assistance
- 2-1-1 for emergency utility help