Monroe County Benefits & Assistance Programs 2026
Find SNAP food stamps, Medicaid, housing assistance, cash aid, and utility help available in Monroe County, New York — including step-by-step guides and official resource links for Rochester area residents.
NYBenefitsGuide.com is an independent informational website — not affiliated with Monroe County, New York State, or any government agency. Always verify through official sources before applying.
🥕 SNAP Food Stamps in Monroe County
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps eligible Monroe County residents pay for groceries each month using an EBT card. Monroe County has two DHS office locations in Rochester. SNAP interviews are done by phone — no in-person visit required.
Apply at mybenefits.ny.gov — easiest option. Expedited benefits available within 7 days if eligible.
You will be contacted by phone for screening and mailed an appointment for a SNAP telephone interview — no in-person visit needed.
Use the NYDocSubmit app or bring documents to either Rochester office. Applications also accepted at 691 St. Paul Street.
If approved, benefits are loaded onto your EBT card for eligible grocery purchases at authorized retailers.
📍 2 DHS Locations in Rochester
111 Westfall Road
Rochester, NY 14620
Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:00pm
Walk-ins accepted
691 St. Paul Street
Rochester, NY 14605
Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:00pm
Walk-ins accepted
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 Monroe County
Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Monroe County residents. Monroe County DHS handles Medicaid enrollment, CDPAP, and managed care plan selection for Rochester area residents.
Apply through NY State of Health at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call (855) 355-5777.
Call Monroe County DHS Medicaid line at (585) 753-2760 for questions and assistance.
Visit either Rochester office — 111 Westfall Road or 691 St. Paul Street, Mon–Fri 8am–4pm.
If approved, enroll in a Medicaid Managed Care plan for your covered services.
- Doctor visits and checkups
- Hospital care
- Prescription medications
- CDPAP — hire family/friends as paid caregivers
- Mental health and substance use services
- Nursing home and home care
🏠 Housing Assistance
Monroe County residents may qualify for emergency housing, rental assistance, and temporary shelter. Financial Assistance services include cash, rent, and utilities for eligible households.
Call (585) 753-2750 Mon–Fri 8am–4pm for emergency housing, eviction, or utility shut-off help.
Monroe County DHS provides rental and utility assistance as part of Temporary Assistance benefits.
Call (585) 442-1742 or 2-1-1 for after-hours emergency housing assistance in Monroe County.
Emergency after-hours: (585) 442-1742
Or call 2-1-1 (Finger Lakes Region)
No-heat/No-utilities: RG&E (800) 743-1701 or National Grid (800) 465-1212
💵 Cash Assistance
Monroe County residents may qualify for temporary cash assistance. Over 2,000 Temporary Assistance families in Monroe County work and receive partial cash benefits and SNAP simultaneously.
⚡ Utility Help in Monroe County
Monroe County residents may qualify for HEAP heating assistance. The 2025–2026 HEAP Cooling Assistance Component opened April 15, 2026 — providing free air conditioners or fans to eligible low-income households.
- LIHEAP — federal heating assistance
- Emergency HEAP — if fuel runs out
- HEAP Cooling — free A/C or fan (2026 open)
- Weatherization assistance
- 2-1-1 Finger Lakes for emergency utility help