← All Counties
Home Counties Ontario County

Ontario County Benefits & Assistance Programs 2026

Find SNAP food stamps, Medicaid, housing assistance, cash aid, and utility help available in Ontario County, New York — including step-by-step guides and official resource links for Canandaigua and Geneva area residents.

📍 Ontario County, NY 👥 111K residents 🔗 Official Resources 🕒 Updated 2026 ℹ️ Not a Government Site
ℹ️

NYBenefitsGuide.com is an independent informational website — not affiliated with Ontario County, New York State, or any government agency. Always verify through official sources before applying.

🥕 SNAP Food Stamps in Ontario County

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps eligible Ontario County residents pay for groceries each month using an EBT card. Ontario County has two DSS offices — in Canandaigua and Geneva — both accepting walk-in applications.

Apply online

Apply at mybenefits.ny.gov — easiest option for Ontario County residents.

Or apply in person

Visit either the Canandaigua or Geneva office Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm. Walk-in applications accepted at both locations.

Submit documents

Use the free NYDocSubmit app or bring documents to either DSS office.

Get your EBT card

If approved, benefits are loaded onto your EBT card for eligible grocery purchases at authorized retailers.

✅ Apply for SNAP Online Ontario DSS

📍 2 DSS Locations

Canandaigua HQ

3010 County Complex Drive
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4060
Toll-free: (877) 814-6907
Fax: (585) 393-2960
Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:00pm

Geneva Office

83 Seneca Street
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 789-2841
Fax: (315) 781-2942
Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:00pm

SNAP Income Guidelines 2026
Household SizeMonthly 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 Ontario County

Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Ontario County residents. Under-65 applicants apply through NY State of Health. Applicants 65+ or disabled, and those needing nursing home or long-term care, apply directly through Ontario County DSS — Chronic Care Medicaid requires a 60-month review of assets.

Under 65 — apply online

Apply through NY State of Health at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call (855) 355-5777. Ontario County residents may also call 2-1-1 to be connected to a Navigator.

Age 65+ or disabled

Call (585) 396-4433 to request an application and Supplement A for seniors and disabled residents.

Chronic Care / Nursing Home

Call (585) 396-4433 — Chronic Care requires review of 60 months of bank records and asset searches.

Choose a health plan

If approved, enroll in a Medicaid Managed Care plan. For Managed Long Term Care call NY Medicaid Choice: (888) 401-6582.

🏥 Apply for Medicaid Learn More
Ontario County Medicaid — Direct Lines
Age 65+ / Disabled
(585) 396-4433 — Canandaigua Office
Chronic Care
(585) 396-4433 — 60-month asset review required
Managed LTC
NY Medicaid Choice: (888) 401-6582
Child Health Plus
(800) 698-4543
Hours
Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:00pm
What Medicaid may cover:
  • Doctor visits and checkups
  • Hospital care
  • Prescription medications
  • Medicare premium assistance
  • Chronic care and nursing home placement
  • Family planning and AIDS health insurance

🏠 Housing Assistance

Ontario County residents may qualify for emergency housing and rental assistance. The Temporary Assistance unit manages emergency housing through both the Canandaigua and Geneva offices.

Emergency Housing

Call (585) 396-4060 or (315) 789-2841 Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm for emergency housing assistance.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes serves Ontario, Seneca, and Cayuga counties — SSI, emergency assistance, and family case management.

After Hours Emergency

Call 2-1-1 for after-hours emergency housing and shelter assistance in Ontario County.

Ontario County DSS — 2 Locations

Canandaigua: 3010 County Complex Drive — (585) 396-4060
Geneva: 83 Seneca Street — (315) 789-2841
Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:00pm

🏠 Ontario County DSS

💵 Cash Assistance

Ontario County residents may qualify for temporary cash assistance through New York State’s Family Assistance and Safety Net programs. The TA unit is housed in both the Canandaigua and Geneva offices.

Program
Family Assistance (FA) — for families with children
Program
Safety Net Assistance (SNA) — for adults without children
Apply
Online at mybenefits.ny.gov or in person at either office
Canandaigua
(585) 396-4060 / Toll-free (877) 814-6907
Geneva
(315) 789-2841
Hours
Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:00pm
💵 Apply for Cash Assistance

⚡ Utility Help in Ontario County

Ontario County residents may qualify for help paying heating and electric bills through HEAP. The TA unit manages HEAP at both the Canandaigua and Geneva offices.

Program
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) — helps pay heating costs
Who qualifies
Low-income households — eligibility based on income and household size
How to apply
Apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov or at either Ontario County DSS office
Canandaigua
(585) 396-4060
Geneva
(315) 789-2841
Also available in Ontario County:
  • LIHEAP — federal heating assistance
  • Emergency HEAP — if fuel runs out
  • Heating equipment repair/replacement
  • Weatherization assistance
  • 2-1-1 for emergency utility help
⚡ Apply for HEAP