Tompkins County Benefits & Assistance Programs 2026
Find SNAP food stamps, Medicaid, housing assistance, cash aid, and utility help available in Tompkins County, New York — including step-by-step guides and official resource links for Ithaca area residents.
NYBenefitsGuide.com is an independent informational website — not affiliated with Tompkins County, New York State, or any government agency. Always verify through official sources before applying.
🥕 SNAP Food Stamps in Tompkins County
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps eligible Tompkins County residents supplement their food budget each month using an EBT card. Tompkins County DSS is located in the Human Services Building in Ithaca. Documents can be uploaded securely online via the Tompkins County Mobile Document Upload portal.
Apply at mybenefits.ny.gov — easiest option for Tompkins County residents.
Visit the Human Services Building at 320 West Martin Luther King Jr./State Street, Ithaca NY 14850.
Use the Tompkins County Mobile Document Upload at tompkinscountyny.gov/dss/mobiledocumentupload or bring documents in person.
If approved, SNAP benefits are loaded monthly onto your EBT card for eligible grocery purchases.
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 Tompkins County
Medicaid is an income-based assistance program for medically indigent Tompkins County residents. Tompkins County DSS handles Medicaid eligibility, managed care enrollment, and Medicaid transportation coordination.
Apply through NY State of Health at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call (855) 355-5777.
Call the Tompkins County Medicaid Programs line at (607) 274-5244 for questions and managed care enrollment.
Use the secure Mobile Document Upload at tompkinscountyny.gov/dss/mobiledocumentupload.
For Medicaid-covered transportation to medical appointments, call (866) 753-4543.
- Doctor visits and checkups
- Hospital care and prescriptions
- Mental health services
- Managed care plan services
- Medical transportation to appointments
- Nursing home and home care
🏠 Housing Assistance
Tompkins County residents may qualify for emergency housing assistance and rental support through the DSS. Emergency assistance is available for eviction, utility shut-off, homelessness, or domestic violence situations.
Call (607) 274-5680 Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm for emergency housing and rental assistance.
Tompkins Community Action (TCAction) provides additional housing, utility, and food assistance — call (607) 272-2636.
Call 2-1-1 for after-hours emergency housing and shelter assistance in Tompkins County.
320 West MLK Jr./State Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: (607) 274-5680
Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm
💵 Cash Assistance
Tompkins County residents may qualify for temporary cash assistance. Tompkins County DSS provides benefits and services to sustain families and individuals and assist them to achieve independence.
⚡ Utility Help in Tompkins County
Tompkins County residents may qualify for help paying heating and energy bills through HEAP and other programs. Tompkins Community Action (TCAction) also provides emergency utility assistance.
- LIHEAP — federal heating assistance
- Emergency HEAP — if fuel runs out
- Heating equipment repair/replacement
- TCAction emergency utility help: (607) 272-2636
- 2-1-1 for emergency utility referrals