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Our mission is to engage people in need and provide effective services in collaboration with community partners.

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HEAP

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SNAP

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Emergency Services

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Foster Care/Homefinding

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Temporary Assistance

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Day Care

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Youth Services

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Child Protective Services

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Children's Services

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Adult Protective Services

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Domestic Violence

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Medicaid

Latest News

Emergency Services unit re-locates to 460 Main St.

*Effective October 19, 2026, the ECDSS Emergency Services unit has re-located to 460 Main St., 2nd floor.

The unit had previously been located on the fourth floor of Rath Building, 158…

Updated: 10/20/2026 - 8:39 am

HEAP Regular (Heating) Benefit Component tentatively scheduled to open 11/2/26

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in Erie County is anticipated to open on November 2, 2026 for Regular benefit assistance only.  Applicants may apply for HEAP by submitting paper…

Updated: 10/06/2026 - 8:57 am

HERR program information in Erie County

The Erie County Department of Social Services reminds residents of possible benefits available through its HEAP Heating Equipment Repair & Replacement (HERR) program, which can assist in…

Updated: 09/21/2026 - 1:51 pm

Clean & Tune benefits open to public October 1

The Erie County Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Clean & Tune program is scheduled to open October 1, 2026.

Program benefits (when in operation) had been provided on a first-come,…

Updated: 09/14/2026 - 2:40 pm
All news

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seal of Erie County Social Services

Karen Rybicki
Commissioner of Social Services

We envision an Erie County Community where children, adults and families are healthy, safe & enjoy a quality life.

Contact

Department of Social Services
Edward A Rath County Office Building
95 Franklin Street, 8th Floor
Buffalo, New York 14202

Phone: (716) 858-8000

ECDSS Vendor Application

Official Small Business Vendor List

More Information

EBT - Skimming/Phishing prevention (English)

EBT - Skimming/Phishing prevention (Spanish)

Foster Care Ombudsman Brochure

Foster Care Ombudsperson Complaint Form

Foster Parents & the Courts

MyBenefits

RFP Appendix A

RFP Appendix B

Featured

Report Welfare Fraud

ECDSS Informational Handbook

Temporary Assistance & SNAP Employment Plan

5-Year Child and Family Services Plan for ECDSS

Work Supports Resource Guide (English)

Work Supports Resource Guide (Spanish)

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