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Youth

Youth accepted into the program will work and participate in mandatory educational activities for 20 hours per week at an assigned worksite. Youth will earn $16 per hour.

Qualifications

  • Applicants must be an Erie County resident.
  • Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 20 years old.
  • Household must meet  income eligibility requirements.

Family member's income must be less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.  Below s the FPL Guidelines Chart for June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2025 -- 

Household Size Monthly Income Annual Income
1 $2,510 $30,120
2 $3,407 $40,880
3 $4,303 $51,640
4 $5,200 $62,400
5 $6,097 $73,160
6 $6,993 $83,920
7 $7,890 $94,680
8 $8,787 $105,440

Applicants that receive any of the following benefits are automatically income-qualified for the program: 

  • Temporary Assistance
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits
  • youth applicant receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Erie County encourages the participation of:

  • children in the foster care of juvenile justice systems
  • homeless
  • runaway youth
  • youth with disabilities

Adoption and foster care payments are both excluded from income calculations. 

 

Required Documentation

The following is a list of documents that are required to determine program eligibility:

  • Completed TANF Youth Service Application
  • Completed Pre-Employment Interest Questionnaire
  • Completed and Signed Consent for Release of Information Form

Youth between the ages of 14 and 17 years old will need to bring their original Working Papers to the SYEP interview. Working Paper applications can be obtained at school guidance office. 

Please complete all of the required forms and submit the entire packet in person, or mail to:

Erie County Department of Social Services
Comprehensive Employment Division
290 Main St. - 10th floor
Buffalo, NY 14202

Please contact Jacqueline Campbell at (716) 858-1006 or e-mail Jacqueline.Campbell@erie.gov for any additional information.

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