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Eligibility

Income Standards for Temporary (Cash) Assistance effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026.

The income standard for Emergency Safety Net Assistance (ESNA) and Emergency Assistance to Needy families with Children (EAF) is tied to the official Federal Poverty Guidelines which are updated annually by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Those applying for Emergency Services are directed to do so by visiting the first floor of the Rath Building (158 Pearl St. entrance) and submitting necessary documents in the newly located Emergency Services Application Intake unit in the Erie County Work Center. More information.

Emergency Safety Net Assistance

Financial eligibility for ESNA is 125% of the official Federal Poverty Guidelines. The following income guidelines for ESNA are effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026.

ESNA 125% of Federal Income Poverty Guidelines

By Family Size (Adjusted Annually)

Household Size Monthly
1 $1,630
2 $2,203
3 $2,776
4 $3,349
5 $3,992
6 $4,495
7 $5,068
8 $6,228

Emergency Assistance to Needy Families with Children

Financial eligibility for EAF is determined by the gross income immediately available to the applicant on the date of application. The household is financially eligible for EAF if the available income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level for the household size.

The following income guidelines for EAF are effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026.

200% of Federal Poverty Level Guidelines

EAF Gross Available Income Test

By Family Size (Adjusted Annually)

  200% Federal Poverty Guidelines
Household Size Monthly
1 $2,608
2 $3,525
3 $4,442
4 $5,358
5 $6,275
6 $7,192
7 $8,108
8 $9,025
Each additional  $917

Factors other than income affect eligibility for benefits programs. The only way to know if you will qualify is to submit an application and have your eligibility determined by an examiner.

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