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Please Call Before Coming to the Department of Family Services

Liberty, NY – Effective immediately, the Sullivan County Department of Family Services (DFS) is introducing a limited access protocol for all clients and those applying for a program or service. 

In view of the State’s declared emergency to counteract the spread of COVID-19, DFS is implementing alternate procedures for applying or recertifying for Public Assistance, Emergency Programs, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP  (food stamps), HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program), Child Care and Child Support. 

For at least the next 30 days, persons applying for any of these programs are asked to call first because eligibility for these programs is being revised to limit the need for personal interviews at the Department. Clients and/or applicants should first call 845-292-0100.  This process will keep the public and our staff as safe as possible but still allow DFS to make timely benefit decisions.

Applications can be mailed to 16 Community Lane, Liberty, NY 12754, faxed to 845-292-1320 or emailed (email address will depend on the nature of the application, so please call first). SNAP applications can also be completed online at MYBenefits.ny.gov. Interviews may now be done via the phone.

“Those seeking medical coverage should call the Department of Health at 1-855-355-5777 to see if their application may be taken over the phone,” stated Acting Commissioner of Social Services William Moon. “If you are referred to our Department by the New York State Department of Health, please first contact us by phone so we can review an application method with you. Note that individuals that are disabled or are 65 and older will typically be eligible, and we can initiate the application over the phone.”

“Keep yourself, your family and our staff as safe as possible,” added Health and Family Services Commissioner Stephanie Brown. “Our lobby is very small. For almost all clients, an alternate procedure or process can be used instead of being physically present at DFS:  clients making a Medicaid spenddown payment, those needing a new or replacement EBT card or, if you are homeless, we will see you in our lobby. Documents may be dropped off at our office or at the security desk in the Government Center in Monticello. Remember, please call first in advance so we can work out the best solution for each individual need.”