• Non-emergency applications for SNAP and Temporary Assistance can be made online at myBenefits.ny.gov
• Non-emergency applications for HEAP can be made through our HEAP certifier, Cornell Cooperative Extension. Visit our HEAP page for more information
• New applicants or individuals who are recertifying for benefits can fax, mail in their completed applications and documentation or email their completed applications and documents. Also, you can hand your packet to a security guard at the front of our building and they will place it in a drop box inside our building for you. Individuals must include a working phone number on all of the paperwork submitted.  We will call to conduct a phone interview and review documentation.
• Individuals currently receiving benefits can contact their workers rather than coming in to our building for any questions or concerns they have. You can also submit your documentation for your application or renewal using the NYDocSubmit mobile app. [About the NYDocSubmit app]
• You can also check your EBT balances online through myBenefits.ny.gov

Mailing Address:
Albany County Department of Social Services
162 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210

Fax Applications/Documentation to (518) 447-7722

In-person visits are required for:

• If you need to replace EBT (SNAP) cards
• Cash payments for Medicaid spenddowns and Child Support
• Homeless placements during business hours
• If you request an in-person interview for Temporary Assistance
• Emergency applications for SNAP/HEAP

For information on health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, call 1 (855) 355-5777 or visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

General information

• Book 1 “What you Should Know about your Rights and Responsibilities” (LDSS-4148A)
• Book 2 “What you Should Know about Social Service Programs” (LDSS-4148B)
• Book 3 “What you Should Know if you Have an Emergency” (LDSS-4148C)

Specific program overviews

• Temporary Assistance Fact Sheet
• Temporary Assistance Employment Services Fact Sheet
• SNAP Fact Sheet
• SNAP Work Requirement Fact Sheet

To report suspected Medicaid or other public assistance fraud, please call Albany County's Social Services fraud hotline at (518) 447-7380 or send an email to welfarefraud@albanycounty.com.