Albany County Department of Social Services – Albany, NY

Supporting Families and Individuals in Crisis

The Albany County Department of Social Services (DSS) is the primary safety net for residents of Albany County facing economic hardship, family instability, or health challenges. With its main operations centered in Albany, the department is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the community by providing a broad range of protective, preventative, and financial services . The agency’s mission is to help people help themselves, fostering self-sufficiency while protecting those who are unable to care for themselves, such as vulnerable children and vulnerable adults.

Financial and Nutritional Assistance

The department administers critical benefit programs designed to meet basic needs. This includes Temporary Assistance (TA) for cash support, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help families purchase food, and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to aid with heating costs during the winter months. The Medicaid unit assists residents in accessing health insurance coverage, ensuring that low-income individuals and families can obtain necessary medical care . Eligibility for these programs is generally determined by income and resource guidelines set by the state and federal government.

Child and Family Welfare

A core component of DSS is the protection of children and family stability. The Child Protective Services (CPS) unit investigates reports of child abuse and maltreatment, working to ensure the safety of minors. The department also oversees foster care placements and adoption services for children who cannot remain in their homes. Furthermore, the Child Support Enforcement Unit helps custodial parents obtain financial support for their children by locating absent parents and establishing support orders . For adults, the Adult Protective Services (APS) unit intervenes to protect elderly or dependent adults from neglect, abuse, or exploitation.

• Assistance: SNAP, HEAP, and Temporary Assistance cash benefits.
• Health: Medicaid eligibility and long-term care planning.
• Protection: Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services.
• Support: Child Support Enforcement and employment services.