Benefits · Emergency Aid

How to apply for Columbia County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination

Columbia County DSS + OFA + community-based organizations — coordinated emergency aid framework

Who it's for

Columbia County emergency aid: (1) Columbia DSS for Temporary Assistance, Emergency HEAP, and one-time grants (518-828-9411); (2) Columbia OFA for senior-specific case management (518-828-4258); (3) Columbia hospital safety net (518-828-7601); (4) Columbia transit (518-828-9410); (5) Catholic Charities (Diocese of Syracuse for Otsego/Delaware/Chenango; Diocese of Albany for Columbia/Greene/Warren/Washington); (6) Opportunities for Otsego (OFO) / Delaware Opportunities / Chenango County Action Program / regional CAAs; (7) Food Bank of Central NY or Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY. Dial 211 for general referrals.

Columbia: referral-coordination model. Regional CAAs (Opportunities for Otsego, Delaware Opportunities, etc.) + Catholic Charities are the main coordination pillars.

What you'll need

Proof of age 60+
Proof of all household income
Proof of Columbia County residency
Photo identification

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 211

Renewals

as-needed

Official source →Last verified · June 9, 2026

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.