Benefits · Emergency Aid

How to apply for Erie County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination

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

Who it's for

Erie County emergency aid: (1) Erie DSS for Temporary Assistance, Emergency HEAP, and one-time grants (716-858-8000); (2) Erie OFA for senior-specific case management (858-858-8526); (3) Erie hospital safety net (716-898-3000); (4) Erie transit (716-855-7211); (5) Catholic Charities of Buffalo (Diocese of Buffalo, 8-county Western NY footprint); (6) FeedMore WNY (regional food bank for 4 WNY counties); (7) regional Community Action Agencies. Dial 211 for general referrals.

Erie: referral-coordination model. Catholic Charities of Buffalo + FeedMore WNY are the regional anchors.

What you'll need

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

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 211

Renewals

as-needed

Official source →Last verified · June 8, 2026

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