Benefits · Emergency Aid

How to apply for Essex County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination

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

Who it's for

Essex County emergency aid: (1) Essex DSS for Temporary Assistance, Emergency HEAP, and one-time grants (518-873-3441); (2) Essex OFA for senior-specific case management (518-873-3695); (3) Essex hospital safety net (518-873-6377); (4) Essex transit (518-873-3760); (5) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Ogdensburg (covers all 7 North Country counties); (6) Adirondack Foundation / Food Bank of Central NY (regional food bank for North Country); (7) Joint Council for Economic Opportunity (JCEO Plattsburgh) for Clinton/Essex/Franklin CAA services. Dial 211 for general referrals.

Essex: referral-coordination model. Catholic Charities Diocese of Ogdensburg covers all 7 North Country counties.

What you'll need

Proof of age 60+
Proof of all household income
Proof of Essex 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.