Benefits · Emergency Aid

How to apply for Rensselaer County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination

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

Who it's for

Rensselaer County emergency aid: (1) Rensselaer DSS for Temporary Assistance, Emergency HEAP, and one-time grants (518-833-6014); (2) Rensselaer OFA for senior-specific case management (518-270-2730); (3) Rensselaer hospital safety net (518-271-3300); (4) Rensselaer transit (518-482-8822); (5) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany; (6) Capital Region food banks (Food Pantries for the Capital District); (7) Salvation Army of the Capital Region. Dial 211 (Capital Region 2-1-1) for general referrals.

Rensselaer: referral-coordination model.

What you'll need

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