Social Services
The Department of Social Services provides an array of services to Westchester residents in need of help, including the areas of child support, food, housing, medical services and home energy costs. It also provides protective and preventive services for vulnerable children and adults.
Expanded services for My Social Security account
The Social Security Administration is expanding its services through the "my Social Security account," a personalized online account that people can use beginning in their working years and continuing on through the years they receive Social Security Benefits.
People ages 18 and older can sign up for an account by going to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
Temporary Assistance
In an effort to remove barriers to independence, we offer temporary assistance to customers and applicants so they may gain self-sufficiency through employment and securing support and care for children.
Child Welfare
Our child welfare units conduct investigations and family assessments, provide in-home case management, and administer foster care and adoption services. We recognize that some segments of our population, adult and children, are vulnerable and require services to assist and protect them.
To apply for services or inquire about your benefits, call or visit the district office serving your area. My Benefits is a quick and easy way for people in New York State to find answers to questions about New York State's programs and services.
In the event of a specific emergency, you can call:
- Child Abuse Hotline (800) 342-3720
- Abandoned Infant Information (866) 505-SAFE (7233)
- Adult Protective Intake (914) 995-2259
- Emergency Services (914) 995-2099
- Or, you can always call 911 in any emergency
Homeless Services
The county's Housing Office locates temporary shelter for homeless families, singles and childless couples. Learn more
Adoption
Being an adoptive parent means making a lifetime commitment to a child. For those children who can't return to their birth family, adoption provides a new home and family to call their own. View profiles of adoptable children in Westchester. To receive information on adoption, call 211. Learn more
Foster Parents
Being a foster parent means providing a caring, nurturing home to a child or sibling group. It means working with the birth parents as part of a team to help bring the family back together. And, it may mean providing a permanent home through adoption for a child who has been with you as a foster child. Call 211. Learn more
Child Support
New York State law requires both parents to financially support their children to age 21. This responsibility exists even if a parent leaves the home or has never lived with the child. Learn more