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Department of Community and Family Services

Low-income families and individuals may be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that provides monthly discounts for broadband service, and a one-time discount for a computer/tablet. Consumers need to enroll in the ACP with a participating provider that offers connected devices (Note: not all internet companies offer device discounts). For more info check out: ACPBenefit.org


Need to pay Child Support, Medicaid Spenddown, Assistance Repayments, or Temporary Housing Share? No need to travel to our office, pay 24/7 with a credit card. Click MAKE A PAYMENT for this option. 


From the comfort of your home use NYDocSubmit, a mobile application that allows applicants and recipients to take pictures of their documents and submit them to our office using their Apple iOS or Android device. The app is free and available for download on Google Play™ or Apple App Store™. NYDocSubmit (Frequently Asked Questions)


Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

New York State ERAP applications will not be accepted after January 20, 2023, at 9:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. Individuals will not be able to submit applications, or complete applications that have been started but not submitted, after January 20, 2023 at 9:00 pm. Applications submitted before the application portal closes on January 20, 2023 will continue to be processed in the order received, consistent with State law and program rules. After the portal closes to new applications, tenants and landlords may continue to upload required documentation for pending submitted applications through the portal ERAP application portal

Funding is available to provide legal services or attorney’s fees for tenants whose income is 80% or less of Area Median Income (AMI) facing eviction proceedings. For more information call: 877-574-8529.

Dutchess County residents in need of resources to avert eviction can call 211, or alternatively, 1-800-899-1479; choose to continue in English or Spanish; and press 7 to select the Dutchess Eviction Prevention Line. Specially trained 211 staff ask a series of questions and then provide a customized list of programs the tenant appears eligible for based on the information provided. There is also an online tool with which residents can answer the questions and receive a call back from 211 with their customized resources. 


Do you need help paying for overdue water and wastewater bills? 
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) can help.
For more information, visit https://otda.ny.gov/LIHWAP 

Contact

  • DCFSinfo@dutchessny.gov
  • 845-486-3000
  • 845-486-3090
  • Department of Community and Family Services (DCFS)
    60 Market Street
    Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
  • Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm

DCFSinfo@dutchessny.gov should not be used to submit applications or case documents as we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of these document submissions. Please use NYdocsubmit (mobile phone application) or visit www.MyBenefits.NY.gov

Additional DCFS Locations

Eastern Dutchess Government Center (EDGC)
Beacon Center


Need to pay Child Support, Medicaid Spenddown, Assistance Repayments, or Temporary Housing Share?

Make a Payment

Low Income Assistance

Services for Children, Adults and Families

Other Resources and Information


Domestic Violence

Find information about required domestic violence services (including identification of victims, provision of services, and available services 


Expectations, Rights and Responsibilities

When you seek assistance Dutchess County Department of Community & Family Services, you have rights as well as responsibilities. The following information should be helpful for you to understand what you can expect and how your can best be prepared.


Fair Hearings

If an applicant believes the Department has made an incorrect decision, they have the right to request a fair hearing.


Fraud

The Special Investigations Unit is responsible for the investigation of fraud abuse allegations for Temporary Assistance, SNAP, Medicaid and Child Care programs



Publications, Plans and Policy

Important Contact Information

Child Abuse – Hotline at 1-800-342-3720
Adult Protective Services Helpline (8am - 5pm Monday – Friday) 1-844-697-3505
Welfare Fraud Report Line 1-800-367-4448
Medicaid Fraud Control Unit 212-417-5397
Phone
New York State Medicaid/Medical Assistance Fraud 1-877-873-7283
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Fraud 1-800-269-0271
Social Security Disability Insurance Fraud 1-800-269-0271
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Vendor Fraud 1-800-424-9121 or email usda.hotline@oig.usda.gov
Office, Division or Program Phone
Contact Information