ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES HOUSING BENEFITS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AIDS OR HIV+RELATED ILLNESSES
© 1991-2000 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
______________________________________________________________________________________

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL HOUSING PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AIDS OR HIV RELATED ILLNESSES?

        Yes. The Department of Social Services (DSS) now has a special program which pays cash benefits to individuals with AIDS or HIV+ who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. The allowance can be much higher than the shelter allowance paid to public assistance recipients.

HOW CAN I GET HOUSING BENEFITS FROM DSS?

        You must meet the following criteria:

1) You are in receipt of public assistance.

2) You are homeless or threatened with homelessness (must have court eviction papers or statement from your landlord that you are behind in your rent and will be evicted). If you are moving out of nonpermanent housing such as a drug treatment facility, a shelter or half-way house, you meet this criteria.

3) You have AIDS or are HIV+. You must provide medical proof such as a letter from a doctor indicating your HIV status.

4) You must apply for, be eligible for, or be getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. If you are not getting SSI benefits, your income and resources must be low enough that you qualify for Safety Net Assistance. Since SSI benefits are higher than Safety Net Assistance, we strongly urge you to apply for SSI.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THESE HOUSING BENEFITS?

        Go to the first floor of the Rath Building located at 95 Franklin Street (downtown Buffalo) and fill out a regular public assistance application. Return it to Window #2 and ask to speak with Jane Devinney. When you meet with her, tell her that you are seeking an enhanced shelter allowance due to your HIV status. Ms. Devinney can also be reached at 858-8525.

        HOW MUCH OF AN ENHANCED SHELTER ALLOWANCE WILL I GET?

        The amount you will receive depends on your individual circumstances, including the number of people in your household, income and rent paid. DSS will not pay for more than the actual rent. You should call our office (847-0650) if you have questions about the amount you should get.

IF I GET FOOD STAMPS, WILL AN ENHANCED SHELTER ALLOWANCE RESULT IN A REDUCTION OF MY FOOD STAMPS?

    No.

WHAT ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?

        According to New York State DSS regulations, DSS employees are not supposed to reveal information except for purposes of administering public assistance. Erie County DSS has been reminded of this obligation, especially as it relates to individuals with AIDS or HIV+.

WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM IN GETTING AN ENHANCED SHELTER ALLOWANCE?

        Call Neighborhood Legal Services at 847-0650 as early as you can after 9:00 a.m., Monday through Friday.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER BENEFITS THAT ARE AVAILABLE?

        Yes. There are funds available through a federal program called Housing Opportunities for People with Aids (HOPWA). These monies are available for security deposits, moving expenses, rental subsidies and rental arrears. For more information on these benefits, you may contact AIDS Community Services at 847-2441.

Return to Table of Contents | NLS Home Page | Search the NLS Website