NY Connects
If you have a questions, but don't quite know where to start- NY Connects is the perfect starting point. NY Connects is your trusted place to go for free, unbiased information about long term services and supports in New York State for people of all ages or with any type of disability.
Common Questions/Situations:
1. I [or someone I care about] needs help with personal care and housekeeping.
- People with Medicaid will be directed to Jefferson County DSS Home Management for assistance with hiring and coordinating services: 315-785-3000 ext. 3242
- Those whose income falls below $1,610 (single) or $2,178 (couple) are eligible for EISEP services
- Those whose income is above criteria above are still eligible for EISEP services with a cost-share option.
*Please call the office to complete an EISEP application over the phone or complete the EISEP Application here and stop in/mail to the office.
2. How can I hire homecare on my own?
Licensed Home Health Care Agencies:
- Caregivers Inc: 315-788-3269
- U.S. Care Systems: 315-376-6070
- Seniors Helping Seniors: 315-405-4950
You can hire homecare services without going through a licensed agency, however you must be cautious of the risks involved.
Care.com has a great article that explains the pros and cons: Hiring a caregiver: Should you work with an agency or find your own?
3. I believe my loved one is in a unsafe situation.
If you feel there is immediate danger PLEASE CALL 911.
- Adult Protective Services: 315-785-8222.
- 24 Hour Crisis Response: 315-782-2327
4. My home is in need of repairs or I need help with heavy chores.
The Office For the Aging has a home modification & chore program for qualified residents of Jefferson County. The program is available to seniors 60 or older that are eligible to receive HEAP benefits. Please complete the Home Modification & Chore Program Application and submit it to our office via mail or fax and a case worker will contact you, or you can call the office at 315-785-3191.
5. I am being kicked out of my home/ I have no where to live.
Watertown Housing Authority: 315-782-1251
Fair Housing Office at CAPC: 315-782-4900
Jefferson County Department Of Social Services: 315-785-3000
Adult Protective Services: 315-785-3210
Catholic Charities: 315-788-4330
6. I have lost my Social Security Card. How can I get a replacement?
Replacement Card Requests
You may be able to request a replacement Social Security card online with your personal my Social Security account, which is easy to set up if you do not already have one. Or, you can ask us for a replacement card by completing and mailing the Social Security card application with your original proof of identity, and proof of age and citizenship if we have not previously confirmed this information, to your local office. We will return your proof(s) to you. To find out what documents we need to issue a replacement Social Security Number card, please read our fact sheet U.S. Citizen/Adult — Replacement Social Security Card. To update the date of birth in our records, applicants must also submit an original or certified copy of a birth certificate showing the correct date of birth. To update the name in our records, applicants must also submit a recent document that identifies them in both their old and new names. For additional information, please read the instructions on the Social Security card application.
Because we are experiencing slight delays processing mail-in SSN card applications, it may take us between two and four weeks to process the application and return the evidence.
There are certain situations where we may be able to make an in-office appointment to update or correct your SSN information.
