The Department of Social Services building is undergoing an extended renovation project to improve the safety and comfort of our reception, lobby and customer contact areas.

Due to this project, the main entrance is located on the side of the building closest to the North County Family Health Center. There is signage to direct visitors to this entry, and it is accessible from both the main parking lot and Arsenal Street.

During this renovation, please limit office visits to those transactions that cannot be completed by telephone, mail, fax, drop box, mobile documentation submission, and email (see details below).

We thank you for your cooperation and patience.

Keep Your SNAP Benefits

If you are over 18 years old or under 65 years old and do not have a child under 14 on your SNAP case, you could be subject to new rules from the Federal government in order to continue to receive SNAP. Please visit our SNAP Page to learn if these rules apply to you and how to comply with them.

New EBT Card Lock Feature is Available

Click the following link for more information: Pub-5261 Safeguard Your Card - New EBT Card Lock Flyer

To apply for Temporary Assistance, SNAP or HEAP you may do so online at https://www.mybenefits.ny.gov or visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/applications to print an application.

Applications and supporting documentation may be submitted by:

Fax: at (315) 785-3346
Mail: Jefferson County Department of Social Services, 250 Arsenal St., Watertown, NY 13601
Drop box: located in the parking lot (include your name and your worker’s name)

Supporting documentation (NO Applications) may be submitted by:

Mobile Document Upload: NYDocSubmit

Paperwork (NO Applications) may be submitted by email to:

TA Intake & SNAP (New applicants): Jeffteam1@dfa.state.ny.us
SNAP Undercare (Open cases): Jeffteam2@dfa.state.ny.us
TA Undercare (Open Cases): Jeffteam2TA@dfa.state.ny.us
HEAP: Jeffheap@dfa.state.ny.us
Day Care: JeffDaycare@dfa.state.ny.us

Direct Cash Available for Eligible Youth Currently or Formerly in Foster Care

Chafee Funds Program – Cash Rewards are available!

Eligibility Requirements:

21 through 22 years old AND were discharged from foster care at age 18 or older; OR
21 through 22 years old AND currently in foster care; OR
18 through 20 years old AND were discharged from foster care at age 18 or older and are no longer in care

To apply click the link: Chafeeny.Smapply.org

Chafee Funds Flyer-2025-2026

If you have any questions, contact: Admin@chafeeNY.org