The best way to apply for services is to visit any Health and Welfare office and be sure to bring all documentation we need to process your application. 

Fill out the the Application for Assistance to apply for the following services:

• Food Assistance - this program helps low-income families buy the food they need in order to stay healthy.
• Health Coverage - this program helps provide health coverage for children, adults with children, pregnant women, and the elderly, blind, or disabled.
• Cash Assistance - this program provides cash assistance for emergency situations, families with children, and the elderly, blind, or disabled.
• Child Care Assistance - this program helps pay a portion of child care costs.

The Application for Children's Health Coverage is available to those wanting to apply only for health coverage for their children.  If you need to apply for health coverage for adults or other services, such as Food Stamps or Cash Assistance, you will need to complete the Application for Assistance.

CHILD SUPPORT COOPERATION
By applying for our services, you may be referred to Child Support Services.  If your household includes minor children and one or both parents are not living in the home, you will be required to cooperate with Child Support Services to avoid a loss or decrease of your benefits, unless you fear harm to yourself or your children.

CITIZENSHIP
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, if you do NOT have a green card, members of your family who are eligible can use non-cash benefits, including Medicaid, Food Stamps, WIC, housing assistance, energy benefits, job training, child care, disaster relief, public health assistance, etc, without hurting your chances of getting a green card, becoming a U.S. Citizen, or sponsoring relatives in the future.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AND CITIZENSHIP STATUS
Anyone who applies for services, except child care, must have a SSN or apply for one.  If you are a victm of domestic violence or need Emergency Medicaid only, you may not have to provide a SSN or immigration status.  We can help you apply for a SSN and benefits will not be denied or delayed while the application is being processed.  SSNs will not be given to the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR APPLICANTS
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) policy, the Department of Health and Welfare is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  Under the Food Stamp Act and USDA policy, discrimination is prohibited also on the basis of religion or political beliefs.