Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.

Public Assistance and Moving Expenses
© 1997 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
________________________________________________________

Will the Department of Social Services help me with moving expenses?

     Maybe. To get your moving expenses paid, you must meet one of the following conditions:

  1. The move is to a less expensive apartment.
  2. You have to move because of a disaster, like a fire or flood, or the Health Department or code enforcement has said you have to move.
  3. The move is necessary because of a serious medical or physically handicapping condition (for example, your apartment has stairs and your doctor says you shouldn't climb stairs).
  4. Someone you and your family lived with has put you out, and you and your family are homeless.
  5. The move is from temporary to permanent housing, including moving from a shelter to your own apartment.
  6. Your living situation is dangerous (for example, family violence).

What if I have to move because I did not pay my rent?

     You can still receive help from the Department of Social Services (DSS), but they will "recoup" the amount they give you (that is, it will take the amount out of your public assistance grant in monthly installments).

What do I have to do to get help with moving expenses?

     Fill out the attached form by checking the box next to Moving Expenses, then give it to your caseworker. Keep a copy. Your caseworker may send you to the Housing Unit located on the first floor of the Rath Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo.

What will I have to show to get DSS to pay for my moving expenses?

     DSS will want the following items:

  1. Estimates from 3 moving companies on DSS' list. They will give you the list.
  2. A Board of Health inspection of the apartment you are moving to, unless it is public or Section 8 housing. Be sure to write down the name of the inspector.
  3. A written notice from the Board of Health to vacate your current apartment, if that is your reason for moving.
  4. A Landlord Statement signed by the landlord of the apartment you are moving to.

     Take these with you to Social Services. Keep a copy. If you have these documents, you should be granted a moving allowance.

What if I have problems getting DSS to pay for my moving expenses?

     If you are having problems getting moving expenses, and you have given DSS all the documents you can provide, please feel free to call our office at 847-0650.

unitedway.gif (18124 bytes) Return to Table of Contents | NLS Home Page | Search the NLS Website