Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.

Public Assistance and Recipient Owned Property
© 1997 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
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Will my public assistance include an allowance for owning my home?

     Yes. As part of your public assistance grant, you should get an allowance for part or all of the money it costs you to own your home.

How much will I get?

     How much you get depends on the size of your public assistance household and how much your home costs to maintain.

What costs will the Department of Social Services (DSS) consider in deciding my allowance?

     DSS must consider the following:

  1. Mortgage payments,
  2. Taxes,
  3. Fire insurance (if your homeowners insurance policy includes fire insurance, DSS will assume that 55% of the premium is for fire insurance when the actual cost cannot be determined),
  4. Water assessments,
  5. Sewer and/or garbage disposal charges,
  6. Some necessary repairs.

     You will get the amount you pay for these items, up to the agency maximum.

What about my water bill?

     DSS pays a water allowance to recipients who have to pay their water bills. This is a separate allowance, besides the maximum allowance described above. If you pay for your water, make sure you are getting a water allowance.

What if my sewer charge is included as a part of my water bills?

     When the sewer charge is included as part of your water bill, it is considered a water charge and is included in the water allowance.

Who do I call if I think DSS is not paying enough of my home ownership costs?

     Contact your worker. Ask your worker to explain exactly how s/he has calculated the amount you should receive as a shelter allowance. Remember, you will not be paid more than the maximum. If you are getting less than the maximum, and you think the worker is wrong, feel free to call our office at 847-0650.

What if my home needs repair?

     DSS must pay the cost of home repairs which are essential to the health or safety of the home owner on public assistance. This does not include routine maintenance or home rehabilitation.

     If your home needs such repairs, contact the Resources Division of DSS. Resources is located in the Hens & Kelly Building, Main Street, Buffalo. We suggest that you call ahead for an appointment. The phone number is 858-7486.

     If your request for repairs is denied, please call our office immediately. We will review the decision with you and give you information on how to challenge it, or we may agree to take your case.

What if I am behind in my taxes?

     DSS may pay the back taxes if provided with a good reason. Write a letter to the Commissioner explaining how long you have lived there, why it is important to remain, and how you will keep current with the taxes in the future.

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