While the Erie County Department of Social Services offices will be open for business tomorrow (Monday, March 16), the Department is encouraging all client to not visit their offices Monday for any previously scheduled appointments and for any non-emergency services.

The Social Services Department plans to use that time to update their practices and ensure safe facilities for both clients and staff as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

County officials want all clients to know that negative actions will not be taken as a result of missing an appointment.

Any applications and both certification (initial) and recertification for assistance documents can either be mailed to: Erie County Department of Social Services P.O. Box 120 Buffalo, NY 14201-9903 or dropped off in a designated area inside the Edward A. Rath County Office Building.

Clients are asked to include a working phone number so they can be contacted for an eventual telephone interview. Anyone who has emergency needs that need to be addressed can be done so on site.

The Social Services Department will provide further updates on scheduling appointments and having non-emergency services addressed in the near future.