Domestic Violence and Temporary Assistance

OPDV works to ensure that all survivors of domestic violence who are applying for public assistance have the proper protection and support to thrive.

Navigating public assistance can be difficult. In NYS, we have Social Service law 349-A, which ensures that survivors of DV can receive the help they need safely for themselves and their children.

Things to know:

Public Benefits Assistance

If you are a victim of domestic violence and are struggling financially, you can go to your local DSS office for help with a variety of needs.

Some Services Include:

• Help getting child support
• Cash assistance
• Food stamps
• Housing

Find Your Local Department of Social Services (DSS) Office.

How to Get Public Assistance Benefit

Every county has a local DSS office. When you go to your local DSS office, bring several forms of ID, like:

• Government Issued Photo Identification (such as a New York State Driver’s License)
• Your Social Security Card
• Your birth certificate
• Proof of address, such as a utility bill

All applicants are given a general application to fill out. You should be given a domestic violence screening form as well. This form helps identify if you are or have experienced domestic violence.

There are program requirements that you will be asked to comply with to receive benefits. If you are a victim of domestic violence and participating in those requirements puts you and/or your children at further risk of harm, the Domestic Violence Liaison (DVL) may be able to grant you a waiver from certain program requirements that apply. A waiver is a temporary delay from participating in certain assistance program requirements. You have the right to see the DVL at any time.

You may speak with the DVL whether you complete the domestic violence screening form or not, but the form is a helpful tool in understanding how program requirements may impact your situation. You do not need an order of protection or any other documents to prove that you are a victim of domestic violence.

For more information on how to apply: Temporary Assistance | OTDA

A Domestic Violence Liaison who is a district employee or contracted domestic violence service provider that conducts assessments for DV Waivers of Public Assistance program requirements.

What are the Duties of a DVL

• Assess with you your individual needs and if a waiver may be appropriate
• Grant waivers and notify programs to stop program requirements temporarily
• Assist with emergency safety planning if needed
• Connect you with your local community resources
• The DVL is available to meet ongoing as needed to review waivers

Information shared with the DVL is kept confidential and is not part of a regular Public Assistance Case File.

What types of Program Requirements can be waived?

• Child Support
• Employment
• Substance Abuse and Alcohol
• Speak to the DVL to learn more about other types of waivers that may apply to you

Good Cause

Good Cause for not complying with certain DSS participation requirements, such as Child Support, can be issued in certain circumstances. If you are a victim of domestic violence, you may be able to claim good cause. Good Cause is not handled by the DVL but is determined by the Public Assistance caseworker. It requires documentation and is part of the regular case record. 

22-ADM-02 - Determining Willfulness and Good Cause for Noncompliance with Employment Requirements

Do I need to bring any papers to show or prove my abuse?

No

Are the conversations I have with the DVL private and Confidential?

Conversations with a Domestic Violence Laison are private and confidential with the exception of suspected child endangerment/abuse.

How long do Waivers last?

A domestic violence waiver from program requirements can be issued for up to 6 months at a time. DVLs can reassess and reissue waivers as long as needed for a maximum of 6 months each. 

New York City

In New York City, Public Assistance is provided by the Human Resource Administration (HRA).

For more information: ACCESS HRA

All Other Counties

Find your Local DSS: Local Departments of Social Services | Directories | Office of Children and Family Services

Additional Information

Resources for navigating public assistance

For more information on services available: Programs and Services | OTDA

What is Safety Planning?

Safety Planning is a tool that the Domestic Violence Liaison uses to identify options to reduce the risk of experiencing abuse while getting ready to leave. Learn more about safety Planning.

Guidance on Professional Education for DVLs

OPDV has an extensive catalogue of trainings that can improve DVLs ability to help survivors. Register for an upcoming training or view our full training catalogue.

Safe Connection/Warm Referral Best Practice

What is a Warm Referral (Safe Connection)?

A Safe Connection is when a Public Assistance worker or a DVL, with the permission of the survivor, directly connects the survivor with their local sexual and domestic violence services provider.

Developing connections with local service providers will enable positive and meaningful Warm Referrals.

Offering the Safe Connection/Warm Referral

• Offer an immediate warm referral to a local provider, using the contact information from the approved domestic violence service providers list available under "Domestic Violence" on the Electronic Resource System (ERS).
• The referral should be made with permission from the survivor and can be done in person, over the phone, via email, or chat (whichever the survivor prefers).
• Build and maintain relationships with your local providers to learn about their services, procedures, and share information about your process.
• Respect the survivor’s decision and offer to follow-up to see if the survivor has any questions or needs further assistance.
• Actively listen, pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues, create a safe space, and tell the survivor you believe them.
• Be aware of your own limitations. Avoid offering personal opinions or advice on the survivor’s situation and instead focus on listening to their needs.