Public Benefits Access

HOURS AS OF MARCH 2023

Monday 8-4:30

Tuesday 8-2:30

Wednesday 8-4:30

Thursday 8-2:30

Dukes County's Social Service Department aims to support lower-income Dukes County residents to become economically and socially secure and empower them to achieve and maintain stability and well-being.

The Social Services Caseworker assists Islanders with applying for public benefits, including:

• Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) - for wage workers; Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) - for self-employed and "gig" economy workers (caterers, entertainers, etc.)
• Department of Transitional Assistance(DTA) applications for
  • Food Assistance
  •  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • WIC- can be applied through health imperatives 
  • Cash Assistance
    •  EAEDC - Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled, and Children
    •  TAFDC - Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children
• Winter Heating Fuel Assistance through the Southshore Community Action Council, Inc.
• Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) Intake Forms for:
  •  RAFT - Residential Assistance for Families in Transition
  •  ERMA - Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance
  •  Private Homeless Prevention Programs and Funding
  •  Workforce Housing Release Fund
• Island Elderly Housing (IEH) Applications
• Morgan Woods Affordable Housing Units Applications

Social Security Disability Applications and Social Security Retirement Applications

The Caseworker can help with applications and follow-up to ensure that qualified people can get the necessary benefits. The Caseworker will also help with related programs such as discounts for electric bills, cell phones, and other food and nutrition support. 

You can also receive more information regarding the following services and programs:

• Affordable child care
• General Resources