CHEMUNG COUNTY–  Chemung County residents may be eligible for Emergency Assistance Benefits due to Tropical Storm Lee. Although there are no waivers of Temporary Assistance eligibility requirements because of the recent flooding, there are existing Emergency Assistance Programs available to meet the immediate and emergency needs that resulted from Tropical Storm Lee.

If eligible, these emergency programs may cover food, shelter (including emergency shelter), furniture, vehicle repairs and clothing replacement based on set State allowances. Property and equipment repairs/replacements, including heating and plumbing equipment assistance may also be provided to homeowners that lived in the residence at the time of the disaster.

While an individual or family may have income or resources that would ordinarily exceed the income and resource eligibility standards for recurring Temporary Assistance, these individuals and families may be eligible for one of the Emergency Assistance programs.

Residents affected by Tropical Storm Lee may apply at the Chemung County Department of Social Services, 425-447 Pennsylvania Ave., Room 102, Elmira, NY, between the hours of 8:30a.m. and 4:30p.m.

To determine if you may be eligible for Emergency Assistance, you must complete the State prescribed application form, have a face-to-face interview and provide necessary documentation. Current Temporary Assistance recipients may request Emergency Assistance by telephone or mail, however an interview is still required.

For more information or questions regarding Emergency Assistance Benefits, call (607)737-5498 or (607)737-5349.