Welcome to the Columbia County Department of Social Services

The mission of the Columbia County Department of Social Services is to insure the provision of assistance and services necessary to sustain dependent and disabled persons, protect children and adults from abuse and neglect and to assist applicants and recipients in achieving the greatest degree of independence possible.
Please feel free to call prior to coming to the Department of Social Services building, as we may be able to help you via telephone.  If you wish to call the Agency,  we will make every effort to answer your call, or return your message as soon as possible.  Our telephone number is 518-828-9411.  
The Agency has a drop box located near the front door you may use to submit an application for assistance or to drop off documentation.  If you submit an application for Temporary Assistance or SNAP, a worker will call you that day, or the next business day to conduct a phone interview.   
​Please make sure to include your phone number or contact number. 
There are no face-to-face interviews required at this time.  Medicaid  and some SNAP applications do not require any type of interview.
The Agency has an e-mail set up that you may use to send a message to a specific unit.  Please indicate in the message what unit/program you want your message sent to.  You may also scan documentation and send it to the e-mail.  Our email address is ColumbiaCountyDSS@dfa.state.ny.us.  In addition, you can also use the NYDOCSubmit app to upload and submit documentation through your phone.  See information below.   
What Should You Expect?

When you arrive at the Columbia County Department of Social Services you will be greeted by the local sheriff's deputies as you pass through our metal detector to ensure the safety of all who enter our facility.

Then, step right up and check in with our friendly receptionist and let them know how we can help you.  The appropriate department will be notified of your arrival and a staff member will assist you in a timely manner.
What Should You Bring?

If you are applying for services you will need the basic information at your initial interview, such as:
  • Driver's Licence
  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Card                            
  • Disconnection Notice (if applicable)  
  • Current pay stubs
  • Completed application   https://mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin                                  
After your interview the worker will send a notice of what else will be required to open your case.

​Contact Information:
Phone number – 518-828-9411 
E-mail – ColumbiaCountyDSS@dfa.state.ny.us  ​
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Contact Information:
Phone number – 518-828-9411 
E-mail – ColumbiaCountyDSS@dfa.state.ny.us  
 

For information on CIVIL LEGAL HELP DURING COVID-19 click here!