Social Services

The Department of Social Services, or can also be called Department of Family Services or Department of Human Services, can provide a broad range of services to the elderly, people with disabilities, families, and individuals who need assistance in maintaining or achieving their full potential for self-direction, self-reliance and independent living.

Sounds simple enough? How do you obtain help? Every State has it's own social services department. Each State Department of social services is responsible for a number of programs under federal legislation, including the Rehabilitation Act, the Food Stamp Act, the Older Americans Act, and the Social Security Act. The department is also designated as a public housing agency for the purpose of administering the Section 8 program under the Federal Housing Act.

The good news is that every state does have an informative website that provides all the information needed, applications, additional contact information, etc. The bad news is that you DO have to do a great deal of reading and understand what programs you can qualify or apply for and what documentation you will have to provide.

Social Services may be difficult to for some to deal with, but fortunately for many who are in serious need, it is this type of help and financial assistance that keeps them alive and food on their table.

If you or someone you know is in desperate need of assistance be sure to check with the States Social Services Department to see if they can qualify for one of the programs.