Erie County Department of Social Services in Buffalo
Site: http://www2.erie.gov/socialservi...
- Monday:8:30AM–4:30PM
- Tuesday:8:30AM–4:30PM
- Wednesday:8:30AM–4:30PM
- Thursday:8:30AM–4:30PM
- Friday:8:30AM–4:30PM
- Saturday:Closed
- Sunday:Closed
DSS workers has show no respect to me. They put me in the dangerous shelter without helping me to get apartment and made my brother angry with me. He forced me to move to Florida and my son and I were almost murdered in the wrong children’s hospital. I hope they will be very serious to commit crime against my civil rights and my health.
Super efficienct , and sanitary -- NOT at ALL what Id experienced there previously!!!Employees were helpful,pleasant and I was in and out in less time than it took to wait for my cup of tea up the street! So congrats on ALL THE UPGRADES ...& I suspect that the employees will realize the usually cranky.clients will start.to become far more pleasant maybe corporate will even allow you all to put in a tip jar.
I called the Dept of Public Works re our crumbling driveway apron after seeing others in the neighborhood being repaired which were not half as bad as ours. They referred me to 311 to put in an inspection request. I was spoken to professionally and courteously, and the request was entered for me. I did not expect this good response as in the past I did not have such a good experience ... at all! Thank you for being professional.
Theres no parking spots other than where you have to pay or have a parking permit for the month 😡👎👎
Good staff, theres usually 1-2 sheriffs accompanied with the regular guards. But make sure to come early at 8am when their open because they usually only have one window in service per department. So waiting lines can add up in wasted time.
Some workers dont care how they talk to others. Some workers are very disrespectful and wonder why they get treated the way they do. Some workers do actually want to help with whatever they can but thats slim to none. If they really dont like the job they work they should resign else where instead of taking it out on others.
I have the nicest caseworker’s for everything I receive a few years ago people left there in tears because the caseworkers were rude disrespectful and just so nasty to everyone now they actually treat you like people that are on hard times, and need a little help ,now the caseworkers have been treating people nice before the pandemic,and the police at the door are extremely nice also
Long process but good workers
If I would give this place ZERO stars I would. They dont even deserve one because they are rude and unhelpful. These workers are suppose to help you out instead they stress you out by not answering your calls. Ive been calling over a month and get no response back even after leaving over many messages. Very unprofessional!
Was a expedient experience love that these people actually care about people
They dont seem to care what so ever about what you need help woth and there extremely rude
Couldnt find entrance. After waking in circles for almost an hour finally got to the right place.( Which said no public entry) to be told to take an application and bring it back tomorow I wasnt able to talk to anyone.
I real great place if you want to meet some low-class single mothers that wear tank tops and pajama pants everywhere that they go. A great place to catch a bedbug infestation as well. It only took them a short 8 months to process my HEAP application when in the meantime I skimped and saved to pay my gas bill as a disabled veteran on a monthly fixed pension. Your fine tax dollars at work here!
Look, these people are some of the most caring, empathetic, and personally dedicated to helping you, help yourself. They get very little credit for enduring people in often heightened emotional states, or even in a different language. If you have an emergency or are directed to come here, dont be intimidated, there are people here for all types of help.
As good as it could of been. Considering youre at the Department of Social Services, Erie County. Much better than the past!!
They seem to not care for Caucasian to hlp
Annoying they dont seem to care if one cannot go in because their immune system yet you made me . Im lucky I didnt get sick as it might have killed me
Would not recommend. Beware of a Social Worker by the name of Ms. Kelson. She was of absolutely NO ASSISTANCE! Explained that I did not qualify for benefits, based on part-time employment. Denied my benefits the same day my application was processed through the system! DO NOT, I MEAN DO NOT, LET HER RECOMMEND YOU FOR MY PLACE HOME! The Supervisor, Jackass Jevette, admitted to having my phone calls screened when I contacted 1 of the clients, to obtain my paperwork to bring to DSS. She also called a group meeting on my last day in Buffalo, told the female clients, I was a liar and attacked me. Earlier in the day, she had the police called on me while waiting for my ride.
Line to get in this place can be long sometimes but its better there since getting remodeled.
They help families. This is good. Some rude woman was easedropping on my conversation about how so many men in NF dont have a license because they dont pay Child Support. I guess she took it personal and tried to generate an argument. She was ignored. I was there with my daughter.
They are working on it.....now Covid 19 gave alot of people business class gov. Legislation a EXCUSE.
Omg poor service negative personnel dirty building denied me for any service apparently i make to much money lol i wish
They’re honestly the worst. They are rude and disrespectful over the phone and don’t answer any questions.
No matter what my worries are as a single Mother Social Services always finds a way to help me.
They just dont care abt people just cut u off without warning no letter no call nothing and then u find out when you go to use it at the drs that I go to every month for CANCER so disappointed with the entire public assistance program according to them they can not help me because I make to much which is 650.00 a month and my rent is 600 and I have 4 kids..... but I make to much......thanks Erie County
I really hate this place. Always rude people around.
Wasnt busy, very surprised
Always dirty, disrespectful workers and horrible ppl that sit and wait, always a disruptive area
I like the renovations its a lot easier if you lost your food stamp card or Medicaid card to grab a new one and it doesnt take nearly as long. All in all its pretty good except for their homeless service is terrible they make you wait 45 days just to get a house and if youre someone like me whose waiting in the winter time who dont have 45 days
They just run u through like cattle. Rude, disrespectful,and very depressing
Totally empty unlike it used to be. Its much more efficient this way!
They are always busy but they work hard and quickly to get families food stamps so they dont have to be hungry. They also help provide shelter services. There is always tight security to get in the building. People are always courteous and professional. The parking is always a mess and I have to end up going around the block in laps before the people I have dropped off back out again.
The workers are very RUDE
The police officers👮♂️👮♀️ are very kind including the workers on the third floor👩💻 snap department!
What a nightmare getting in and out of there but I got what I needed done
I was handed the wrong very thick form to fill out for recertification which took me about an hour to finish before being told this fact. The form I needed was only 4 pages long. Then the woman on the 4th floor forgot to give me a receipt. And because the letter to recertify didnt arrive until the day before the deadline, there will be a 1-month delay in the cash benefits I need to pay my rent. Ridiculous!
I dont like having to go through a metal detector. But the renovations,and new order makes the process much quicker and easier. The other clients i dont care for.
Very good job whats your location in Buffalo address and phone number
Trying to force me to go back to Niagara County even though my life is at danger out there
This is no ones favorite place to be, and the recent addition of the metal detectors at the entrance just makes what youre there for take even longer than usual.
Was promptly seen and meant to return but left the city. Buffalo has fine officers who all spoke and were friendly.
Quick service for Medicaid
I have been there in the past, and I must say I am pleased with the way they treat people. Much better now.
I hate going to this building! Its always so crowded. And the workers there dont listen and always act as if they are having the worst day of their lives, everyday!
Absolutely a flicking nightmare
They kept rushing my handicap friend down there she has problems with walking just to tell her after her third visit that she was denied!!😠 because she missed one appointment.
Erie County Department of Social Services is a lifesaver thank goodness for New York State in this very specific aspect social assistance for people in need
I wonder how many others will rate their local Department of Social Services with five stars. It is often a seriously difficult thing that brings someone to DSS, but as a Housing Coordinator I have found the people and the resources I need to get folks through some tough spots. For me, that says about as much about the place as I imagine anyone will need to hear. If you are homeless or need money for food or help finding a job, just to name a few of the invaluable services they provide, it is a solid and reliable place to go. Its almost always very busy, so go early since you are likely to wait--sometimes an hour or more. Bring everything you might need to document your situation, too, including photo I.D. Forgetting these things will slow everything down for you.
Very dirty and you wait a long time
I broke my hand they filled out all my forms for me great people
U can drive a escalade ...and get benefits...awesome
Had to go through security ppl were rude and officers were doing there job but very nasty probably wont ever go again probable do it online defense an option for ppl with internet
Hate it here. If youre a homeowner youre screwed. People are ignorant. Workers are mean and rude exept fpr one spanish woman.
Its what it is. Get your paperwork in on time do what they ask and your good
Bring something to do while you wait to be called
2 - 3 Hours of waiting, and if you make even the smallest of mistakes, start all over at the back of the line. Bedbugs under the chairs in waiting rooms, sour social workers, and tons of bureaucracy and paperwork.
Theyve Literally saved my life. 20+ yrs of Drug Addiction, Divorce, Death of a Child...my life has been painful, but Im grateful for every breath . The Erie County Dept of Social Services has been there to help me over the last 10 years, I honestly dont know where Id be without them, but it wouldnt be anywhere good.
Again with Gods mercy and grace they helped us
Employees are not ppl friendly and act as thou because you need help you have no life out side of sitting up there all day.
Nice service Great people
Simply useless, very incompetent
Like pulling teeth just to get simple information from my caseworker!
Had to complete apply for some services...the workers were very helpful as best as possible
Was there to gather info for my mom passing
Has shown improvements over the last 2 years, service is faster with the new set up
Who doesnt hate this place, youre there because life isnt going amazing and, when you get there they ALL talk down to you and, they ALL make it more than obvious you are human garbage to them.
Due the lockdown amd social distances staff are ready provide services like medicaid snap and full information about online.
Mr. Walsh is great, but the system overall prior to the craziness of Covid19 needs some work.
The people working here, are complete morons
Health insurance help is greatly appreciated and important to have!!!!
Its a busy place, there are nice staff
You just have to wait to walk through the metal detector. Then go to front desk to ask for help.
Didnt spend more than an hour here!
A very nice place, helpful staff.
Generally little help not friendly
Great building
The services are perfect. I love social services workers. They are so kind and helpful.
Very impressed with the new guy downstairs where you get replacement card.
HEAP personnel are professional and helpful.
Very concerned.and helpful.
Awesome service fast
In times of need, they will help
I dont thinkIm gonna be involved with and they are gone want to hair me hopfully
On their bad days these people are the absolute worse! But they come in handy
Was. In and out surprisingly
Stressful place to work.
Pleasant experience...helpful reps...clean environment...well organized...
Long lines, a little confusing, rat traps everywhere
Has helped my family
Time consuming but worth it
Its downtown near lots of transportation
In and out lately to drop off papers.
GOOD BUT A LONG WAIT
Quick to take money slow return yours when they owe
SERVICE is a lot faster
Best shopping mall in buffalo
Took granddaughter there
Nice worker kind people with the customers
Medal detectors and slow getting in
Needed a new benefit card. In and out in 5 minutes
Lines are too long
Nobody answered or called me back
Fast wait one day, LOOOOOONG wait the next
Not a clean building but gets the job done
It helps pay the bills
They take for ever
Very slow takes forever workers are nasty
Lots of rude, angry, and indignant people here.
Good service, long wait time
Long lines but you can get help
Very good service
Nice people
😒- 2 👎👎THUMBS-DOWN!!
Good job they are doing
Never helpful always rude
Excellent staff.
Took to long
Oye
I was in and out
In and out
Commonwealth,
Fast
Gross and takes forever
Great
Love it
Ok
Terrible waiting
Good
Always horrible
Ok
Come on
Good
Great place
Improving
Well
Horrible
Busy
Benefits
You have to pray early if you want to leave early
Very good experience
Perfect
Total reviews rating 3.5
151 Reviews for Erie County Department of Social Services 2023:
Review №1
2022-05-25The staff seem helpful and non-judgmental but tend to not tell you everything you need to know. For instance, they tend to tell you which documents will be needed, but forget to mention easy ways to obtain them. Im struggling without essential documents to get state-issued photo ID, and am applying for services largely just to get necessary documentation for obtaining a social security card so I can use that to obtain a state ID (in order to be employable). I have said so to every staff member Ive spoken to this far, but learned from a 3rd party that the Medicaid office can provide photo ID free of charge during my application process. Naturally.All the services require copious forms to be filled out, generally asking the same information over and over, and each with different layouts and ways of asking (address arranged one way at the top of page on this form, arranged a different way on another form, in a box on the right, and so on). Youre also expected to sign forms that havent been filled in yet for them to fill out later, which seems inappropriate.Its a bureaucratic boondoggle, and the overworked staff are likely not half as informed as they ought to be about the system theyre putting us through, but at least theyre trying.
Review №2
2022-04-13Thanks snap. I’m just trying to swallow this pain pill. Just got off the phone with (Mrs.Rias.)Unprofessionally, rude, ignorant, Misuse of company time. Abusive behavior, I don’t understand. what’s going on I told her my information and she doesn’t have my chart in front of her and Yelled at me because she have another client on the phone Really??? hung up all I was asking for was understanding. Thanks again snap!!! 04/13/22
Review №3
2022-06-30I went to the 4th floor on Pearl Street and I needed help and there was this older lady African-American lady and she helped me and I was a little frustrated but she was very patient and we went step by step and I was out of there within 20 minutes.
Review №4
2022-04-10I had a jerk of a case worker. Then got a good lady. Then i get another lady. This was all with in 4/5 months. Im a ditabetic and food is seriously expensive over the last 4 months. I cant work 2 jobs like before. So money is tight. And with my other conditions i can barely work the job i have now. They say they send out a paper. They dont! They give you 4/5 days to get info in. You call and leave a message. No call back. You call again. Nothing. Now i had to redo everything. Sitting here trying to eat as healthy and low carb low sugar and natural stuff as possible. The salad dressing i need is 4 to 6 dollars a small bottle. The beginning helped with in between pay checks and with extra cause of covid helped when rent was due and i didnt have alot of $. Uuuughh
Review №5
2022-04-06I visited 2 days ago? I visit every day, glad to see youre on top of things, Google. I WORK there. Five days a week for 15 years! First time youve asked me this.🤣
Review №6
2022-02-01Need HELP? I did and thats their Job, yes, but to do so with a smile ; clearly evident to Me anyway. Yes, right thru my Smart Phone as a dumb guy speaking through it! LOL and HA ha ha yes, but all kidding aside, they certainly Helped Me when I needed the Help ... and I believe they Will Do the same for ... You, too!Thankyou all @ Erie County DSS. They really care! If you need Help, THEY truly care! (and in todays sometimes? Crazy World, thats Rare!)Jim from Amherst, NY (BUFFALO)
Review №7
2022-04-20Kellie G and Vastye G and the whole 2nd floor are chock full of the worst human beings, stay far away from them, especially if youre working under them.
Review №8
2022-05-24They didnt help me with nothing they gave me nothing but a hard time about everything so now theyre not helpful they dont care and they put everybody through hell
Review №9
2022-01-18The left hand has no idea what the right hand is doing. It takes forever to get anything done. 6 different people worked with me. Dont know who my case worker is.
Review №10
2022-04-14They have been very helpful to me whenever I went down there for assistance.