Public Benefits Access
Dukes County's Public Benefits Access Department provides access to economic and social development programs that support and empower lower-income residents of the County to to achieve and maintain financial stability and well-being,
The Public Benefits Access caseworker assists Islanders applying for public benefits from:
- Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) - for wage earners, self-employed and "gig" economy workers (caterers, entertainers, etc.)
- Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) applications for
- Cash Assistance
- EAEDC - Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled, and Children
- TAFDC - Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children
- Food Assistance
- Fuel Assistance (winter heating help is available through the Southshore Community Action Council, Inc.)
- Housing Assistance
- 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 helps residents compete applications and get and maintain access to benefits by following-up with people who qualify to support benefit renewal. . 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 childcare
