Erie County Department of Social Services - Buffalo, New York

DV8er

DSS has improved so much. I never imagined that I would rate 5 stars, but DSS definitely earned it. The woman who is always at the information desk is so helpful, pleasant, and patient. The new ticket system has really improved the wait time. You can choose to receive a text with your wait time or when you are next to be called. I was impressed.

Jessica Edsall

Almost all social services buildings are a horrible mess of an experience. If you have to go there be prepared to almost always wait in line to go through security, then battle your way through crowds of people to find where you have to go. Then finally when you figure out where you have to be be prepared to wait an exceedingly long time even if you have a schedule appointment. There are some case managers that are pleasant and do a good job but most seem miserable, mean and don't want to do their jobs. Some won't follow through on appointments or forget or lose paperwork you need. Make sure you keep on top of them, ask questions and make sure you find out exactly what you need to have or you could lose your services and have to start at the very beginning. Also if you drop anything off make sure you ask for a receipt of the paperwork drop off because they do lose paperwork and if you don't have proof you submitted the paperwork you will get screwed. Sometimes you get lucky and it's smooth sailing and an easy experience but most of the time be prepared for a headache and a miserable experience.

Rae Breezy

Basically, I just got off the phone with him and she just wanna be rude And hang up on me like I wanna cuss her out like I don’t at the same time cause like I ain’t got time for real people this morning but it’s like in the morning. Did you not get any dick or something? Because if that’s the case, it’s not my problem

Lori

Let’s be honest. People wouldn’t get frustrated or angry when going to a government office if those places were run more efficiently.

This location has one entrance with one security team and scanner. Once inside, there is only one staff to tell you where you should go because of course you have to wait to speak to them because of a lack of signage.

On the third floor is Medicaid and Snap/Food Stamps. There were five clerks available, but no signs at any of the windows, counters, lanes, nor on any walls indicating which clerk handles which service. So, of course, you wait in a line for twenty minutes for the clerk to tell you that you’re in the wrong lane. You cannot ask another customer because nobody else knows either.

There is also the issue of safety. There was no police officer on this floor when a fight broke out. Then everyone is scared or upset until security arrives.

There were a couple chairs, but not enough for the thirty or so customers. There was no accessible drinking water, either.

TheCupcake Lady

I was assigned MS EDWARDS . VERY nasty attitude. she will not even let you ask a question and start speaking over you . if you ask her to speak to you respectfully she will end your interview . she makes it a point to be SO NASTY AND SO RUDE and she gets satisfaction from it . very disgusting lady I never want to work with her again . her supervisor on the other hand was extremely helpful .

Krystal Maki

I filled out my paperwork to recertify for food stamps and I was support to have a phone interview August 21 and still have not received one. I been calling and nobody is calling me back.

Muhammad Abdallah

Such a bad service! I asked them if they could send me an original copy that shows that my medicaid is still active. They said they don't send out original copies of my medicaid report as it is in the system. So I asked them to refer me to their supervisor and they said their supervisor will call me in two days, it's been two days and he still is yet to call me. Plus they're keep asking me for my social everytime I call I don't feel safe giving out my social everytime. Please resolve this issue asap.

Javon Scott

If your homeless they treat u like your less than a person I heard one of the workers say " hurry up cuz I got to get to my house I have a home" she works as a homeless worker bragging about it to people who have no home is wild they open at 8 I believe me and my mother arrived at 8:26 we didn't get placed till 4:40 8 hours because they were lollygagging and having a ball calling one person at a time and that's another thing there are 3 windows which means three workers yet one window was in service ha the respect that they show the clients and just there around vibe or like atmosphere is just awful all in all I just don't like the way it's ran