Applying for Benefits
Applications for all categories of assistance may be made at DHHR's local office. You should apply at the office in the county in which your reside. The DHHR locations can be found in the County Office Directory, if you are not sure of the location.
However, some programs do not require you to visit the local office. These programs have shorter application forms which you simply mail in for processing and receive written notice of the action taken on it. These programs are primarily for medical coverage for children and pregnant women only, but some programs that provide medical care for elderly or disabled people also have mail-in applications. These short application forms are available for pickup in the local offices and at various locations in the community, such as clinics. You may request that one be mailed to you from the local office. The address to which the form must be returned will be with the application.
Some local offices schedule appointments for applicants and some do not. It would be a good idea to call ahead to see if you need to schedule an appointment; if you do, you can schedule it at that time.
There are many factors that effect whether or not you are eligible to receive benefits from DHHR. The most common ones are: number of people in your family, income, assets, specific expenses. Although the Worker who processes your application may ask for more information, you need to take the following information with you when you apply. Having these available will speed up processing your application.
- Social Security cards for all family members who want to receive benefits and who have them;
- If someone is employed, all the pay stubs you received in the 30 days before the date you apply;
- Proof of the amount of unearned income you receive, such as, unemployment benefits, social security payments, child support, veteran's benefits, contributions from other etc;
- Proof of the value of your assets. Some of the items we consider to be assets are: checking/savings accounts, Christmas Club accounts, insurance policies, cars, motorcycles, trucks, other vehicles, trust funds, CD's, cash on hand, stocks, bonds, real estate (except your homestead property and household furnishings), business equipment, mutual funds, etc;
- Proof of the amount of medical expenses you normally have, whether you have paid them or not.
If you have any other questions about the application process, please contact the local DHHR office that serves your county.
