How to Apply for Welfare

You may need to apply for welfare if you and your family are in need of assistance during a tough time.  To apply for welfare call the social services office for your area and set up an appointment to fill out application paperwork.  Make sure to ask about the information you will need to bring to you appointment so that you are prepared and applications can be processed as soon as possible.

1. Call the Social Services office for the county you live in to set up an appointment with a welfare agent to help you apply for welfare.  Ask what type of information and paperwork you will need to apply for welfare so that you can gather these things before your appointment.


2. Gather all of the information needed to apply for welfare and go to the appointment that you have set up.  Meet with your welfare agent and fill out paperwork to apply for welfare and present the information you were asked to bring so that it can be photocopied.  Speak with the welfare agent at this time about the types of welfare programs that are offered and what type of assistance you need for yourself and for your family.  You may have to fill out an application for each welfare program individually so make sure that you consider the program options explained to you by the welfare agent.


3. Wait for your welfare application to be filed and processed.  Be patient during this process because applications can take up to 30 days to be approved.  If you are concerned about the amount of time that you application is taking or if you have additional questions about the application process speak with the welfare agent that helped you with your application.