Public Welfare Department — Local services in Rochester

I was assigned a caseworker, who had started an application for me. He needed additional information which took quite a while to inform me of. I left voicemails for weeks and then attempt to get an update on the status of my application. I finally called the office and waited on hold for 55 minutes. The gentleman I spoke with was completely rude and unconcerned of my situation. He informed me that at some point my caseworker "possibly" could have changed or have been reassigned. He could not provide me with who my case worker was. The caseworker I was working with had me heavily under the impression that I would be working with him and he obviously would be handling my case. I asked if I could file a formal grievance, and the gentleman on the phone told me "you can do whatever you want" "you have to drive to the office to file a grievance" he was not helpful at all, and very unclear about any information whatsoever. I proceeded to ask him is there a way to file a grievance online, or if I could be transferred to a caseworker or anyone who could provide any information, to which he literally replied "Thanks for calling, have a good day" and HUNG UP on me! Some of these workers should be fired three times over, and never able to be reinstated for any type of government job. Fully...

I will admit, it's a little strange walking into a welfare office... Coming in the door, I got the distinct feeling I wasn't welcome there. Then, I had a younger person (female) help me. She smiled. She acted as if she had been working in an office setting her whole life. Lovely human being. (She is the only reason I gave the 3 stars) Then there were a few older employees that looked and acted like they were totally miserable. No one ever introduced themselves to me, so I have no names to share. Other than the wonderful younger person, the others seemed to have been doing this way too long. They acted as if they were serving a sentence, no working a shift in Human Services. I left feeling defeated. Since then, I was contacted by a wonderful woman who is handling my issue. Once we spoke, my issue was explained in detail to me. She then listed what she needed. I believe people who work with the public need to have training in human interaction. They should have empathy and offer guidance for people coming in looking for assistance. Instead, it feels like the employees are lions guarding the gates to HELP. Plenty of parking. Lot is level. Ramped to door. Security Officer located...

I am a recovering Breast Cancer survivor just newly recovering from several surgical procedures with complications. In addition, I have two minors that reside with me. I filled out the Semi Annual Report late due to my situation. I mailed it through the post office over a week ago and never received correspondence or had my SNAP benefits reinstated. I’m permanently disabled and care for my two young daughters. When I called this morning, I waited on hold for 45 minutes before a very short tempered case manager finally picked up my call. I told her my situation and she proceeded to inform me there’s nothing she can do and I would just have to fill out another complete application! She had no helpful advice, was not empathetic at all and basically said there’s nothing she could do. I am appalled that I live in a country that treats its disabled, vets, and low income citizens like we don’t matter and we’re an inconvenience. I recommend you do better. Now, I’ll have to redo all of the work I’ve already done because of the lack of “ability” or “consideration” of this particular case worker. Do Better!...