Mineola, NY - County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi announced today that beginning April 10, 2003, the Department of Social Services will extend its hours of operation at 101 County Seat Drive, Mineola, from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Thursday evenings. In addition, the County Executive introduced a new office in the Department of Social Services designed specifically to field constituent concerns and difficulties.

"These upgrades not only make life easier for Nassau County residents, but they also help to show that we are accomplishing 'more with less'. Instead of losing services after reducing the county workforce, constituent options are actually increasing and becoming more accessible", said County Executive Suozzi.

The new extended hours are designed to accommodate working individuals who are unable to visit the department during regular business hours. The program will have staff on duty in Food Stamps, Child Support Enforcement, Medicaid, Day Care, and Temporary Assistance. Staff will be available to accept and process applications, and respond to constituents' inquiries.

In addition to extended hours at 101 County Seat Drive, the Department of Social Services has also launched a new Customer Service Unit that will report directly to the Commissioner's office. The unit is designed to address inquiries from constituents and the public in general. Staffed with eligibility specialists and caseworkers, this unit will assess service issues and attempt to resolve them in a prompt manner. The Customer Service Unit may be reached by calling 571-4444.

"The department is currently reviewing all procedures in an attempt to deliver a higher level of service to our constituents. Late nights and greater attention to constituent issues are just a few of the positive steps we are implementing, " said Social Service Commissioner Bob Sherman.

For information concerning the Late Night Program or the Customer Service Unit, please call 571-4444.

Department of Social Services Home Page