The State Emergency Relief (SER) Program provides immediate help to individuals and families facing conditions of extreme hardship or for emergencies that threaten health and safety. Through a combination of direct financial assistance and contracts with a network of non-profit organizations such as the Salvation Army and local Community Action Organizations, SER helps low-income households meet emergency needs such as:

• Heat & Utilities
• Home Repairs
• Relocation Assistance
• Home Ownership Services
• Burial

The SER program is primarily designed to maintain low-income households who are normally able to meet their needs but occasionally need help when unexpected emergency situations arise. The SER program is not an appropriate solution to ongoing or chronic financial difficulties.

Only local DHS experts should make eligibility determinations for this program due to many variables. Ask for details when turning in a completed application.