The staff at the Lawrence County Family Support Office will be making some changes in service hours effective March 1, according to Jane Claas, county manager.
The changes are designed to reduce waiting time and to allow time for eligibility specialists to process applications more quickly, she noted.
Lobby hours will remain 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. An information specialist will be available during those hours to assist customers.
Customers can see eligibility specialists between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.; other hours are by appointment.
Eligibility specialists will process applications and conduct appointments between 8 and 9 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.
An information specialist will be available to answer questions, accept documentation and assist customers during the hours of 8 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.
Customers only need to go to the office to file a temporary assistance application, which requires a face-to-face interview. All other applications can be done by mail, and interviews can be conducted by telephone, noted Claas.
Customers can request applications by calling 678-4138, by accessing the Department of Social Services’ homepage at dss.mo.gov or by downloading applications at www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/index.htm.
Applications can be mailed to Lawrence County Family Support, 1419 East Church Street, P.O. Box 528, Aurora, MO 65605; faxed to 678-5721; or dropped off at the office. If a customer faxes an application to save time, he/she should mail the original to the office prior to MoHealthnet benefits starting.
Customers with questions or concerns about the new process can contact their workers or staff members at 678-4138.