What types of services do departments of social services provide?

The term “social services” refers to a system of programs that can be divided into two primary categories:  economic services and social work services.  The first of these, also referred to as public assistance, helps eligible people through money payments and other economic supports such as food and nutrition benefits (food stamps), child care subsidies, and employment services.  Eligibility for most of these programs is determined on the basis of a person’s or family’s income and resources.  The second assists people, including many who are at risk of abuse or neglect, in a variety of ways and often without regard to income.