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Repaying a Claim/Lien

The Recovery Unit collects money owed by current and former DSS clients (and responsible third parties) who received cash assistance or Medicaid.

These include spouses of Medicaid recipients who reside in a nursing home and people found to have received Temporary Assistance and/or Medicaid incorrectly due to excess income or resources.

Actions taken may include:

  • Real property liens
  • Claims against estates
  • Claims against personal injury action settlements

Real Property Liens

The Recovery Unit places liens on real estate, including homes in Westchester County owned by Nursing Home Medicaid applicants.

Unpaid liens are repaid at the time the property is sold or refinanced.

Title companies, law firms and homeowners can contact the Recovery Unit to request a payoff amount:

Contact:

Phone: (914) 995-5438
Fax: (914) 995-8388
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Mailing Address:

Westchester County DSS 
Financial Administration, Recovery Unit
112 East Post Road, 6th Floor
White Plains, NY 10601

Please make checks payable to the "Westchester County DSS." Please include the Client Identification Number (CIN) or the case number on the check and any accompanying documents.

Estate and Casualty Recovery

DSS works with the State Agency-Health Management System (HMS) to assert liens and claims against personal injury action settlements and/or the estate of deceased recipients' assets for the recovery of benefits expended for Public Assistance and Medicaid, pursuant to NYS SSL 104 and 366, 369 et al.

Medicaid Lien or Claim:

At the time of a lawsuit settlement or estate proceeding, law firms and insurance companies must contact the HMS to obtain a final Medicaid lien or claim amount as follows:

Phone: (877) 331-1460
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Temporary Assistance Lien or Claim:

For the Temporary Assistance Lien amount for personal injury or estate case, please contact the Recovery Unit by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..