N.Y. Soc. Serv. Law § 253

§ 253. Application for services. 1. A person requesting services for\nthe aged, blind or disabled may make his application therefor in person\nor through another in his behalf to the social services official of the\ncounty or city in which the applicant resides or is found.\n 2. Applications by or on behalf of persons under care in institutions\nor facilities operated by the state shall be made to the department or\nits agent, except as otherwise permitted or required by regulations of\nthe department.\n