Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) officials announced today the Chinook Field Office of Public Assistance will close no later than January 31. However, the office may close sooner depending on staff availability.

The Chinook Field Office is located at 500 Illinois.

The office is one of 19 offices that are closing across the state due to recently announced funding reductions that were finalized following the recent Legislative Special Session.

The OPA office closures are part of the $49 million in funding reductions to the DPHHS budget and represent about half of the total $76 million cut to all state agencies. Prior to the session, DPHHS was facing a $100 million funding reduction. However, that amount was reduced to $49 million when Governor Bullock and the Legislature came to an agreement to balance the state’s budget during the session using a combination of cuts, transfers and other legislation.

The offices are located in Big Timber, Chinook, Choteau, Columbus, Conrad, Cut Bank, Deer Lodge, Dillon, Forsyth, Fort Benton, Glendive, Livingston, Malta, Red Lodge, Shelby, Sidney, Plentywood, Roundup and Thompson Falls.

Exact office closure dates will be updated regularly on the DPHHS website at http://www.dphhs.mt.gov. Updates will also be noticed through social media on agency Facebook and Twitter accounts.

“During this transition, DPHHS is committed to working with all communities impacted by the office closures,” DPHHS Director Hogan said. “Our agency is committed to serving Montanans, and we pledge to maintain an open dialogue with the communities during this transition time. We will do everything we can to minimize the impact as much as possible. This includes sharing information with local officials, clients, and community partners about the multiple ways individuals can apply for benefits.”

Montanans can submit an application for SNAP food assistance, TANF cash assistance or health care coverage by going online to apply.mt.gov.

By opening an online account, clients can apply for, renew, report changes and check their benefits online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A tutorial on how to use apply.mt.gov is available on the agency YouTube page at: https://www.youtube.com/user/MontanaDPHHS

The Public Assistance Helpline is also staffed by knowledgeable eligibility workers for clients to call at 1-888-706-1535 and receive assistance. The Helpline handles over 30,000 calls a month.