Havre Public Assistance, Vocational Rehabilitation offices closing May 23-24

From Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

The Office of Public Assistance and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services office located at 48 Second Avenue in Havre will be closed to the public and employees Thursday, May 23, and Friday, May 24, to address building maintenance issues.

Normal business operations will resume on Tuesday, May 28.

Havre OPA employees working remotely during the office closure will be responding to calls placed through the Public Assistance Helpline and via email [email protected].

The Hill County VRBS field office staff will also be working remotely during the temporary office closure and can be reached at 1-877-296-1294.

Offices of Public Assistance

The Havre OPA works with Montanans interested in applying for Medicaid, Healthy Montana Kids, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. These programs are considered safety net programs, providing service to thousands of Montanans.

The PAHL is available at 1-888-706-1535 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Callers also have the option to schedule a callback to eliminate the need to wait on hold.

DPHHS officials said this is a great time to consider setting up an online account on the OPA self-service portal at https://www.apply.mt.gov to apply for, renew, report changes, and check benefits online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Clients can also submit applications via the OPA fax number at 1-877-418-4533 or by mail at Field Offices of Public Assistance, PO Box 202925, Helena MT 59620.

For information about SNAP benefits, calls can be made to 1-866-850-1556.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services

The Hill County VRBS field office promotes opportunities for Montanans with disabilities to have rewarding careers and achieve maximum personal potential.

VRBS assists clients with accessing a variety of resources, including evaluation services, career counseling and guidance, medical or psychological services, vocational training, job development and placement services, post-employment services, and rehabilitation technology.