New York has a higher cost of living than many other states, especially for those who live in the New York City area. Many seniors struggle financially to make ends meet, as their fixed income can’t keep pace with the rising costs of things like rent and food. The good news is that there are programs in place that offer financial assistance for seniors in New York.
The programs that provide financial assistance in New York will help seniors meet their basic needs. They are intended to keep people from going hungry or becoming homeless. With those basic needs met through the helpful programs, most people will be able to get by. It is important that seniors know about the programs so that they can apply and get the help they need to make ends meet each month.
Both the federal and state government offer financial assistance programs for those who have a low income. There are also organizations that provide programs to help people in the community. In addition to the programs listed below, it is also a good idea to reach out to churches in your area. There are many churches in the state and they tend to have a mission of helping people in the community who need assistance.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – The federal government provides this program to help people who have a low income be able to purchase food. Those who are approved for SNAP will receive a debit-style card that is used to help pay for groceries. Each month, the government will electronically add more money to the card. There is no limit to how many months you can get assistance through SNAP. This program used to be called food stamps and is often still called it today. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. The monthly benefit you will receive is determined by several factors, including how many dependents there are in the home. To get more information and apply, click here.
Salvation Army – With locations throughout the state, this is a great organization for seniors to turn to if they need help with obtaining food. The Salvation Army locations typically offer free hot meals, boxes of food, and more. Some will provide shelters and bill payment assistance. They are a faith-based organization, but they don’t require you to be religious to receive assistance. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
New York State Department of Health – This state office provides information about all of the food banks in the state. You can use their website to find a food bank that is near you. A food bank will provide seniors with free food and some will even deliver it to them if they have trouble getting out to pick it up. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Paying for housing is often one of the biggest financial challenges and concerns for seniors. This is a federal agency that is tasked with helping people in the country with their housing needs. Those who have a low income and are citizens or legal non-citizens may be able to get help with paying their rent, as well as finding affordable housing options. HUD also provides government owned housing units that they let people live in. Additional programs they provide include paying for house repairs and providing weatherization services. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
New York City Human Resources Administration – This state program will help seniors pay for their rent if they have a low income. They also have programs in place to help those who are at risk for eviction or who may be entering a shelter. To get more information and apply, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – This program is funded by a grant from the federal government. This means that there is only so much money to help people pay for their utility bills each year. If you have a low income you may be able to get financial assistance paying for such bills as electricity, natural gas, oil, coal, propane, wood, kerosene, etc. In addition to having a low income, you have to be legal resident to qualify for the assistance. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – This program, which is offered by the United Way organization, is free to use and open to everyone who needs financial assistance. You can call the number and tell them what type of financial assistance you need and what area of the state you live in. They will find you local programs that you can turn to for assistance. They will help you find programs that will provide utility bill payment assistance, rent assistance, and more. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – This is a medical bill payment assistance program provided by the federal government. It is open to those who are under the age of 65, have a low income, and are citizens or legal non-citizens. Those who are approved for the Medicaid program will get help paying for most medical bills, including to go to the doctor, stay in the hospital, see a specialist, and obtain prescription drugs. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is very similar to the Medicaid one listed above. The difference is that there are no low income requirements for this one and you have to be over the age of 65. It is a medical bill payment assistance program for all citizens and legal non-citizens in the country. The program will provide assistance paying for most medical bills. To get more information and apply, click here.
