Area Agencies on Aging in New York

Complete Guide to Area Agencies on Aging in New York (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Emergency Help

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or being abused or neglected.

For urgent aging or disability assistance:

• NY Connects: 1-800-342-9871 – Statewide information and assistance for long-term care services
• NYC Aging Connect: 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) – For New York City residents
• Adult Protective Services: Contact your local AAA – Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 – Free, confidential support
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 – Mental health crisis support
• NY Project Hope: 1-845-863-9314 – Crisis counseling for COVID-related stress

For immediate food and emergency assistance:

• Contact your local Office for the Aging for emergency food programs
• SNAP Hotline: 1-800-342-3009 – Food assistance applications
• Call 311 (NYC) or 211 (rest of NY) – General emergency resources

Key Takeaways

• New York has 59 Area Agencies on Aging – one in each county plus NYC Department for the Aging serving all 5 boroughs, plus tribal nations
• NY Connects serves as the statewide Aging & Disability Resource Center – your single entry point for help
• Services are free or low-cost for seniors 60+ and people with disabilities of any age
• No income requirements for basic information and assistance services
• Call 1-800-342-9871 to connect with NY Connects anywhere in New York State
• NYC has specialized services through the Department for the Aging serving 1.4 million older adults
• Multiple Medicaid waiver programs help eligible New Yorkers receive care at home, including NHTD and TBI waivers
• Strong emphasis on aging in place with comprehensive home and community-based services

What Are Area Agencies on Aging in New York?

New York operates one of the nation’s most comprehensive aging services networks through 59 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that serve all 62 counties. This includes individual county offices for the aging in 57 counties, the New York City Department for the Aging (serving all five boroughs), and offices on the Seneca Nation and St. Regis Mohawk reservations.

Each AAA serves as the designated local aging network leader under the federal Older Americans Act, responsible for planning, coordinating, and developing comprehensive systems of services for older adults and their caregivers in their service area. New York’s AAAs don’t just serve seniors – they also function as part of the NY Connects network, providing information and assistance to people of all ages with disabilities.

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) provides oversight, funding, and technical assistance to all AAAs while ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements. NYSOFA works with AAAs and over 1,200 community partners to serve New York’s 4.8 million older adults.

What makes New York’s system unique is its scale and diversity – from serving Manhattan’s dense urban population to providing services across the vast rural expanses of the North Country. Each AAA adapts its services to meet local needs while maintaining consistent quality standards statewide.

NY Connects, New York’s Aging & Disability Resource Center, operates through local AAAs to provide free, unbiased information about long-term services and supports for people of all ages with any type of disability. This “no wrong door” approach means you can contact any AAA for help, regardless of your specific situation.

New York’s Diverse AAA Network Structure

Upstate New York AAAs (57 Counties)

Each of New York’s 57 upstate counties has its own Office for the Aging that serves as the local AAA. These range from:

• Large urban counties like Erie (Buffalo), Monroe (Rochester), and Onondaga (Syracuse)
• Suburban counties like Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester
• Rural counties like Hamilton, Essex, and Delaware
• Border counties with unique cross-border considerations

New York City Department for the Aging

The NYC Department for the Aging serves as a single AAA covering all five boroughs (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island), making it one of the largest AAAs in the nation serving approximately 1.4 million older adults.

Tribal Nation Offices

• Seneca Nation of Indians Office for the Aging
• Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Office for the Aging

Note: Due to the large number of AAAs in New York, contact your local office through NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871 or visit aging.ny.gov/local-offices for specific contact information.

Core Services Provided by New York AAAs

Information and Assistance Through NY Connects

Every AAA participates in the NY Connects network, providing comprehensive information and assistance to help you navigate available services and understand your options. Trained specialists can help with:

• Explanation of programs and services available in your area
• Long-term care planning and options counseling
• Eligibility requirements and application assistance for various programs
• Benefits counseling for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other programs
• Referrals to appropriate agencies and community resources
• Care transitions and discharge planning support

NY Connects services are available to anyone who contacts the network, regardless of age, income, or disability status.

Nutrition Programs

AAAs coordinate comprehensive nutrition programs designed to address food insecurity while promoting social engagement and health education.

Congregate Meals: Nutritious meals served at senior centers, community centers, religious institutions, and other gathering places throughout each service area. These programs provide more than nutrition – they offer opportunities for socialization, health screenings, education, and information about other services. Suggested donations are typically $3-6 for participants 60+, but no one is denied meals for inability to contribute.

Home-Delivered Meals: For seniors who are homebound or have difficulty accessing congregate meal sites, AAAs coordinate home-delivered meal programs. Volunteers and professional staff deliver hot, frozen, or shelf-stable meals directly to homes, typically 1-7 days per week depending on need and program capacity.

Nutrition Education and Counseling: Many AAAs offer nutrition counseling, cooking demonstrations, farmer’s market programs, and nutrition education to help seniors maintain healthy eating habits and manage chronic conditions.

Transportation Services

Transportation is essential for accessing healthcare, shopping, and social activities. New York AAAs address transportation needs through various innovative programs:

Medical Transportation: Priority transportation for medical appointments, dialysis, therapy, and other health-related trips. Services may include van transportation, volunteer driver programs, and partnerships with ride services.

General Transportation: Scheduled transportation for essential activities like grocery shopping, banking, pharmacy visits, and social activities. Service frequency varies greatly between urban and rural areas.

Regional Transportation Coordination: Many AAAs participate in regional transportation planning to maximize efficiency and coverage across service areas.

Reality Check: Transportation availability varies dramatically between New York City (extensive public transit with senior discounts) and rural upstate counties (limited options requiring advance planning).

Legal Assistance

AAAs provide free legal assistance for seniors 60+ in civil matters that affect their health, safety, and economic well-being. New York’s legal assistance network includes:

• Medicare and Medicaid problems and appeals
• Social Security benefit issues and disability claims
• Housing matters (rent stabilization, foreclosure prevention, landlord-tenant disputes)
• Consumer protection (scams, fraud, identity theft)
• Estate planning basics (wills, advance directives, powers of attorney)
• Family law issues affecting seniors (guardianship, elder abuse, grandparent rights)
• Public benefit applications and appeals
• Immigration issues affecting older adults

Legal services are provided through partnerships with legal aid organizations, pro bono attorney programs, and law school clinics throughout New York.

Health Insurance Information, Counseling & Assistance Program (HIICAP)

New York’s HIICAP provides free, unbiased counseling to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their options and resolve problems. HIICAP is New York’s version of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Services include:

• Medicare enrollment assistance and plan comparisons
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan guidance
• Medicare Part D prescription drug plan selection
• Medicare Advantage plan reviews and annual open enrollment help
• Appeals assistance for denied claims and coverage disputes
• Help understanding Medicare statements and bills
• Assistance with Medicare fraud reporting and prevention

HIICAP counselors operate in all service areas and receive extensive training to provide completely objective advice with no financial interest in insurance sales.

Case Management and Care Coordination

For individuals with complex needs, AAAs provide case management services to help coordinate multiple services and navigate New York’s complex healthcare and social services systems. Case managers:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of needs, goals, and preferences
• Develop individualized care plans with input from clients and families
• Connect individuals with appropriate services and benefits
• Monitor situations over time and adjust services as needs change
• Advocate on behalf of clients with service providers and agencies
• Coordinate with healthcare providers, family members, and informal caregivers
• Assist with care transitions between settings

Caregiver Support Services

AAAs operate comprehensive Family Caregiver Support Programs to assist family members caring for older adults or people with disabilities. Services include:

Information and Education: Training workshops on caregiving techniques, stress management, understanding chronic conditions, navigating healthcare systems, and planning for the future.

Support Groups and Counseling: Peer support groups and individual counseling to help caregivers cope with the emotional, physical, and financial challenges of caregiving.

Respite Care: Temporary care services that give family caregivers breaks from their caregiving responsibilities. Options include in-home companions, adult day programs, and short-term residential care.

Supplemental Services: Limited funding for items and services not covered by other programs, such as assistive devices, home modifications, emergency response systems, or caregiver supplies.

Grandparent and Kinship Care Support: Specialized services for grandparents and other relatives raising children, including support groups, legal assistance, and resource navigation.

New York’s Medicaid Waiver Programs for Long-Term Care

New York offers several innovative Medicaid waiver programs that help eligible individuals receive comprehensive care at home instead of in nursing facilities.

Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Waiver

The NHTD waiver is New York’s largest home and community-based services program, serving individuals who require nursing facility level of care but prefer to live in the community.

Services Include:

• Service coordination and care management
• Personal care assistance and home health aide services
• Homemaker and housekeeping services
• Respite care for family caregivers
• Adult day health care programs
• Environmental modifications and assistive technology
• Specialized medical equipment and supplies
• Personal emergency response systems
• Transportation for medical appointments
• Structured day programs and community integration counseling

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be New York State resident
• Must be Medicaid eligible or Medicaid pending
• Must require nursing facility level of care
• Must be able to live safely in the community with waiver services
• Must choose community-based care over nursing facility placement

Unique Features:

• No age restrictions – serves adults of all ages
• Participants can transition from nursing facilities or avoid institutionalization
• Services delivered through managed care organizations
• Person-centered planning and service delivery

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver

The TBI waiver provides specialized services for adults with traumatic brain injuries who would otherwise require nursing facility care.

Services Include:

• Intensive service coordination
• Cognitive rehabilitation and community integration counseling
• Behavioral modification services
• Structured day programs with cognitive focus
• Environmental modifications specific to TBI needs
• Assistive technology and communication devices
• Respite care for caregivers
• Home and community-based residential services
• Transitional employment services

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be age 18-64 at time of application
• Must have diagnosis of traumatic brain injury
• Must require nursing facility level of care as direct result of TBI
• Must be Medicaid eligible
• Must be able to benefit from waiver services

Long Term Home Health Care Program (LTHHCP)

While not technically a waiver, LTHHCP provides comprehensive home care services for individuals who would otherwise require nursing facility care.

Services Include:

• Nursing services
• Home health aide services
• Personal care services
• Medical social services
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Physician services
• Nutritional consultation

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must require nursing facility level of care
• Must be homebound or have difficulty accessing community services
• Must be Medicaid eligible
• Must be able to receive services safely at home

Special Population Services

New York City Specialized Services

The NYC Department for the Aging offers unique services reflecting the city’s diverse population and urban challenges:

Older Adult Centers: Over 300 centers throughout the five boroughs offering meals, activities, health services, and social programs.

Community Care Connections: Neighborhood-based programs providing outreach and support to isolated seniors.

Multilingual Services: Services available in dozens of languages reflecting NYC’s immigrant communities.

Housing Support: Specialized programs addressing NYC’s housing challenges, including rent freeze programs and housing advocacy.

GetSetUp Partnership: Free online classes and technology training specifically for older adults.

Rural and Frontier Services

New York’s rural AAAs face unique challenges serving vast geographic areas with sparse populations:

Mobile Service Delivery: Bringing services directly to remote communities through mobile units and traveling staff.

Volunteer Driver Programs: Extensive networks of volunteer drivers for medical and essential trips across long distances.

Telehealth and Technology: Virtual service delivery and remote monitoring to overcome geographic barriers.

Seasonal Considerations: Adapting services for harsh winter weather and seasonal population changes.

Regional Collaboration: AAAs working together across county lines to maximize resources and efficiency.

Immigrant and Refugee Seniors

New York’s diverse immigrant population receives specialized support through AAAs:

Language Services: Interpretation and translation services in dozens of languages based on local demographics.

Cultural Competency: Staff training and programming that respects diverse cultural backgrounds and traditions.

Immigration Legal Assistance: Help with naturalization, family reunification, and benefits eligibility for immigrants.

Community Partnerships: Collaboration with ethnic community organizations and religious institutions.

Veterans and Military Families

New York AAAs coordinate with the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services and VA Medical Centers to ensure veterans receive comprehensive support:

Veterans-Specific Services:

• Assistance applying for VA benefits and healthcare
• Transportation to VA medical facilities throughout New York
• Help with VA pension and disability claims
• Connection to VA home and community-based services
• Support for military spouses and survivors

Key Resources:

• New York State Division of Veterans’ Services: (518) 474-6114
• VA Medical Centers in Albany, Bath, Bronx, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Canandaigua, Montrose, Northport, and Syracuse
• County Veterans Service Agencies in all counties
• Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1)

LGBTQ+ Seniors

New York has strong non-discrimination protections, and AAAs provide inclusive services to LGBTQ+ seniors:

What to Expect:

• All AAA staff receive diversity and inclusion training
• Services cannot be denied based on sexual orientation or gender identity
• Some AAAs offer LGBTQ+-specific programming and support groups
• Partnerships with LGBTQ+ community organizations

Resources:

• SAGE (Services & Advocacy for Gay, Elders): National organization headquartered in NYC
• SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline: 1-877-360-LGBT (5428)
• Local LGBTQ+ community centers throughout New York State

How to Access Services

Step 1: Contact NY Connects or Your Local AAA

Call 1-800-342-9871 to reach NY Connects from anywhere in New York State, or contact your local AAA directly. For NYC residents, call 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) for Aging Connect.

Step 2: Initial Information Gathering and Screening

Trained specialists will conduct an initial screening to understand:

• Your current situation and immediate needs
• What type of assistance you’re seeking
• Your location and any accessibility needs
• Basic demographic and insurance information
• Whether you need urgent assistance or ongoing services
• Language or cultural preferences

This conversation typically takes 15-25 minutes and helps staff determine the best way to assist you.

Step 3: Comprehensive Assessment (If Needed)

For ongoing services, waiver eligibility, or complex situations, you may need a comprehensive assessment. This assessment can be conducted:

• Over the phone for some services
• At the AAA office or community location
• In your home if you’re homebound or have mobility limitations
• Via telehealth technology in some areas

Assessments evaluate your:

• Physical and cognitive abilities
• Safety and living situation
• Social support system and family involvement
• Financial resources and insurance coverage
• Service preferences and goals
• Cultural and language needs
• Current service providers and care team

Step 4: Service Planning and Authorization

Based on your assessment, AAA staff will:

• Explain available services and programs in your area
• Assist with benefit applications (Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, etc.)
• Develop an individualized service plan with your input
• Make referrals to appropriate providers and agencies
• Help you choose providers when options are available
• Schedule ongoing services and follow-up appointments
• Coordinate with your healthcare team and family

Step 5: Ongoing Support and Care Coordination

AAAs provide continuing support through:

• Regular check-ins with case managers or care coordinators
• Annual reassessments for waiver program participants
• Assistance accessing new services as needs change
• Problem-solving and advocacy when issues arise with providers
• Care plan updates and service adjustments
• Support during care transitions (hospital to home, etc.)

Costs and Financial Assistance

Free Services

These services are available at no cost to participants:

• Information and assistance through NY Connects and local AAAs
• HIICAP counseling and Medicare assistance
• Legal consultations and basic legal services
• Case management and care coordination
• Family caregiver support and education
• Adult protective services and elder abuse assistance

Low-Cost Services with Suggested Donations

These services typically have suggested donations but participants cannot be denied for inability to pay:

• Congregate meals ($3-6 suggested donation)
• Home-delivered meals ($3-8 suggested donation per meal depending on location)
• Transportation services ($2-8 suggested donation per trip)
• Some personal care services (sliding scale)

Income-Based Services

Some services use sliding fee scales based on income:

• In-home personal care services (private pay)
• Adult day programs
• Respite care services
• Home modifications and assistive devices
• Some specialized transportation services

Insurance and Medicaid Coverage

Many services can be covered through:

• Medicaid waiver programs (NHTD, TBI, LTHHCP)
• Medicare (for medically necessary services)
• Medicare Advantage plans with additional benefits
• Private insurance plans
• Veterans benefits through VA
• Other federal and state programs

Financial Reality: While many basic services are free, intensive services like personal care and home modifications may have waiting periods or limited funding. New York’s waiver programs generally don’t have waiting lists, but the application and approval process can take several months.

Quality Assurance and Your Rights

Program Standards

All AAAs must meet federal and state standards for:

• Staff qualifications and ongoing training requirements
• Service quality and safety protocols
• Financial management and accountability
• Non-discrimination and civil rights compliance
• Confidentiality and privacy protections
• Cultural competency and language access
• Emergency preparedness and response

Oversight and Monitoring

AAAs are monitored by:

• New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA)
• Federal Administration for Community Living
• Independent auditors and quality assurance teams
• County governments (for county-operated AAAs)
• Consumer advisory councils and stakeholder groups
• New York State Department of Health (for waiver programs)

Complaint Process

If you have concerns about AAA services:

1. Talk to your service provider first – Many issues can be resolved quickly at the direct service level
2. Contact the AAA supervisor or director – Each AAA has procedures for handling complaints
3. File a complaint with NYSOFA – Contact (518) 474-5731 for state-level review
4. Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman – Call 1-800-342-9871 for nursing home and assisted living complaints
5. File with state agencies – New York State Department of Health handles serious violations of waiver programs

Your Rights as a Service Recipient

You have the right to:

• Be treated with dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity
• Receive services without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or immigration status
• Have your personal information kept confidential
• Participate in decisions about your care and services
• Be informed about available services and eligibility requirements
• File complaints without fear of retaliation
• Receive services that meet professional standards
• Access interpretation services when needed
• Receive services in the least restrictive environment possible

Regional Service Variations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does New York’s AAA system compare to other states?

New York has one of the most comprehensive AAA networks in the nation with 59 agencies serving all counties plus tribal nations. This creates strong local expertise and relationships. The integration with NY Connects provides consistent statewide access, while programs like NHTD and TBI waivers offer more comprehensive services than many other states.

What’s the difference between NY Connects and my local AAA?

NY Connects is the statewide “brand” for New York’s Aging & Disability Resource Center network, but the actual services are delivered through your local AAA. When you call NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871, you’ll be connected to specialists at your local AAA who can help with both aging and disability issues for people of all ages.

I live in New York City – how is the Department for the Aging different from other county AAAs?

The NYC Department for the Aging serves all five boroughs as a single AAA, making it one of the largest in the nation. This allows for city-wide programming, extensive multilingual services, and specialized urban programs like rent freeze assistance. However, you still access services through local offices and senior centers in your neighborhood.

What are NHTD and TBI waivers, and how do they differ from nursing home Medicaid?

NHTD (Nursing Home Transition and Diversion) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) waivers allow eligible individuals to receive comprehensive home and community-based services instead of nursing home care. Unlike regular Medicaid which primarily covers nursing home costs, these waivers pay for personal care, home modifications, adult day programs, and many other services to help you stay home safely.

Can I get services if I’m not eligible for Medicaid?

Absolutely. Many AAA services are funded through the Older Americans Act, state funding, and other sources that don’t require Medicaid eligibility. These include information and assistance, HIICAP counseling, legal services, congregate meals, family caregiver support, and case management. However, intensive in-home services typically require Medicaid coverage.

How long does it take to get waiver services in New York?

New York’s waiver programs generally don’t have waiting lists, but the application and approval process typically takes 3-6 months. This includes Medicaid eligibility determination, level of care assessment, service plan development, and provider selection. Emergency situations may be expedited.

What if I need services but live in a rural area with limited providers?

Rural AAAs have developed creative solutions including volunteer driver programs, mobile service delivery, telehealth options, and regional collaboration. While you may have fewer provider choices and longer travel times, services are available throughout New York State. Some AAAs also recruit and train local residents to become service providers.

Do AAA services continue if I move to a different county in New York?

Services don’t automatically transfer when you move between counties, but New York’s statewide NY Connects system makes transitions smoother than in many states. Contact the AAA in your new county, and they can work with your previous AAA to share assessment information and expedite service restart. Waiver services can continue with proper notification and care plan updates.

What languages are services available in?

New York AAAs provide interpretation services in dozens of languages based on local demographics. NYC offers services in over 40 languages, while other areas focus on their specific immigrant populations. Interpretation is provided at no cost – just request language assistance when you call. Many AAAs also have bilingual staff.

How do I know if my family member needs a higher level of care?

AAA case managers and NY Connects specialists are trained to help assess changing needs and recommend appropriate levels of care. Signs that someone may need additional support include difficulty with daily activities, safety concerns, frequent falls, medication management problems, or caregiver burnout. Contact your local AAA for a reassessment – this service is free and available to anyone.

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Disclaimer

Program details, contact information, and services can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information as of August 2025, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with your local Area Agency on Aging or the New York State Office for the Aging before making decisions or applying for services.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.

For the most current information, contact:

• NY Connects: 1-800-342-9871
• NYC Aging Connect: 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469)
• New York State Office for the Aging: (518) 474-5731
• Your local Area Agency on Aging

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About This Guide

Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors

This guide has been carefully researched using publicly available government resources and official program websites. We systematically review federal and state program information to create comprehensive, accurate guides for older Americans seeking grant opportunities.

Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including federal agency websites (HHS, ACL, CMS), New York State government departments, official program documentation, and verified nonprofit organization resources.

Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes thorough online verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status, verifying contact information, and confirming eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Information Currency: • Last Updated: August 2025 • Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

Important Note: Government programs can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with program administrators before applying.

Found an Error? If you discover outdated information or additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always confirm program details with official sources before applying.

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This resource is independently researched to help seniors access available financial assistance programs.