Grants for Seniors in Buffalo

Grants and Assistance for Seniors in Buffalo, New York: A 2026 Authority Guide

Last updated: December 21, 2025

Below is a practical, no‑nonsense guide to find and apply for help in Buffalo and across Erie County. It focuses on official links, clear steps, and what to expect.

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If You Need Emergency Help

• Life‑threatening emergency: Call 911.
• Mental health crisis: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or visit the New York State Office of Mental Health’s 988 page: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/suicide_prevention/988.html
• Food, shelter, urgent local help: Call 211 or search 211 WNY: https://www.211wny.org/
• Adult abuse, neglect, or self‑neglect: Contact Erie County Adult Protective Services: https://www3.erie.gov/socialservices/adult-protective-services
• Emergency help with rent or utilities:
  • Erie County Department of Social Services, Emergency Assistance (Temporary Assistance programs): https://www3.erie.gov/socialservices/temporary-assistance
  • New York State HEAP emergency benefits (when open): https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/
• Utility shutoff protections: Know your rights under NY’s Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA) via the NY Public Service Commission: https://dps.ny.gov/consumer-guide

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Key Takeaways

• Start local: Erie County Senior Services (Area Agency on Aging) can screen you for multiple programs and help you apply. Erie County Senior Services: https://www3.erie.gov/seniorservices
• Big money‑savers for most seniors: Medicare Savings Program (can pay your Part B premium), EPIC (NY prescription help), SNAP (groceries), HEAP (energy bills), and senior transit discounts (NFTA).
• Buffalo‑area housing help exists, but waitlists are common: check City of Buffalo programs (BURA), Section 8 via BMHA or Belmont Housing, NYS HCR repair/weatherization programs.
• Bring documents and apply early. Keep copies and note who you spoke with. If turned down, appeal deadlines are short.
• Use trusted, official sources linked in this guide. Avoid anyone who promises to “guarantee” benefits for a fee.

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How to Use This Guide

1. Skim the Quick Program Finder below.
2. Click the descriptive links to apply or learn more.
3. If the process is confusing, call Erie County Senior Services (AAA) or NY Connects for one‑on‑one help:
   • Erie County Senior Services: https://www3.erie.gov/seniorservices
   • NY Connects statewide directory/helpline: https://www.nyconnects.ny.gov/ or 1‑800‑342‑9871

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Quick Program Finder (Buffalo & Erie County)

Reality check: Program rules and start/end dates change. Always verify on the official program pages.

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Financial Help

Social Security and SSI (plus NY State Supplement)

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash to older adults with very limited income and assets. Learn more or apply at Social Security’s SSI page: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/
• New York State adds a State Supplement Program (SSP) to federal SSI. See NYS OTDA SSP: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/ssp/

Tip: If you think you should have received SSI earlier, ask a legal aid group about appeals or back payments. Try the Center for Elder Law & Justice in Buffalo: https://elderjusticeny.org/

Property Tax Relief for Homeowners (Erie County & NYS)

• Senior Citizens’ Exemption (RPTL 467) can reduce property taxes for eligible homeowners 65+. Start at NYS Tax’s Senior Citizens’ Exemption: https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/exemption/seniorexempt.htm
• Enhanced STAR reduces school property taxes for eligible 65+ homeowners: https://www.tax.ny.gov/star/
• Contact your local assessor for forms and deadlines (assessors vary by town/city within Erie County): https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/locallist.htm

Reality check: Income limits and paperwork differ by municipality, and you usually must renew. Ask your assessor’s office for help.

Emergency Cash Assistance

• Short‑term help with rent, utilities, or other urgent needs may be available through Temporary Assistance emergency programs. See Erie County DSS: https://www3.erie.gov/socialservices/temporary-assistance
• For HEAP emergency heat or shutoff, see OTDA HEAP: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/

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Health Coverage and Prescription Savings

Reality check: MSP + EPIC + Extra Help can save substantial money. Eligibility rules change; confirm on the official sites or call HIICAP for free counseling.

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Low‑Cost and Free Clinics, Dental, and Vision (Buffalo‑Area)

• Find a Federally Qualified Health Center (sliding‑scale care) via the HRSA Health Center Finder: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
• Community Health Center of Buffalo (FQHC): primary care and dental; sliding scale. See locations and appointments: https://www.chcb.net/
• Neighborhood Health Center (FQHC): multiple sites in Buffalo area: https://www.nhcwny.org/
• Jericho Road Community Health Center: comprehensive services with sliding fees: https://www.jrchc.org/
• UB School of Dental Medicine Patient Care (reduced‑cost clinics): https://dental.buffalo.edu/patients.html
• Dental Lifeline Network — New York (donated dental care for those who qualify): https://dentallifeline.org/new-york/
• VA Western New York Healthcare System (for eligible veterans): https://www.va.gov/western-new-york-health-care/

Tip: Dental school clinics can be lower cost but may require longer visits; plan accordingly.

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Housing, Home Repairs, Weatherization

Reality check: Many repair and housing programs have waitlists and strict documentation. Submit a complete application, ask for help from Erie County Senior Services, and keep copies of everything you send.

Foreclosure help: Contact the NY Attorney General’s Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) for free, trusted counseling and legal help: https://www.homeownerhelpny.com/

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Utilities: Heat, Electric, Water, Phone, Internet

• HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program): Helps with heating and cooling costs; includes Emergency HEAP, Equipment Repair/Replacement, and Cooling Assistance (seasonal). Check dates and amounts:
  • State info: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/
  • Erie County HEAP: https://www3.erie.gov/socialservices/heap
• National Fuel (natural gas in WNY): Bill assistance programs (including the Neighbor For Neighbor Heat Fund during program periods, and budget billing/arrears options). See National Fuel Customer Assistance: https://www.nationalfuel.com/for-customers/assistance-programs/
• National Grid (electric in much of WNY): Energy Affordability Program discounts for eligible customers: https://www.nationalgridus.com/Upstate-NY-Residential/Bill-Help/Energy-Affordability-Program
• Buffalo Water: Check for affordability and payment assistance programs offered by Buffalo Water/Veolia. See Buffalo Water Customer Assistance: https://buffalowater.org/
• Lifeline (phone/internet discount): Monthly discount on phone or broadband for eligible households. Start here: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
• Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): Ended due to lack of federal funding in 2024; see FCC updates: https://www.fcc.gov/acp

Consumer rights: Learn about shutoff protections and medical emergencies under HEFPA via NY PSC: https://dps.ny.gov/consumer-guide

Tip: If you get a shutoff notice, call your utility immediately, ask about a deferred payment agreement, and apply for HEAP if open.

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Food and Nutrition

Reality check: SNAP applications for older adults may be simpler under New York’s ESAP policies (fewer interviews, longer certification). If paperwork is hard, ask Erie County Senior Services or FeedMore WNY for application help.

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Transportation (Buffalo & Erie County)

Tip: Book medical rides early. Have your appointment details, provider’s NPI (if needed), and your Medicaid ID ready.

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Caregiving, Day Services, and Protection

• Caregiver Support: Erie County funds respite, training, and counseling for caregivers. Start here: https://www3.erie.gov/seniorservices/caregiver-support
• Social Adult Day Services: Structured day programs with meals and activities. Erie County listing: https://www3.erie.gov/seniorservices/long-term-care
• Adult Protective Services (APS): Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation: https://www3.erie.gov/socialservices/adult-protective-services
• Long‑Term Care Ombudsman: Help resolving problems in nursing homes/adult care facilities. NYSOFA Ombudsman: https://aging.ny.gov/long-term-care-ombudsman-program

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Legal Help and Consumer Protection

• Center for Elder Law & Justice (Buffalo): Free civil legal services for older adults (benefits, housing, abuse, more): https://elderjusticeny.org/
• Neighborhood Legal Services (Buffalo & WNY): Housing, public benefits, disability rights: https://nls.org/
• NY Attorney General — HOPP (foreclosure prevention): https://www.homeownerhelpny.com/
• Federal student loan and debt scams: FTC advice: https://consumer.ftc.gov/

Tip: Never pay for “guaranteed” debt relief or benefits applications. Use the free legal resources above.

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Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Older Adults

• Pride Center of Western New York: Programs and support, including services for older adults: https://www.pridecenterwny.org/
• SAGE (national): Resources and support for LGBTQ+ elders; includes SAGE Centers and SAGEVets information: https://www.sageusa.org/

Veterans 65+

• Erie County Veterans Service Agency: Benefits counseling and claims help: https://www3.erie.gov/veterans/
• NYS Department of Veterans’ Services: State‑level benefits and assistance: https://veterans.ny.gov/
• VA Western New York Healthcare System (Buffalo and Batavia campuses): https://www.va.gov/western-new-york-health-care/
• VA Pensions and Aid & Attendance (for eligible wartime veterans and surviving spouses): https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

Tip: Bring your DD‑214 and a list of medical expenses; those can affect pension eligibility.

Seniors with Disabilities

• Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP): Lets Medicaid recipients hire their own caregivers (including some family members). NYS DOH overview: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/longterm/cdpap.htm
• Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL): Benefits counseling, accessibility, advocacy: https://www.wnyil.org/
• Home modifications: Ask Erie County Senior Services about local ramps/grab bars programs and see HCR’s “Access to Home” (for disability‑related modifications): https://hcr.ny.gov/access-home

Tribal and Native Seniors

• Seneca Nation Health System (regional tribal health): https://www.senecahealth.org/
• Indian Health Service — Nashville Area (serves NY): https://www.ihs.gov/nashville/
• Bureau of Indian Affairs — Eastern Region: https://www.bia.gov/regional-offices/eastern
• For elder services, also contact your tribal government’s aging/elder program directly.

Rural Seniors and Limited Access Areas (Erie County towns)

• Use NY Connects to coordinate multiple services (meals, rides, home care) with one call: https://www.nyconnects.ny.gov/ or 1‑800‑342‑9871
• SNAP Online Purchasing can reduce travel for groceries: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/online-purchasing-pilot
• Lifeline discounts can help with telehealth and applications: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
• Hearts and Hands — Faith in Action (volunteer rides and support across Erie & Niagara Counties): https://hnhcares.org/

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How to Apply (and Avoid Delays)

• Gather documents:
  • Photo ID; proof of age; Social Security number
  • Proof of NY address; lease/mortgage; recent utility bill
  • Proof of income (Social Security award letter, pensions, bank statements)
  • Insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, Part D)
• Call first:
  • Many agencies can start applications by phone or help online
• Keep a folder:
  • Save copies, receipts, and names of staff you spoke with
• Ask for retroactive help:
  • Some programs (Medicaid, SNAP, EPIC) can sometimes look back at recent bills—ask
• If denied:
  • Read the notice carefully, note appeal deadlines, and contact HIICAP or legal aid

Accessibility: If you have a disability, limited English, or no internet, tell staff. Agencies must provide reasonable accommodations and language access.

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Common Buffalo/Erie County Questions (FAQs)

• What is the fastest way to see what I qualify for?
  • Contact Erie County Senior Services for a multi‑benefit screen: https://www3.erie.gov/seniorservices or use NY Connects: https://www.nyconnects.ny.gov/
• Can I get help paying my Medicare Part B premium?
  • Yes. The Medicare Savings Program may pay your Part B premium if your income is within limits. See NYS MSP: https://health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/medicare_savings_program/
• I have Medicare. Can I still get Medicaid?
  • Possibly. If income/assets are low, you may qualify for full Medicaid or a spend‑down. Start at NYS Medicaid: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/ and ask Erie County Senior Services for help.
• How can I lower my prescription costs?
  • Enroll in Part D, apply for Extra Help (SSA), and apply for EPIC (NY’s program for 65+). Together these can reduce costs significantly. SSA Extra Help: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp/ • NYS EPIC: https://health.ny.gov/health_care/epic/
• I can’t afford my heat this winter. What should I do?
  • Apply for HEAP as soon as the season opens. If you have a shutoff/out of fuel, ask for Emergency HEAP. OTDA HEAP: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/
• Is there help for water bills in Buffalo?
  • Buffalo Water offers assistance options. Check the current programs directly: https://buffalowater.org/. (The federal LIHWAP was time‑limited; see NY updates: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/water-assistance/)
• Where can I get repair help for my home?
  • Check City of Buffalo programs via BURA: https://www.buffalourbanrenewal.com/, HCR’s RESTORE (60+): https://hcr.ny.gov/restore, Weatherization: https://hcr.ny.gov/weatherization-assistance-program, and USDA Section 504 (rural): https://www.rd.usda.gov/ny. In Erie County, EmPower NY can also help with energy efficiency: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/EmPower-New-York
• Are there free or low‑cost medical and dental clinics?
  • Yes. Try Community Health Center of Buffalo (https://www.chcb.net/), Neighborhood Health Center (https://www.nhcwny.org/), Jericho Road (https://www.jrchc.org/), and UB Dental (https://dental.buffalo.edu/patients.html). Find more at HRSA’s Health Center Finder: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
• How do I get transportation if I can’t use regular buses?
  • Apply for NFTA’s PAL Paratransit: https://metro.nfta.com/services/paratransit. If you have Medicaid, use Medical Answering Services (https://www.medanswering.com/).
• What if I suspect elder abuse or financial exploitation?
  • Contact Erie County APS: https://www3.erie.gov/socialservices/adult-protective-services. For residents of facilities, contact the Long‑Term Care Ombudsman: https://aging.ny.gov/long-term-care-ombudsman-program
• I rent in Buffalo. Is there a “rent freeze” for seniors like NYC?
  • No. NYC’s SCRIE/DRIE programs do not apply in Buffalo. For rental help, check BMHA, Belmont Housing Resources, and call 211 WNY for local assistance. BMHA: https://bmha.buffalo-ny.org/ • Belmont: https://belmonthousingwny.org/ • 211 WNY: https://www.211wny.org/

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Resources by Region (Buffalo & Erie County Starting Points)

• Erie County Department of Senior Services (AAA): https://www3.erie.gov/seniorservices
• NY Connects (statewide directory and helpline): https://www.nyconnects.ny.gov/ • 1‑800‑342‑9871
• 211 WNY (food, housing, utilities, more): https://www.211wny.org/
• Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA): https://bmha.buffalo-ny.org/
• Belmont Housing Resources for WNY (vouchers, counseling): https://belmonthousingwny.org/
• Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (home repair/housing programs): https://www.buffalourbanrenewal.com/
• Erie County HEAP: https://www3.erie.gov/socialservices/heap
• NFTA Metro Reduced Fare & PAL Paratransit: https://metro.nfta.com/
• FeedMore WNY (Meals on Wheels/home‑delivered): https://www.feedmorewny.org/get-help/
• Center for Elder Law & Justice: https://elderjusticeny.org/
• Neighborhood Legal Services: https://nls.org/
• Community Health Center of Buffalo: https://www.chcb.net/
• UB School of Dental Medicine: https://dental.buffalo.edu/patients.html
• National Fuel Customer Assistance: https://www.nationalfuel.com/for-customers/assistance-programs/
• National Grid Energy Affordability (Upstate NY): https://www.nationalgridus.com/Upstate-NY-Residential/Bill-Help/Energy-Affordability-Program
• Buffalo Water Customer Assistance: https://buffalowater.org/
• HCR RESTORE: https://hcr.ny.gov/restore
• HCR Weatherization Assistance: https://hcr.ny.gov/weatherization-assistance-program
• NYSERDA EmPower NY: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/EmPower-New-York
• USDA Rural Development NY (Section 504): https://www.rd.usda.gov/ny
• MAS (Medicaid Transportation): https://www.medanswering.com/
• NYS DOH Medicaid: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/
• NYS DOH Medicare Savings Program: https://health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/medicare_savings_program/
• NYS DOH EPIC: https://health.ny.gov/health_care/epic/
• SSA Extra Help (LIS): https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp/
• NYS PSC Consumer Rights (HEFPA): https://dps.ny.gov/consumer-guide
• 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
• Pride Center of WNY: https://www.pridecenterwny.org/
• Erie County Veterans Service Agency: https://www3.erie.gov/veterans/
• VA Western New York Healthcare System: https://www.va.gov/western-new-york-health-care/
• WNY Independent Living: https://www.wnyil.org/
• Hearts and Hands (volunteer rides): https://hnhcares.org/

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Reality Checks, Warnings, and Tips

• Expect waitlists, especially for housing and home repairs. Apply early, keep your contact info updated, and respond quickly to letters.
• Do not pay for help applying to public programs. Free assistance is available from Erie County Senior Services, NY Connects, HIICAP, and legal aid groups.
• Use certified mail or request a date‑stamped copy if you drop off paperwork in person.
• If you need language interpretation or disability accommodations, ask. Agencies must provide them.

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Important Program Links (Official Sources)

• Erie County Senior Services (AAA): https://www3.erie.gov/seniorservices
• NY Connects (directory/helpline): https://www.nyconnects.ny.gov/ • 1‑800‑342‑9871
• NYS OTDA — SNAP: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/snap/
• NYS MyBenefits (apply online): https://mybenefits.ny.gov/
• NYS OTDA — HEAP: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/
• Erie County HEAP: https://www3.erie.gov/socialservices/heap
• NYS DOH — Medicaid: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/
• NYS DOH — Medicare Savings Program: https://health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/medicare_savings_program/
• NYS DOH — EPIC: https://health.ny.gov/health_care/epic/
• HIICAP (via Erie County Senior Services): https://www3.erie.gov/seniorservices/health-insurance-counseling
• HCR — RESTORE: https://hcr.ny.gov/restore
• HCR — Weatherization Assistance: https://hcr.ny.gov/weatherization-assistance-program
• USDA Rural Development — NY (Section 504): https://www.rd.usda.gov/ny
• NYSERDA — EmPower New York: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/EmPower-New-York
• Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA): https://bmha.buffalo-ny.org/
• Belmont Housing Resources for WNY: https://belmonthousingwny.org/
• Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency: https://www.buffalourbanrenewal.com/
• NFTA Metro (Reduced Fare & PAL): https://metro.nfta.com/
• HRSA Find a Health Center: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
• UB School of Dental Medicine: https://dental.buffalo.edu/patients.html
• Dental Lifeline Network — NY: https://dentallifeline.org/new-york/
• 211 WNY: https://www.211wny.org/
• Erie County APS: https://www3.erie.gov/socialservices/adult-protective-services
• NYSOFA Long‑Term Care Ombudsman: https://aging.ny.gov/long-term-care-ombudsman-program
• Erie County Veterans Service Agency: https://www3.erie.gov/veterans/
• VA Western New York Health Care: https://www.va.gov/western-new-york-health-care/
• FCC Lifeline: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
• NY PSC Consumer Guide: https://dps.ny.gov/consumer-guide

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Disclaimer

Program details, eligibility, and benefit amounts can change at any time. Always confirm the latest information on the official websites linked in this guide or by calling the relevant agency. This guide is informational and is not legal, tax, financial, or medical advice.

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About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non‑profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: December 2025
• Sources Verified: December 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.