Grants for Seniors in New York

Last Updated on March 28, 2024 by Rachel

Key Senior Statistics in New York (60 and over)

Senior Population: 4,881,715 (24.8%)

Male: 45.1%

Female: 54.9%

Median Age: 70

Disability: 28%

With Social Security Income: 72%

With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 17%

Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 13%

Data Source:

Data is taken from American Community Survey 2022. Please check our detailed page about Senior Statistics in New York for more data and information.

Help for Seniors in New York – 32 Assistance Programs

New York may be the most charming and exciting state with its lifestyle and various employment opportunities. It is a partially tax-friendly state and does not receive tax for Social Security services. However, the living conditions of this place can be difficult to afford with regard to high rent prices and increasing population density. Considering the non-stop circulation of New York, it might be hard to find peace and relaxation in this state for the elderly. Therefore, the federal authorities, the State of New York, and charity-based organizations present a great deal of programs and benefits to ease the lives of seniors.

State Resources for Seniors

New York provides assistance for seniors in the state through the state Office for the Aging. This department coordinates and administers several programs to help make life better for older state residents. Many of these programs are sponsored by the state, while some are offered in partnership with nonprofit organizations. The size of the state’s economy allows the provision of very robust services which meet most of the needs of seniors. Links to resources offered both by the state and charity organizations can be found at https://aging.ny.gov/.

Financial Assistance

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly benefit paid out to low-income seniors over the age of 65. This program provides finances to help meet the basic needs of the elderly. SSI is only available to seniors who have assets worth less than $2,000 and a maximum monthly income of $858. The amount of money awarded varies and is determined by the income and needs of the person receiving assistance. Additional information on SSI can be found at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/

Employment Assistance

The New York Senior Community Service Employment Program was formed and has been subsidized by the federal government and led by the Department for the Aging’s Senior Employment Services. People who are 55 years of age or older and having financial difficulties are eligible for this program. Eligible seniors can join new skills, courses or any area they are interested in professionally to help seniors getting a job. The programs help with preparing resumes, computer skills, interviewing, and more. Most of the employment opportunities the program offers are related to non-governmental establishments. To learn more, please go to https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta/services/senior-employment.page or dial 212 602 6958.

Housing and Rent Assistance

The Home Sharing Program was started and has been led by the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens’ Home Sharing Community. This is a home sharing program where local people who have an extra or unused room for another person share their homes or flats with persons looking for housing assistance. Seniors who are 60 years old or older and facing financial challenges are encouraged to apply to this benefit. This service is not only about housing assistance but aims to increase the socialization of seniors and decrease their isolation from the community. For further information, please click the link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta/services/housing-support.page or call 212 863 8494.

The Salvation Army of Greater New York has a raft of programs for people in need as a non-profit charity organization. Apart from food, financial and utility assistance, it presents different services for adult people. It has dance classes, ESL courses, computer training, and more importantly housing assistance with their 38 community centers that function actively across the state. The main purpose of this organization is to make sure that everyone in need is living in a safe, decent, and reliable environment. The long or short-term houses and shelters have basic needs and health support. The link to their official website is as follows https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/greater-new-york/.

Home Repair Grants

Apart from the Home Sharing Program and the Salvation Army of Greater New York, seniors can also benefit from various Home Repair Grants programs.

The Section 504 Home Repair Program provides funding to help seniors carry out repairs on their homes. The funds could either be loans or grants, depending on certain factors. Residents under the age of 62 are given loans of up to $40,000 to carry out repair activities on their homes. These loans can be used for structural repairs, accessibility modifications, roof repairs, plumbing, electric works, etc. The Home Repair loans have a repayment period of 20 years and a fixed 1% interest rate. The grants on the other hand are provided to seniors who are over the age of 62 years. The grants can be used in similar manner to loans but are often meant to remove hazards which threaten the health and safety of home occupants. Seniors can receive grants of up to $10,000 for their homes. These funds are not meant to be paid back, unless the home is sold less than 3 years after receiving a grant, in which case the grant must be repaid in full. For more details on this program, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/ny.

Habitat for Humanity is a charity organization that assists with home repairs. The organization is made up of volunteers who come together to help renovate homes. Services are provided at no cost, although residents may need to pay for the materials used. In other cases, the entire cost of the repairs is covered, especially when donated materials are provided. Interested seniors can visit https://habitatnys.org/ to get help with rehabilitating their homes.

The Residential Emergency Services to Offer (Home) Repairs to the Elderly (RESTORE) is a program that assists older residents with money for home repairs. RESTORE is open to seniors over the age of 60 and can help them with resources to remediate dangerous conditions in their homes. The funds provided can cover housing emergencies and code violations to make the home safer and more livable. Seniors can access the RESTORE program manual at https://hcr.ny.gov/restore-program#program-manual for specifics on program operations.

HomeFix is another program that offers resources to assist with home rehabilitation and repair. This program is restricted to New York City and provides loans of up to $60,000 to repair a single family home. The loans have a low-interest rate and are forgivable for the elderly. The funds can be used to improve the safety of the home and get rid of health hazards. Visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/homefix.page to learn more about HomeFix.

Healthcare Assistance

New York Caring for Adults was created by the State of New York with the aim of supporting seniors in need. Seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other sorts of disease may need a caregiver at their homes for a long or short period. Family members of those seniors may be looking for an outside hand to help with caregiving. This division has twelve caregiver programs for the elderly throughout the state. These programs do not only provide health assistance but also provide information, guidance, and financial assistance depending on the participant’s case. It is also beneficial for seniors who want to socialize and participate in support groups. Explore more opportunities through the following link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta/services/caregiving.page or make a phone call at 212 244 6469.

New York Social Adult Day Care was formed by the state agencies to serve senior citizens in need. Some of the services are supervision, preparing healthy meals based on the participants’ diets, personal care, organization social events, and activities. These services are available across the state. To learn more, please follow the link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta/community-partners/social-adult-day-care.page or contact 212 602 7751.

New York Senior Centers was established and has been sponsored by the Department of the Aging (DFTA) for people who are 60 years of age or older. These senior centers not only offer health support but provide a lot of benefits for qualified people. The main purpose of the existence of these centers is to make sure that each senior citizen is well, healthy, and participating in social events. Some of their services are art, dance, and music courses, health assistance, technology classes, transportation, and various workshops on different issues. To be part of these centers, please go to https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta/services/senior-centers.page by phone at 212 244 6469.

The Institute for Family Health operates two free clinics in New York. These clinics provide high-quality treatment to uninsured residents in the area. Services are provided every Saturday morning and seniors are required to book an appointment before coming in for treatment. Several medical services like physical exams, lab tests, cancer screening, etc. are offered at the clinics, helping to restore health to seniors in the state. While services are free, seniors may be charged $15 or $40 for prescription medication. More details can be found at https://institute.org/health-care/services/free-clinics-for-the-uninsured/.

The Capital City Rescue Mission runs a free clinic to care for the homeless and financially challenged. The clinic offers comprehensive healthcare services with a team of experienced doctors and nurses. Medication are also provided for seniors at no cost, making their healthcare truly free. To learn more about the Capital City Rescue Mission free clinic, visit https://capitalcityrescuemission.org/how-we-help/homeless-services/health-clinic/.

Help with Dental Care

There is constant deterioration in oral health. Oral health should be prioritized because it is a part of overall health, regardless of the person’s fixed income or financial situation. To find out more about how older people can get dental assistance, read Dental Grants in New York.

Preferred Dental Care is a clinic in New York City that offers dental services to seniors. Comprehensive care is provided to patients to restore or maintain good oral health. Seniors can get services like whitening, extractions, implants, dental surgery, etc. from experienced professionals who empathize with patients. Payment options allow the cost of treatment to be spread out over multiple months, allowing seniors to make small sized payments over a period of time. More information on the services of Preferred Dental Care can be gotten from https://www.chelseadentalcare.com/manhattan-new-york-dentist.php.

Charles B. Wang Community Health Center provides a range of dental care services to the elderly residents of New York. These services include extractions, root canals, dentures, x-rays, teeth cleaning, etc. Seniors can come for treatment regardless of their insurance status. Uninsured older residents are given a sliding fee payment discount. This discount considers the income of the patient, ensuring that the cost of care is not too much for the seniors to bear. Seniors can obtain details on the dental offerings of the health center at https://www.cbwchc.org/dental.asp.

Utility Bills Assistance

The Bill Payer Program was designed by the state officials and has been run by both the State of New York and a local financial-technology firm. This utility assistance program is particularly for senior residents who are 60 years of age or older. Seniors who are in financial hardship and cannot pay their bills are eligible for this service. To apply, please follow the link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta/services/bill-payer-program.page or get in touch with 212 244 6469.

Utility Help for Emergencies and Bill Assistance is available for low and middle-income New Yorkers. This service has been funded and managed by the American Red Cross throughout the state. Low-income persons who are 60 years of age or above are prioritized by this organization. Eligible seniors will be receiving financial aid to afford their utility bills. To learn more, please go to https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/utilities-major-systems.html or call 1 800 733 2767.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps eligible New York seniors with their heating and cooling bills. HEAP provides funds to help low-income residents pay for the costs associated with heating and cooling their homes. Assistance is provided to prevent utility shutoff or to restore connection in cases of disconnected.  Seniors facing an urgent need may receive emergency assistance in which processing is expedited and the funds are disbursed to the utility vendor.  HEAP can give assistance of up to $675, depending on the living arrangement of the persons applying. Eligibility is determined by home income level.

Arrears can be paid off using the Regular Arrears Supplement component of the Home Energy Assistance Program. Through this subprogram, HEAP can pay off the arrears of elderly residents, up to a maximum of $10,000. These payments are made directly to the utility vendors. For more information, visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/.

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) helps financially challenged elders pay for their water and sewer bills. This program is operated similarly to HEAP and has the same eligibility requirements. LIHWAP provides assistance of up to $2,500 for water or sewer bills, or a total of $5,000 if the services are from the same company. The money is paid directly to the utility vendors to ensure continuous supply and prevent shutoff. Seniors can visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/water-assistance for more details on the program.

Food Assistance

Seniors in New York can get access to nutritious meals up to 5 days in a week. These meals are provided at senior centers and other approved locations around the state.

New York Home-Delivered Meals is a state-based food assistance program for older residents. Adult people who are 60 years old or above and are not able to cook for themselves at home are urged to make a connection with this service. Eligible seniors receive hot, frozen, or cold home-delivered meals five days a week. The food is prepared to bear in mind the health condition and diet of the accepted candidates. It also offers counseling about healthy eating, weight gain, or loss. To read more information, please visit https://aging.ny.gov/programs/food-and-meals#home-delivered-meals.

New York Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program was planned by the State of New York specifically for low and moderate-income senior citizens. Qualified residents will be receiving coupons that enable them to buy fresh fruit and vegetables. Farmers also present information about nutritious and healthy food. Find more information at https://aging.ny.gov/programs/food-and-meals#senior-farmers–market-nutrition-program or make connections with 1 800 342 9871.

The Community Dining Arrangement serves healthy meals to seniors at various locations around the state. These dining locations provides food and a chance to socialize. Seniors also get information on healthy eating and good nutrition habits. There usually dieticians and health care workers on ground to answer questions about health conditions that require very specific diets. The program is open to all seniors over the age of 60 and their spouses, and the food is provided free of charge.

Elderly New York residents who are unable to leave their homes cannot prepare food for themselves can get meals at home. These meals are delivered 5 days a week to the residents of homebound seniors to help them stay fed. Dieticians also visit to provide private nutrition counseling and information on the best foods for their health conditions. Like the Community Dining program, this meal service is open to all seniors over the age of 60 and does not consider income status.  The meals are also provided for free.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income seniors with resources to buy food. Elderly New Yorkers who are eligible receive an electronic benefit card (EBT) which they use to purchase food. This is a special debit card that gets recharged with funds every month. SNAP eligibility is determined by income and the benefits received vary according to needs.

More information on the food assistance programs for seniors in New York can be found at https://aging.ny.gov/programs/food-and-meals. Supplementary assistance programs are available to low-income seniors to help them avoid malnutrition and to meet their nutritional need. The list can be found at Food Programs for Seniors.

Transportation Assistance

Various counties in New York offer transportation assistance for elderly residents. These arrangements help seniors get to medical appointments, nutrition sites, grocery stores, pharmacies and other important locations. Assistance is provided at the county level and the types of services offered vary. Some counties make use of volunteer drivers who help seniors get around, while others have drivers who are trained in basic first aid and make use of special transport vehicles.

Transportation discounts are also available for seniors over the age of 65. These discounts allow them use public transit services at lower costs. Eligible seniors are issued a Reduced Fare Metro Card to take advantage of this arrangement. The card can be gotten by presenting a Medicare card or any other proof of age document to the Department for Aging.

While the transportation services are offered at the county level, the state maintains a central directory of information from which seniors can navigate to the options available in their county. This directory can be accessed at https://aging.ny.gov/programs/transportation.

Charities and Organizations

The New York Foundation for Senior Citizens (NYFSC) is a nonprofit charity organization that provides solutions to the challenges faced by the elderly residents of New York. NYFSC runs several programs to ensure that seniors can live a decent and safe life. The charity runs senior centers where older residents can socialize and get free meals. Affordable housing options are also available to reduce the living costs of the elderly. Other services provided include free transportation, emergency financial assistance, respite care, home care assistance, etc. Seniors can get involved with the NYFSC at https://www.nyfsc.org/.

Capital City Rescue Mission is another charity that cares for seniors in the state. This charity provides services to help low-income seniors, especially those who are homeless. Assistance is made available through various programs to meet all the needs of challenged seniors. Capital City provides food, clothes, shelter, medical care, etc. to seniors. These services help alleviate some of the challenges associated with old age and lead to a more fulfilling life for care recipients. To find out more about the programs available, visit https://capitalcityrescuemission.org/how-we-help/homeless-services/.

The Salvation Army partners with many agencies to provide essential services to elderly persons who need help. Seniors can turn to the Salvation Army for help with rent, utilities, food, transportation, etc. Shelters are available for seniors who need transitional housing while they work towards getting more permanent housing solutions. Seniors can learn more about the activities of the Salvation Army at https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/greater-new-york/.

Assistance for Senior Veterans

Veterans over the age of 65 can receive financial assistance through the Non-Service-Connected Pension program. This program provides tax-free monthly payments to older veterans to help them with their living costs. eligibility for assistance is determined by income and asset valuation. To be eligible, veterans must have assets worth less than $129,094. This valuation does not count the home, furniture and any vehicles necessary for the applicant. Senior veterans whose income exceeds the stipulated amount may still receive assistance if they have outstanding medical expenses. For details on this program, visit https://veterans.ny.gov.

Veterans who are experiencing hardship can get financial support from the  Department of Veterans Services (DVS). Veterans can receive referrals to programs that offer emergency cash assistance that can help them meet their needs and pay for expenses like food, rent, utilities, etc. More details can be gotten from https://www1.nyc.gov/site/veterans/services/income-support.page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of financial assistance is available for seniors in New York? New York offers the Senior Citizens Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and the Enhanced STAR property tax credit for eligible seniors. Additionally, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) help with food and energy costs.

2. How can seniors in New York access affordable healthcare? Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Program in New York help low-income seniors cover healthcare costs. The Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program also assists seniors with prescription drug costs.

3. Are there transportation discounts for seniors in New York? Yes, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) offers reduced fares for seniors 65+ on buses, subways, and trains. Many other local transit systems across the state offer similar discounts.

4. What housing options are available for seniors in New York? The New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) provides subsidized housing options for seniors. The Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program is also active in New York.

5. Can seniors get help with legal issues in New York? Legal Assistance for Seniors provides free legal advice and representation for New York seniors on issues like healthcare, housing, and elder abuse.

6. What programs support seniors with disabilities in New York? The In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (ISEP) and Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) plans offer various services to help seniors with disabilities live independently.

7. How are senior nutrition needs addressed in New York? The New York State Office for the Aging operates the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) and nutrition counseling services. Local Area Agencies on Aging offer meals and nutrition programs.

8. What social and recreational programs are available for seniors in New York? Senior Centers and Programs across New York provide various recreational and social activities, including fitness classes, arts and crafts, and cultural outings.

9. How does New York protect seniors from abuse? The New York State Office of Children and Family Services operates the Adult Protective Services (APS) program, which investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of seniors.

10. Are there any tax relief programs for seniors in New York? In addition to the SCHE and Enhanced STAR, New York offers the Senior Citizens’ Exemption, which can reduce property tax bills by up to 50% for seniors meeting certain criteria.