Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in New York. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in New York)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rent, utility, food, and medical help, 24/7
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, the federal front door to your Area Agency on Aging
- BenefitsCheckUp.org screens you for every benefit you may qualify for
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 | National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (New York HIICAP)
New York's program is HIICAP, the Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program, coordinated by the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) through local Area Agencies on Aging. Free, confidential one-on-one Medicare help: 1-800-701-0501 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
Medicaid in New York
New York Medicaid is administered by the State Department of Health. Most seniors and adults apply through NY State of Health (nystateofhealth.ny.gov) or through their local Department of Social Services. In New York City, contact the HRA Medicaid offices.
Prescription help
New York runs EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage), a state pharmaceutical assistance program for residents 65 and older that supplements out-of-pocket Medicare Part D drug costs. There are two plans: the Fee Plan for income up to $20,000 single / $26,000 married, and the Deductible Plan for income from there up to $75,000 single / $100,000 married. You can join any time of year. Apply through the NYS Department of Health EPIC program (health.ny.gov/health_care/epic); a HIICAP counselor (1-800-701-0501) can also help you enroll.
Energy and utility help
New York's LIHEAP is the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), a benefit during the heating season (roughly November to March) that pays a one-time amount toward your heating bill, with crisis and cooling components. Apply through your local Department of Social Services or Office for the Aging, online at mybenefits.ny.gov, or by dialing 2-1-1. Seniors 60+ and the disabled get priority handling.
Property tax relief (New York)
Apply with your local assessor (taxable status date is usually March 1; New York City's deadline is March 15).
- Senior Citizens Exemption (RPTL 467, often called SCHE): up to a 50% reduction in the assessed value of a primary residence for owners 65+. Income limits are set locally on a sliding scale up to a state-allowed ceiling (in New York City the full 50% applies at combined income up to about $58,399, with partial benefits above that). Confirm your locality's exact income limit with your assessor.
- Enhanced STAR: additional school-tax relief for homeowners 65+ whose combined income is $110,750 or less for the 2026-2027 school year (based on 2024 income). Beginning in 2026, eligible seniors are upgraded to Enhanced STAR automatically when they turn 65, so you generally no longer need to re-apply.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
Meals on Wheels, in-home services (EISEP), the caregiver support program, and senior transportation are reached through your Area Agency on Aging via the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or 2-1-1. For free civil legal help, contact your regional legal aid or LawHelpNY.org. For home repair, ask about USDA Section 504 grants for homeowners 62+, the RESTORE program, and local weatherization (WAP).
Frequently asked questions
What is New York's HIICAP program? HIICAP is New York's free Medicare counseling program from the State Office for the Aging. Reach it at 1-800-701-0501.
Does New York offer senior property tax relief? Yes. Homeowners 65+ under local income limits can get up to a 50% reduction through the Senior Citizens Exemption, plus Enhanced STAR school-tax relief (combined income up to $110,750 for 2026-2027). Apply with your local assessor.
Does New York help seniors pay for prescriptions? Yes, through EPIC, for residents 65+ with income up to $75,000 single / $100,000 married. Apply through the NYS Department of Health.
How do New York seniors get help with heating bills? Through HEAP. Apply at mybenefits.ny.gov, through your local DSS or Office for the Aging, or by dialing 2-1-1.
Sources
- NYS Office for the Aging, HIICAP: https://aging.ny.gov/health-insurance-information-counseling-and-assistance-program-hiicap . Verified June 3, 2026.
- NYS Department of Health, EPIC: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/epic/eligibility.htm . Verified June 3, 2026.
- NYS Dept. of Taxation and Finance, Enhanced STAR / senior citizens exemption: https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/eligibility.htm and https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/exemption/seniorexempt.htm . Verified June 3, 2026.
- NYC Dept. of Finance, Senior Citizen Homeowners' Exemption (SCHE): https://www.nyc.gov/site/finance/property/landlords-sche.page . Verified June 3, 2026.
- NYS HEAP / OTDA: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/ . Verified June 3, 2026.