NOTE:
The eligibility criteria and dollar amounts shown for the benefits listed here were accurate as of spring, 2009.

Most of the agencies listed have automated answering systems needing touch tone responses from the caller. There may be a waiting time of up to several minutes, depending on the agency. The time may be longer to reach an operator, if using a rotary telephone.

QuickCheck is a simple to use tool that can assist you in determining your eligibility for benefit programs specifically designed to aid Older New Yorkers. Find out how QuickCheck can help you.

Monthly payments to insured workers and their dependents or survivors.

• You may start receiving benefits as early as age 62. You do not need to be retired.
• Other family members of retiree may be eligible:
  • Spouse, if age 62 or older 
  • Spouse at any age if caring for a child under 16
  • Unmarried children under 18
  • Divorced spouses if currently unmarried; were married at least 10 years to retiree; age 62 or older
• Survivor Beneficiaries:
  • Widowed spouse 60 or older
  • Widowed spouse 50 or older and disabled
  • Widowed at any age if caring for a child under 16 or disabled
  • Unmarried children under 18
  • Dependent parents
• Ask about children and grandchildren.

Assets and Income
No limit on assets or unearned income. However, if you are under full retirement age when you start getting your Social Security payments, $1.00 in benefits will be deducted for each $2.00 you earn above the limit. For 2009 that limit is $14,160. When you reach full retirement age, you will get your Social Security payments with no deduction on your earnings.

Social Security Direct Deposit
You can have your Social Security check deposited directly to your bank account. More than one-half of beneficiaries use direct deposit. Call Social Security for Direct Deposit toll-free weekdays from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm: (800) 772-1213.

Apply to: Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213.

A monthly payment to people with low-income who are 65 or older or blind or disabled. Payments supplement Social Security and/or other income. With some exceptions, citizenship is required.

Income
The more income you have, the lower your SSI benefit. Payments not counted by SSI as income include the first $20.00 of unearned income received in a month; the first $65.00 of earned income and half the amount over $65.00.

Allowable Assets
$2,000 (one person), $3,000 (couple) plus burial fund, $1,500 per person.

Maximum Monthly Benefits
For an individual living alone: $761. A couple: $1,115. The amount may differ if the recipient is living with others: for one person $697, for a couple $1,057. Inquire about benefits levels for family care and residential care.

Note:
Applicants eligible for SSI may also qualify for Medicaid and Food Stamps.

Apply to: Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213

Pensions for low-income and disabled veterans; health care; vocational training; rehabilitation services; education; home loans; disability compensation; life insurance; burial and other benefits.

Medical benefits include care in VA hospitals, nursing homes and outpatient services.

Dependents and survivors may also be eligible for certain benefits.

Age:  Any age

Income:  Limits vary with benefits

Assets:   Subject to review

Apply to: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
NY Regional Office
(800) 827-1000 or (212) 807-7229

Cash benefits for low-income persons to provide essential food, clothing and shelter. Benefits vary depending on specific situations:

• assets/income
• rent
• housing status
• work-related expenses and/or special needs (e.g. restaurant meals).

Age:  Any age

Income
Eligibility is calculated individually, dependent on family size, income and expenses.

Assets
Limit--Single individulas and childless couples - $2,000 cash assets; $3,000 if age 60 or older. Ask about life insurance and burial plans.

Maximum Monthly Benefits
One person $352.10, couples $468.50. Amount must include rent payment.

Public Assistance recipients may also qualify for Medicaid and Food Stamps. Medicaid is available to persons who meet above requirements but choose not to receive Public Assistance. One-time per year Emergency Cash Grants are available for heating costs.

Call 311 for more information.

Helps pay certain hospital costs and medical care after deductibles, co-insurance and/or premiums.

Age
65 or older and eligible to receive Social Security or railroad retirement benefits. Certain disabled people under 65 may be eligible after receiving Social Security Disability for two years.

Note:
Application must be made three months before 65th birthday to avoid penalty.

Assets and Income:   No limits

Part A Covers:

• Inpatient hospital care
• Inpatient skilled nursing facility
• Home health care and hospice care
• Deductibles and co-insurance Part A: $1,068 for the first 60 days (hospitalization) and $267 per day for days 61-90 and $534 per day for days 91-150 of a hospital stay.
  
  

If discharged, after 60 consecutive days (including day of discharge) a new benefit period will start. If you return before the 60 days, the original benefit is continued.

Nothing for the first 20 days of skilled nursing facility care. Co-insurance of $133.50 per day for days 21-100.

Part B Covers:

• Doctor services
• Outpatient hospital services
• Durable medical equipment, and other medical services and supplies.
  
  

Pays 80% of Medicare-accepted charges for covered services after annual deductible of $135.00 has been met. Available to persons eligible for Part A at a monthly premium of $96.40 (some people may pay higher premium based on their income).

Call: 1-800-MEDICARE for more information.

Three programs assist low-income elderly with medical costs.

1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB)

2. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLIMB)

3. Qualified Individual 1 (QI-1)

Call 311 for more information
or write to
Medicare Savings Program Applications
PO BOX 3011
Jamaica, NY 11431

Medicare prescription drug coverage is private insurance to help cover the cost of prescriptions. All people with Medicare are eligible to purchase a drug plan. The plans are offered by private companies and the costs (monthly premium, deductible and co-pays) differ from plan to plan. To get information to compare the 51 plans in New York you can use the Plan Finder tool or call 311 and ask to be connected to prescription drug plan assistance.

The enrollment period for Part D drug plan is November 15th to December 31st to take effect January 1st. People in Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage do not have to sign up for a stand-alone Part D plan.

Low-income Medicare beneficiaries can qualify for "extra help" which will cover the cost of premiums and any deductibles and reduce the co-pays to a few dollars per prescription. Apply online or visit your nearest Social Security Offices. You can also apply by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or call 311 and ask for help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan costs.

Provides free health coverage through a managed care plan, to adults who do not have insurance through their employers, but have income which exceeds the Medicaid limit.

Age:   Applicants must be between the ages of 19 and 64, New York State resident and have no health insurance coverage.

Income:   Net monthly limit - $903 (one person); $1,215 (couples).

Assets:   Limit - $13,800 (one person); $20,100 (couples).

Call 311 for more information

Pays medical bills for low-income persons including services not covered by Medicare (dental care, home care, institutional care, prescription drugs, eye glasses, and hearing aids).

Age
Any age -- Persons receiving Supplemental Security Income or Public Assistance are automatically eligible. Persons under 65 must meet the Public Assistance standard of need. Persons 65 and over or disabled or blind are eligible as follows:

• Assets
  Limit -- $13,800 (one person), $20,100, plus $1,500.00 burial fund per person.  Where the cash value of life insurance is over $1,500.00, the first $1,500.00 is counted toward the burial fund, the remaining balance is counted as an asset (the home and some pre-purchased burial items are not counted as assets).
• Income
  Net monthly limit -- $767.00 (one person), $1,117.00.
  The first $20 of unearned income per household is exempted.

Surplus Income Program
If income is more than the limits above, but medical bills (paid or unpaid) equal the difference, apply to the Medicaid Surplus Income program.

Nursing Home Transfer of Income and Assets: If one spouse is institutionalized, the community-based spouse may keep $2,739.00 monthly (after health insurance premiums) of couple's combined income; and may keep resources of $109,560.00.

Note:
Do Not Transfer Assets or Home Without Consulting an Attorney.

Call 311 for more information.

Allowances issued on a monthly basis that are used in place of cash to purchase food items at participating stores and supermarkets. With some exceptions, citizenship is required.

You may qualify if you:

• work for low wages
• work part-time
• are unemployed
• receive Public Assistance, SSI or other assistance payments
• are elderly or disabled and live on low income.

Age:  Any age

Assets
Although there is an assets limit for persons under age 60, applicants who are 60 or older or disabled and meet Food Stamps income guidline might be considered "categorically eligible" and exempt from the assets limit.

Income
Monthly limit for one person $1,127.00; couples $1,517.00.

If a household member is 60 or older or disabled, net income must be 100% of current poverty level. Seniors are encouraged to apply because allowable income is calculated individually based on living arrangements and out of pocket, medically related expenses.

Note:
Eligibility is determined only after completing a full Food Stamp budget form, using all applicable income deductions. Different income deductions apply in specific situations such as having no cooking facility, living in a shelter, or only one spouse applying.

Call 311 for more information.

To qualify for reduced fare one must be 65 or older. People with disabilities qualify for reduced fare at any age.

Assets and Income Limits:  Not Applicable (No Limit)

For Subways
Purchase Reduced Fare and show either the Medicare card or use the Reduced Fare Metrocard.

For Buses
Pay the reduced fare and show either the Medicare card or Reduced Fare Metrocard.

Note:
When the Metrocard is used to gain access to the subway or a NYC transit bus, the correct reduced fare will be deducted automatically.

Application
Individuals 65 and older or have a disability may apply for a Reduced Fare card at:

MTA Customer Service Center
3 Stone Street,
New York, NY 10004
Or call 212-METROCARD

Documentation is needed when applying for Reduced Fare Metrocard or Photo Identification Metrocard.

Proof of Age can be provided from either of the following:

• Birth Certificate
• Medicare card
• Social Security Award Letter
• Driver's License or NY State non-driver's Id

SCRIE provides elderly renters with exemptions from most future rent increases. The NYC Department of Finance administers SCRIE for rent-regulated (rent stabilized and rent controlled) appartments, while the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development administers SCRIE for Mitchell-Lama rentals or co-op apartments. Applicants who are under the age of 62 and disabled should contact the NYC Department of Finance and inquire about the Disability Rent Increase Exemption Program (DRIE).

SCRIE covers increases for renewal leases, Maximum Base Rent (MBR) increases, fuel, landlord hardship, and major capital improvements. SCRIE does not cover increases for direct services or new equipment. Rent must be at least 1/3 of net monthly income. For rent-stabilized appartments, tenants must have a valid one or two-year lease.

Age:  Head of household must be 62 or older.

Assets:  No limit

Income
Yearly limit -- $29,000 household total (deduct income taxes, payroll taxes, court order support payment to estimate eligibility). Use prior tax year, or if retiring, project current year's income.

Print and fill out a copy of the SCRIE application.

Call 311 for more information.

Savings of up to 50% to qualified property owners of 1 to 3 units dwelling, condominiums or cooperative apartments. Applicants must be age 65 or older, have held title to the property for at least 12 consecutive months and the property must be applicant's legal residence, used exclusively for residential purposes.

Age
65 and older. If spouses are co-owners, one of them must be 65 or older. If other persons are co-owners, all must be 65 and older.

Under the age of 65, if a veteran, a spouse of a qualified veteran or unremarried surviving spouse.

Assets:   No limits

Income:   Limit -- $36,400 for the last calendar year.

Apply
Applications are accepted throughout the year. However, the start date for tax reduction benefits varies according to when you apply.

For more information call 311

If you would like a screening for SCHE, please visit Benefit QuickCheck.

Provides tax credit or cash payment of up to $375 to homeowners or renters for part of previous year's rent or real property taxes. To qualify, current market value (home, garage, land, etc.) must be $85,000 or less; or average monthly rent must be $450 or less, not including heat, gas or electricity.

Age:  Any age

Assets:  No limits

Income:  Limit -- $18,000

Note:
Can file for 3 years retroactively. To qualify, it is not necessary to have filed a tax return for the preceding year.

If you would like a screening for IT-214, please visit Benefit QuickCheck, or you can fill out and print a copy of the IT-214 application.

Or you can apply to:

Taxpayers Assistance Bureau
New York State Department
for Taxation and Finance
1-800-225-5829

In addition to the IT-214 benefit, you may also claim the City of New York School Tax Credit (NYC-210) for all or part of the year if you cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else's Federal income tax return. If you do not have to file a New York State income tax return, use the form NYC-210 to claim this credit.

Call 1-800-225-5829 NYS Department of Taxation and Finance for more information.

A one-time grant per year to help low-income homeowners and renters pay fuel and utility cost.

Age:  Any age

Assets:  No limits

Income:  Monthly limit $1,963.00 (one person); $2,567.00 (couple)

Heat Emergencies
Only HEAP-eligible households paying directly for heat may apply for help with fuel, repair or heat-related equipment or temporary relocation.

Benefit Amounts:  
Available to both households that pay directly  for heat and households where heat is included in rent. Benefit amounts range from $40.00 - $585.00. Eligible households that pay directly for heat with their main source of heat being oil, kerosene or propane may receive a benefit up to $800.00.

Note:  Funds are limited, apply early.

To Apply:  Call 311 for more information.

If you would like a screening for HEAP, please visit Benefit QuickCheck, or you can print a copy of the HEAP application.

Provides low-income elderly with free weatherization services to lower their energy bills and increase the comfort of their homes. Services include insulation, replacement of doors and windows and repairs furnaces and roofs.

Assets:   No limits

Income:  Monthly limit for one person $1,963.00: couples $2,567.00.

Note: 
Must reside in one- to four-unit dwellings

To apply: 

If 60 or older
call 311 and ask about the WRAP program.

Saves more than half the cost of most prescription drugs.

There are two coverage plans to choose from: Annual Fee Plan and Deductible Plan.

Age:  65 or over

Assets:  No limits. Medicaid recipients are not eligible. 
(Those on Medicaid spend-down may be eligible.)

Income:  Limit--$35,000.00 a year (one person); $50,000.00 (couples).

Note:
Pharmacies must be EPIC participants.

For information call EPIC
1-800-332-3742

If you would like a screening for EPIC, please visit Benefit QuickCheck, or you can fill out and print a copy of the EPIC application.

STAR is the New York State School Tax Relief Program that provides an excemption from the school portion of property taxes for owner-occupied primary residences.

All New Yorkers who own their own one, two, three-family home, condominiums or co-operative apartments will be eligible for the STAR tax reduction.

Enhanced STAR Exemption
For qualifying senior citizens, the Enhanced Star helps save about $375.00 on property taxes.

Low-income homeowners who already receive the Senior Citizen Homeowners Exemption (SCHE) automatically qualify for the STAR exemption, and do not have to file a separate application.

For more information call 311
Or write to:
STAR Program
NYC Department of Finance
STAR Exemptions
P.O. Box 3120
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10008-3120

A free pharmacy discount card for New York State residents. You can use this card at participating pharmacies to save as much as 60% on generics and 30% on brand name drugs.

Age:  50 to 65 and not receiving Medicaid.

Income:  under $35,000 if single and $50,000 if married.

Call New York Prescription Saver at 1-800-788-6917 or visit New York Prescription Saver on the web.