Do You Need Assistance?

BRPS Can Help!

Are you having trouble paying your monthly bills?  Are your prescription drugs taking a larger and larger bite out of your fixed monthly income?  Did heating your home this winter / cooling it down this summer, require you to take out debt?  New York State and/or the Federal Government offer many programs to assist low-income individuals/families obtain the assistance they need. 

NYS Office of the Aging Offers Financial Help

Visit https://aging.ny.gov/ to discover the many services offered by the Office of the Aging.  From this page, you can review “Programs and Services” and find numerous links to programs offered surrounding, Caring for a Loved One, Preventing Elder Abuse, Employment and Volunteering, Food and Meals, Healthy Aging, Housing, Medicare and Health Insurance, Transportation, Veterans, SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education, and NORCs. 

I have highlighted a few below, but depending on your particular situation, there may be other services available that fit your needs.  As a client of BRPS Consulting, I will find the services you are eligible for and that meet your needs, and assist you in applying for those services. 

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The following information was found at the following link.  I have highlighted a few that may help the elderly.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Helps put healthy food on the table for all ages. For more information https://otda.ny.gov/programs/snap/#benefits

Eligibility (these are guidelines, the only way to know for sure is to apply for benefits): 

• Income Guidelines for Households with an Elderly or Disabled Member and Households with Dependent Care Expenses (for more information on different income limits use the website link above)

Family Size	Monthly Gross Income*	Annual Gross Income*
1	$2,608	$31,130
2	$3,525	$42,300
3	$4,442	$53,300
4	$5,358	$64,300
5	$6,275	$75,300
6	$7,192	$75,300
7	$8,108	$97,300
8	$9,025	$108,300
Each Add’l Person	$917 +	$11,000+

*Chart information is based upon SNAP Standards effective Oct. 2025

• Typically, savings and other household assets (stocks, savings and retirement accounts, gold, etc.) are not considered for SNAP eligibility.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Helps low-income people of all ages pay the cost of heating their homes.  For more information https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/

Apply in October for the winter season (this information was effective for 2025-2026 year).

Eligibility (these are guidelines, the only way to know for sure is to apply for benefits): 

• Must be U.S. citizens, U.S. non-citizen nationals, or qualified aliens
• Gross monthly income is at or below the current income guides

Household Size	Monthly Gross Income*
1	$3,473
2	$4,542
3	$5,611
4	$6,680
5	$7,749
6	$8,818
7	$9,018
8	$9,218
9	$9,419
10	$9,619
11	$9,820
12	$10,020
13	$10,221
Each Add’l Person	Add $687

• You may be eligible whether you rent or own, visit the website to find out.
• You receive SNAP benefits (see prior section), Temporary Assistance (TA), or Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone)

SSI/Social Security Disability Determinations. 

Provides assistance to people with disabilities, eligibility is extremely complex, see assistance with applying for this benefit.  For more information https://otda.ny.gov/programs/disability-determinations/.

New York State Supplement Program (SSP) 

Provides financial assistance to aged, blind and disabled individuals as part of the monthly benefit paid to most SSI recipients.  For more information https://otda.ny.gov/programs/ssp/.

Eligibility (these are guidelines, the only way to know for sure is to apply for benefits): 

• An adult who is age 65 or older; or are blind, or disabled
• Reside in New York State
• Have limited income and resources; and
• Must be U.S. citizens, U.S. non-citizen nationals, or qualified aliens
• Must apply for SSI

The following are other services the elderly may be eligible for.

Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC)

Helps older New Yorkers pay for prescription drugs.  It covers those who do not have adequate insurance coverage for prescription drugs and who are not eligible for Medicaid.    For more information (https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/epic/), Eligibility (these are guidelines; the only way to know for sure is to apply for benefits): 

• NYS resident age 65 or older
• Annual income below $75,000 if single or $100,000 if married
• Be enrolled in Medicare Part D plan; and
• Not receiving full Medicaid benefits

Low-Income Cost Subsidy (LICS)

Administered by the Federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the service provides “Extra Help” to pay for prescription drugs.  For more information (https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Eligibility-and-Enrollment/LowIncSubMedicarePresCov/EligibilityforLowIncomeSubsidy).

Eligibility is complex and you should seek assistance in filing this application.

Basic and Enhanced STAR Credits

Administered by New York State tax division.  This is a credit on your property taxes paid.  Every homeowner is eligible for a STAR credit, except for the very rich.  Many elderly are eligible for the enhanced STAR credit.   For more information (https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/).

Eligibility (these are guidelines, the only way to know for sure is to apply for benefits): 

• A new homeowner
• Receiving the STAR exemption but want to switch to the STAR credit
• An existing homeowner who is not receiving the STAR exemption or credit
• A senior who may be eligible for the Enhanced STAR credit

If you are unsure how to figure out if you are receiving the STAR exemption or credit, it is located on your School Tax Bill.  If you are paying through your mortgage company, you may have to request a copy of your school tax bill.