Senior benefits in Broome County, New York
Seniors in Broome County, New York, have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with health care, energy costs, housing, food, transportation, and more. The Broome County Office for the Aging serves as the local Area Agency on Aging and is a strong starting point for connecting with services through its Title III programs and NY Connects. For help with heating and cooling bills, Broome County Department of Social Services administers HEAP Energy Assistance locally, with a priority pathway for seniors 60 and older. BC Transit and BC Country Paratransit offer reduced-fare and accessible ride options across the county. Seniors facing a health care crisis may find help through the financial assistance programs at United Health Services hospitals in Binghamton and Johnson City. State programs such as EPIC, Enhanced STAR, and New York Medicare Savings Programs may also reduce costs. Federal programs add even more options. Each program listed on this page includes its official source and the date it was last verified — the administering agency makes the final eligibility decision.
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Local programs
15
New York programs
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Federal programs
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Categories
Local starting point
Broome County Office for the Aging — designated Area Agency on Aging under the Older Americans Act Title III for Broome County; participates in NY Connects (the local ADRC); reports to NYSOFA
607-778-2411
See which of these Broome County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Broome County benefits checklist — free to hand out.
When benefit rules change, it’s tracked here
Income limits, new requirements, how to apply — see what’s changed across senior benefit programs, from the official source in plain English.
Programs run in Broome County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Broome County. Start here.
Emergency Aid
Programs here are typically worth $200–$3,000 a year to an eligible household.
Broome County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
CountyBroome County emergency aid: (1) Broome DSS for Temporary Assistance, Emergency HEAP, and one-time grants (607-778-2628); (2) Broome OFA for senior-specific case management (607-778-2411); (3) Broome hospital safety net (607-763-6000); (4) Broome transit (607-763-4464); (5) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Syracuse or Diocese of Rochester (depending on county); (6) Pro Action of Steuben + Yates / Catholic Charities of Steuben (regional CAA); (7) Southern Tier Food Bank. Dial 211 for general referrals.
$200–$3,000/yr
Broome County DSS — HEAP Energy Assistance (Broome County)
CountyBroome County DSS delivers NY's HEAP: Regular HEAP (annual heating help), Emergency HEAP (utility shut-off / fuel-out crises), and Cooling Assistance (AC unit). Eligibility approximately at 60% State Median Income. Seniors age 60+ may apply through Broome OFA (607-778-2411) for priority processing. Broome DSS HEAP line: 607-778-2628. Apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov.
$200–$1,500/yr
Healthcare
Programs here are typically worth $500–$25,000 a year to an eligible household.
United Health Services (UHS) — Wilson Memorial + Binghamton General — Financial Assistance (Broome County)
CountyBroome County's principal community hospital safety net is UHS Wilson Memorial Hospital (Johnson City) and UHS Binghamton General Hospital (Binghamton) — Broome's principal community hospitals; Lourdes Hospital (Binghamton, Ascension Health) is the major Catholic alternative; tertiary referrals route to UHS, Guthrie (Sayre PA), or URMC Strong. The Financial Assistance Program covers uninsured/underinsured residents — sliding scale typically discounts charges up to 100% at the lower income brackets with reduced rates above. Note: NY Medicaid ABD's ~138% FPL gate means many Southern Tier seniors qualify for Medicaid and would access these hospitals through Medicaid rather than FAP. Apply at the hospital's financial counseling office or at https://www.nyuhs.org/patients-visitors/patients/financial-assistance. Phone: 607-763-6000.
$500–$25,000/yr
In this county: Broome: UHS Wilson Memorial Hospital (Johnson City) and UHS Binghamton General Hospital (Binghamton) — Broome's principal community hospitals; Lourdes Hospital (Binghamton, Ascension Health) is the major Catholic alternative; tertiary referrals route to UHS, Guthrie (Sayre PA), or URMC Strong. NY Medicaid ABD's ~138% FPL gate covers many seniors; FAP fills the gap.
Nutrition
Programs here are typically worth $1,500–$5,500 a year to an eligible household.
Broome County Office for the Aging — Title III + NY Connects (Broome County)
CountyBroome County OFA serves seniors age 60+ and their caregivers. Services include Title III Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals, Benefits Counseling (HIICAP — NY's SHIP), HEAP intake assistance, EPIC intake, Care Coordination, Caregiver Support, NY Connects (local ADRC), and Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Apply by calling OFA at 607-778-2411 or emailing senior@broomecounty.us.
$1,500–$5,500/yr
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
BC Transit (Broome County Transit) + BC Country Paratransit (Broome County)
CountyBC Transit (Broome County Transit) + BC Country Paratransit covers Broome County. Reduced senior fares for riders age 65+. ADA paratransit available where fixed-route exists. Apply at the county transit office or via the operator. Phone: 607-763-4464.
$200–$2,000/yr
In this county: Broome: BC Transit (Broome County Transit).
New York and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Broome County and across the rest of New York. Full details are on the New York benefits page.
Emergency Aid
Employment
- Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)Federal$15,000–$17,000/yrOfficial source →
Food Assistance
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Senior Food BoxFederal$240–$600/yrOfficial source →
- Congregate Meals at Senior CentersFederal$1,000–$2,500/yrOfficial source →
- Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels)Federal$1,500–$4,000/yrOfficial source →
- Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)Federal$35–$50/yrOfficial source →
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for SeniorsFederal$280–$2,400/yrOfficial source →
Healthcare
- CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA)Federal$3,000–$15,000/yrOfficial source →
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)FederalOfficial source →
- VA Health CareFederal$5,000–$20,000/yrOfficial source →
- EPIC — Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance CoverageState$200–$3,000/yrOfficial source →
- New York Medicaid for Aged, Blind, or Disabled (Non-MAGI Medicaid)State$4,000–$50,000/yrOfficial source →
- New York Medicare Savings Programs (QMB / SLMB / QI)State$2,098–$8,000/yrOfficial source →
Home Care
- Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)State$30,000–$80,000/yrOfficial source →
Housing
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)Federal$8,000–$20,000/yrOfficial source →
- HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the ElderlyFederal$5,000–$15,000/yrOfficial source →
- Enhanced STAR — Senior School Property Tax ExemptionState$200–$1,500/yrOfficial source →
Income Support
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)Federal$11,928–$17,892/yrOfficial source →
- New York State Blind Annuity (Cash Payment for Blind Wartime Veterans)State$1,695–$1,696/yrOfficial source →
Long Term Care
- PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the ElderlyFederal$6,000–$40,000/yrOfficial source →
- New York Managed Long Term Care (MLTC)State$20,000–$80,000/yrOfficial source →
- New York State Veterans' Homes (Long-Term Care)StateOfficial source →
Medicare Savings
- Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)Federal$4,000–$5,300/yrOfficial source →
- Qualifying Individual (QI)Federal$2,400–$2,435/yrOfficial source →
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)Federal$2,435–$3,500/yrOfficial source →
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)Federal$2,400–$2,435/yrOfficial source →
Supportive Services
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman ProgramFederalOfficial source →
- National Family Caregiver Support Program (OAA Title III-E)Federal$1,000–$5,000/yrOfficial source →
- Older Americans Act Supportive Services (Title III-B)Federal$500–$3,000/yrOfficial source →
- Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)FederalOfficial source →
- New York Disabled Veteran Reduced-Fee Hunting, Fishing & Trapping Licenses ($5)StateOfficial source →
- New York State Veterans Benefits Advisors (Free VA Claims Help)StateOfficial source →
- New York State Veterans Cemetery — Finger Lakes (Burial Benefits)StateOfficial source →
Tax Relief
Utility Assistance
- Federal LifelineFederal$111–$411/yrOfficial source →
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)Federal$3,000–$8,000/yrOfficial source →
Veteran Benefits
- VA Aid & Attendance (Improved Pension)Federal$12,000–$34,488/yrOfficial source →
Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.