Senior benefits in Chemung County, New York

Chemung County emergency aid: (1) Chemung DSS for Temporary Assistance, Emergency HEAP, and one-time grants (607-737-5495); (2) Chemung OFA for senior-specific case management (607-737-5520); (3) Chemung hospital safety net (607-737-4100); (4) Chemung transit (607-734-5170); (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

Chemung 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 Chemung OFA (607-737-5520) for priority processing. Chemung DSS HEAP line: 607-737-5495. Apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov.

$200–$1,500/yr

Chemung County's principal community hospital safety net is Arnot Ogden Medical Center (Elmira, Arnot Health) — Chemung's flagship community hospital; St. Joseph's Hospital (Elmira, Arnot Health) is the secondary; Guthrie Corning (Steuben) is across the border. 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://centralushealth.org/billing/. Phone: 607-737-4100.

$500–$25,000/yr

In this county: Chemung: Arnot Ogden Medical Center (Elmira, Arnot Health) — Chemung's flagship community hospital; St. Joseph's Hospital (Elmira, Arnot Health) is the secondary; Guthrie Corning (Steuben) is across the border. NY Medicaid ABD's ~138% FPL gate covers many seniors; FAP fills the gap.

Chemung 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 607-737-5520 or emailing aging@chemungcountyny.gov.

$1,500–$5,500/yr

C-Tran (Chemung County Transit) + C-Tran Paratransit covers Chemung County. Reduced senior fares for riders age 60+. ADA paratransit available where fixed-route exists. Apply at the county transit office or via the operator. Phone: 607-734-5170.

$200–$2,000/yr

In this county: Chemung: C-Tran (Chemung County Transit).