Senior benefits in Tompkins County, New York

Tompkins County emergency aid: (1) Tompkins DSS for Temporary Assistance, Emergency HEAP, and one-time grants (607-274-5276); (2) Tompkins OFA for senior-specific case management (607-274-5482); (3) Tompkins hospital safety net (607-274-4011); (4) Tompkins transit (607-277-7433); (5) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Syracuse; (6) Salvation Army of Greater Syracuse / local corps; (7) PEACE Inc. (Onondaga's Community Action Agency) and other regional CAAs. Dial 211 (211 Central NY) for general referrals.

$200–$3,000/yr

Tompkins 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 Tompkins OFA (607-274-5482) for priority processing. Tompkins DSS HEAP line: 607-274-5276. Apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov.

$200–$1,500/yr

Tompkins County's principal community hospital safety net is Cayuga Medical Center (Ithaca, Cayuga Health System) — Tompkins's independent principal community hospital; named after Cayuga Lake, NOT Cayuga County (which has Auburn Community Hospital). 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 Central NY 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: 607-274-4011.

$500–$25,000/yr

In this county: Tompkins: Cayuga Medical Center (Ithaca, Cayuga Health System) — Tompkins's independent principal community hospital; named after Cayuga Lake, NOT Cayuga County (which has Auburn Community Hospital). NY Medicaid ABD's ~138% FPL gate covers many seniors; FAP fills the gap.

Tompkins 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 607-274-5482 or emailing cofa@tompkins-co.org, or find contact details at tompkinscountyny.gov.

$1,500–$5,500/yr

TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit) + Gadabout Paratransit covers Tompkins County. Reduced senior fares for riders age 60+ (county systems) or 65+ (Centro/TCAT IDs). ADA paratransit available where fixed-route exists. Apply at the county transit office or via the operator. Phone: 607-277-7433.

$200–$2,000/yr

In this county: Tompkins: TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit).