How to apply for Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) — New York

Who it's for

EISEP pays for help at home for New Yorkers aged 60 and older who need a hand with everyday activities and want to stay in their own home. It covers personal care such as dressing and bathing, and household help such as shopping, cooking and light housekeeping. It is built for people who are NOT eligible for Medicaid, so it fills the gap for those whose income is too high for Medicaid but who still cannot manage alone or pay privately. You contribute toward the cost on a sliding scale set by your income and the cost of the services you use. Your county Office for the Aging runs the programme and arranges an assessment. Call your county office, or NY Connects on 1-800-342-9871.

What you'll need

• An in-home assessment arranged by your county Office for the Aging
• Proof of income, used to set your share of the cost

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) — New York. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need an in-home assessment arranged by your county Office for the Aging, proof of income, used to set your share of the cost — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Check your eligibility before applying. EISEP is only for people who are NOT eligible for Medicaid. If you already have Medicaid, your in-home care comes through that program instead. You must also be age 60 or older and need help with everyday activities.
2. Contact your county Office for the Aging or call NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871 to start your application. You can also apply online through NY Connects. Staff can point you to your local county office and answer questions about availability in your area.
3. Schedule your in-home assessment. A county assessor will visit your home to learn what help you need with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, shopping, cooking, or light housekeeping. This assessment is required — it determines whether you qualify and what services you will receive.
4. Gather your proof of income. This document is used to set your share of the cost on a sliding scale. Have it ready before or at the time of your assessment.
5. Complete the assessment with the county assessor. Answer questions honestly about the tasks you struggle with. The assessor — not any online tool — makes the official decision about your need for services.
6. Learn your cost share. After the assessment, the county will tell you how much you will contribute toward services based on your income and the cost of the care arranged for you. This amount varies by person — services are not free for most people.

What to expect: After you submit your information and complete the in-home assessment, your county Office for the Aging reviews the results and determines your eligibility and service plan. Processing times vary, so ask your county office for an estimate of how long to expect. If approved, services are arranged through your local county program — keep in mind that funding and waiting lists differ by county, so availability is not guaranteed. EISEP has no fixed end date, but your services are reviewed on an ongoing basis through periodic reassessments to make sure the help you receive still matches your needs. If your situation changes, contact your county office right away so your plan can be updated.

Renewals

ongoing, with periodic reassessment