Senior benefits in Broome County, New York

Broome 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.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$3,000 a year

Broome 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 unit (via the DSS Contact Center): 607-778-1100. Apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,500 a year

Broome 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: 607-770-0025 (UHS financial assistance).

Estimated bill savings: $500–$25,000 a year

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.

Broome 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.

Estimated service value: $1,500–$5,500 a year

BC 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.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

In this county: Broome: BC Transit (Broome County Transit).