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.

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

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 (under 60): 607-737-5302; age 60+ or disabled: 607-737-5520 (Aging & Long Term Care). Apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov.

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

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: 607-271-3827 (Arnot Health financial assistance).

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

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's Office for the Aging is the Department of Aging and Long Term Care. It serves seniors age 60+ and their caregivers. Services include the Nutrition Program (meals), Medicare and health insurance counseling (HIICAP — NY's SHIP), the CARE Unit, caregiver and dementia support, friendly visitor and telephone reassurance, personal emergency response systems, legal assistance, transportation, help with programs that make ends meet, and NY Connects (local ADRC). Apply by calling the department at 607-737-5520 or emailing ofa@chemungcountyny.gov.

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

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: 607-734-5211.

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

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