Senior benefits in Monroe County, New York

Monroe County emergency aid: (1) Monroe DSS for Temporary Assistance, Emergency HEAP, and one-time grants (585-753-6510); (2) Monroe OFA for senior-specific case management (585-753-6280); (3) Monroe hospital safety net (585-275-2100); (4) Monroe transit (585-288-1700); (5) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester (covers most of the Finger Lakes); (6) Foodlink (Rochester regional food bank for 10 counties); (7) Action for a Better Community / Pro Action (regional CAAs). Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Monroe 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 Monroe OFA (585-753-6280) for priority processing. Monroe DSS HEAP line: 585-753-6477. Apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov.

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

Monroe County's principal community hospital safety net is Strong Memorial Hospital (URMC, Rochester) — academic Level 1 trauma + tertiary referral for the entire Finger Lakes / Western NY region; Highland Hospital (URMC, Rochester); Rochester General Hospital (RGH, Rochester Regional Health); Unity Hospital (RRH, Greece); also St. Ann's Community for senior care. 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 Finger Lakes 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.urmc.rochester.edu/pay-a-bill/financial-assistance. Phone: 585-784-8889.

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

In this county: Monroe: Strong Memorial Hospital (URMC, Rochester) — academic Level 1 trauma + tertiary referral for the entire Finger Lakes / Western NY region; Highland Hospital (URMC, Rochester); Rochester General Hospital (RGH, Rochester Regional Health); Unity Hospital (RRH, Greece); also St. Ann's Community for senior care. NY Medicaid ABD's ~138% FPL gate covers many seniors; FAP fills the gap.

Monroe 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 585-753-6280 or emailing aging@monroecounty.gov.

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

RTS — Regional Transit Service (RGRTA) + RTS Access Paratransit covers Monroe County. Reduced fares for riders age 65 and above and people with disabilities on RTS Connect and RTS On Demand. ADA paratransit available where fixed-route exists. Apply at the county transit office or via the operator. Phone: 585-288-1700.

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

In this county: Monroe: RTS — Regional Transit Service (RGRTA).