Senior benefits in Ontario County, New York

Ontario County emergency aid: (1) Ontario DSS for Temporary Assistance, Emergency HEAP, and one-time grants (585-396-4060); (2) Ontario OFA for senior-specific case management (585-396-4040); (3) Ontario hospital safety net (585-396-6000); (4) Ontario 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

Ontario 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 Ontario OFA (585-396-4040) for priority processing. Ontario DSS HEAP line: 585-396-4060. Apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov.

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

Ontario County's principal community hospital safety net is F.F. Thompson Hospital (Canandaigua, UR Medicine Thompson Health / URMC affiliate) — Ontario's principal community hospital; Geneva General Hospital (Geneva, Rochester Regional Health) is the secondary; tertiary referrals route to URMC Strong Memorial. 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/thompson-health-financial-assistance. Phone: 585-396-6515.

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

In this county: Ontario: F.F. Thompson Hospital (Canandaigua, UR Medicine Thompson Health / URMC affiliate) — Ontario's principal community hospital; Geneva General Hospital (Geneva, Rochester Regional Health) is the secondary; tertiary referrals route to URMC Strong Memorial. NY Medicaid ABD's ~138% FPL gate covers many seniors; FAP fills the gap.

Ontario 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 585-396-4040 or emailing aging@ontariocountyny.gov.

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

RTS Ontario (RGRTA-contracted) + County Demand-Response covers Ontario County. Reduced fare of $0.50 per ride for adults age 60 or older and people with disabilities on standard RTS Ontario routes (the discount does not apply to Route Deviation or Dial-A-Ride). 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: Ontario: RTS Ontario (RGRTA-contracted).