Senior benefits in Tioga County, New York

Evidence-based wellness and exercise classes to help you stay active. Chair Yoga runs every Wednesday 10:00–11:00 AM at the Countryside Community Center — a gentle form of yoga done sitting on a chair, or standing using a chair for support, so it suits all ability levels. Other class schedules are posted as they are set.

In this county: The page says these are "Targeted towards ages 60+" rather than strictly limited to that age. Beyond the weekly Chair Yoga session, the page says to "Check back for upcoming class schedules", so what is running varies.

Talk to Tioga Opportunities' Health Educator about any health or wellness question. You can meet in person or chat via Facebook or Instagram. They will also build a workshop on a health or wellness topic for a group.

In this county: The page's eligibility block says "*No Restrictions" — there is no age or income test. Workshops are developed for groups of all ages on request.

Tioga County emergency aid: (1) Tioga DSS for Temporary Assistance, Emergency HEAP, and one-time grants (607-687-8300); (2) Tioga OFA for senior-specific case management (607-687-4120); (3) Tioga hospital safety net (570-888-6666); (4) Tioga transit (607-687-7270); (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

In this county: Tioga County uses a referral model: the Department of Social Services handles Temporary Assistance, Emergency HEAP and one-time grants, and Tioga Opportunities, Inc. handles senior case management. Each program sets its own limits and the agency makes the final decision. Not legal or financial advice.

Tioga 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 Tioga OFA (607-687-4120) for priority processing. Tioga DSS HEAP line: 607-687-8300. Apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov.

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

Tioga County's principal community hospital safety net is Tioga County has NO HOSPITAL in-county; residents access Guthrie Robert Packer (Sayre PA, ~30 min south) or UHS Binghamton (~30 min east); Guthrie operates outpatient clinics in Owego and Tioga. NY-PA cross-border safety-net is functionally Guthrie's domain here. 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.guthrie.org/patients-visitors/pay-my-bill/financial-assistance. Phone: 570-887-2051.

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

In this county: Tioga: Tioga County has NO HOSPITAL in-county; residents access Guthrie Robert Packer (Sayre PA, ~30 min south) or UHS Binghamton (~30 min east); Guthrie operates outpatient clinics in Owego and Tioga. NY-PA cross-border safety-net is functionally Guthrie's domain here. NY Medicaid ABD's ~138% FPL gate covers many seniors; FAP fills the gap.

Tioga Opportunities rents safe, affordable apartments to older adults and to people with disabilities whose income is low enough to qualify. Nichols Schoolhouse Apartments, Long Meadow and Springview are for people age 62 or over, or people with a disability age 18 or over, who meet the income limits. The Apartments at County Farm are open to anyone 18 or older. Call the housing office to ask about openings or to arrange a tour of a unit.

In this county: These are actual apartments, not a voucher, so you must qualify AND a unit must be free — there may be a waiting list. The source page does not publish the income limits, so ask the housing office what they are for the building you want. Age 62+ or disability 18+ applies to Nichols Schoolhouse, Long Meadow and Springview; The Apartments at County Farm are open from age 18.

One-to-one counselling and nutrition education from a Registered Dietitian, to help you eat better and feel better. Appointments are required — call the Countryside Community Center to book one.

In this county: The page lists two conditions and no others: you must be a Tioga County resident and aged 60 or over. Appointments are required, so you cannot drop in.

Tioga County has no county-run Office for the Aging. New York State designates Tioga Opportunities, Inc., a nonprofit in Owego, as the Area Agency on Aging for the county. Its Department of Aging Services serves people age 60 and older and their caregivers. Services include congregate dining and home-delivered meals, nutrition counseling, Medicare insurance counseling, caregiver support and respite, in-home care, and NY Connects information and assistance. Call 607-687-4120 or email aging@tiogaopp.org. The office is at the Countryside Community Center, 9 Sheldon Guile Blvd., Owego, NY 13827.

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

In this county: Tioga Opportunities, Inc. is the designated Area Agency on Aging for Tioga County. The agency makes the final eligibility decision. Not legal or financial advice.

If your refrigerator, freezer, stove, washer, dryer or air conditioner has died and you are spending more on repairs than the appliance is worth, Tioga Opportunities can lend you the money to replace it at a low interest rate. The point is to keep you away from rent-to-own shops and payday lenders, and paying on time helps build your credit. Call the Countryside Community Center to ask for an application.

In this county: This is a LOAN, not a grant — you pay it back, with interest, though at a much lower rate than rent-to-own or payday lenders. The page does not publish the interest rate, the loan amount, or any income limit, so ask before you apply. Only the listed essential appliances qualify.

Tioga County no longer runs a public bus system; the county-operated Ride Tioga service ended in 2014 and the county has no transportation department. Transportation for older adults and people with disabilities comes from Tioga Opportunities, Inc., the county's designated Area Agency on Aging, through volunteer drivers for medical appointments and errands, plus a referral service that connects residents to other options. Call 607-687-4222 or toll-free 866-352-3680.

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

In this county: Tioga Opportunities describes this service as for older adults and people with disabilities who live in Tioga County, and does not publish an age threshold or a fare. Rides must be arranged ahead. The agency makes the final decision. Not legal or financial advice.