Senior benefits in Ulster County, New York

Ulster County emergency aid: (1) Ulster DSS for Temporary Assistance, Emergency HEAP, and one-time grants (845-334-5125); (2) Ulster OFA for senior-specific case management (845-340-3456); (3) Ulster hospital safety net (845-331-3131); (4) Ulster transit (845-340-3333); (5) Catholic Charities Community Services of the Archdiocese of New York / Catholic Charities of Orange-Sullivan-Ulster / Catholic Charities of Dutchess; (6) United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region or local United Way. Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Ulster 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 Ulster OFA (845-340-3456) for priority processing. Ulster DSS HEAP line: 845-334-5436. Apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov.

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

Ulster County's principal community hospital safety net is HealthAlliance Hospital Broadway Campus (Kingston, WMCHealth) — Ulster's principal community hospital. 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 Hudson Valley 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.wmchealth.org/patients-and-visitors/insurance-and-billing/financial-assistance. Phone: 845-334-2743.

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

In this county: Ulster: HealthAlliance Hospital Broadway Campus (Kingston, WMCHealth) — Ulster's principal community hospital. NY Medicaid ABD's ~138% FPL gate covers many seniors; FAP fills the remaining gap.

Ulster 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 (the local ADRC), and Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Apply by calling OFA at 845-340-3456 or emailing UCOFA@ulstercountyny.gov.

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

Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) runs fixed-route buses and ADA paratransit across Ulster County. Riders age 60 and over who register with the county Office for the Aging can take one free round trip a week for shopping and two free round trips a week for medical appointments, on UCAT buses or the Office for the Aging medical van; more trips can be scheduled free when slots are open. Register and book medical or shopping trips at 845-334-8120. For general route and schedule help, call UCAT at 845-334-8458.

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

In this county: Ulster: the free senior trips require registering with the Ulster County Office for the Aging first, and reservations are needed because service depends on availability. ADA paratransit is a separate application. On the Office for the Aging medical van, seniors may give a voluntary contribution instead of the normal fare.