Senior benefits in Washington County, New York

Washington County emergency aid: (1) Washington DSS for Temporary Assistance, Emergency HEAP, and one-time grants (518-746-2300); (2) Washington OFA for senior-specific case management (518-746-2420); (3) Washington hospital safety net (518-926-1000); (4) Washington transit (518-746-2200); (5) Catholic Charities (Diocese of Syracuse for Otsego/Delaware/Chenango; Diocese of Albany for Columbia/Greene/Warren/Washington); (6) Opportunities for Otsego (OFO) / Delaware Opportunities / Chenango County Action Program / regional CAAs; (7) Food Bank of Central NY or Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY. Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Washington 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 Washington OFA (518-746-2420) for priority processing. Washington DSS HEAP line: 518-746-2300. Apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov.

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

Washington County's principal community hospital safety net is Glens Falls Hospital (Queensbury, Warren) — Washington's principal hospital (cross-county to Warren); Cambridge Valley Health Center (FQHC) serves Cambridge area; tertiary referrals route to Albany Medical Center. 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 residents 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.albanymed.org/patients-visitors/billing-insurance/financial-assistance-programs/. Phone: 518-264-7729 (select option 2 for financial assistance).

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

In this county: Washington: Glens Falls Hospital (Queensbury, Warren) — Washington's principal hospital (cross-county to Warren); Cambridge Valley Health Center (FQHC) serves Cambridge area; tertiary referrals route to Albany Medical Center. NY Medicaid ABD's ~138% FPL gate covers many seniors; FAP fills the gap.

Washington 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 518-746-2420 or emailing aging@washingtoncountyny.gov.

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

Washington County does not run a public transit department. The Office for the Aging arranges rides for county residents age 60 and older who have no other way to travel, through L.E.A.P. Community Action (518-746-2390) and the GoGo Grandparent ride service. Register with the Office for the Aging at 518-746-2420 before the first ride. People enrolled in Medicaid use Medicaid transportation instead, at 1-855-360-3544. Fixed-route buses around Glens Falls and Hudson Falls are now run by CDTA, which took over Greater Glens Falls Transit on January 1, 2024.

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

In this county: Office for the Aging rides are for residents age 60 and older who have no other way to travel, and registration comes first. CDTA's half fare on the fixed-route buses has its own eligibility. The agency makes the final decision. Not legal or financial advice.