Loading...
Free personalized senior living guidance for families
(858) 283-4504Loading...
New York · Everything here is free · Reviewed July 2026
Growing older in New York can feel expensive and confusing — especially when you're trying to stretch a fixed income. If that's you, or you're an adult child worrying about a parent, please know there is a lot of free help out there. You just need to know who to call.
Not sure where to start? Call for free1-800-342-9871New York's one-stop helpline for seniors and people with disabilities. They connect you to long-term care, in-home help, and local services. Open weekdays.
New York has some of the most generous programs in the country for low-income seniors. Medicaid here can pay for in-home aides, nursing-home care, and more. There are also free counselors who help with Medicare, prescriptions, and bills — no sales pitch, no cost.
This page lays out the key numbers and what each one does, in plain language. Take it one call at a time. The people on the other end help worried families every single day.
Tap what fits. You'll jump straight to the right help — no reading through the rest.
Still not sure? Just make the call above — they'll help you figure it out. One call is a great start.
Start here for most families
Most seniors want to stay in their own homes, and New York Medicaid can help. Medicaid can also help pay for nursing-home care when that's needed.
They'll explain your options and help arrange an assessment.
New York Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and long-term care. For seniors who need ongoing help, New York uses Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) — a health plan that coordinates your in-home aides, therapy, and other long-term services.
Who qualifies? Medicaid looks at your income and, for long-term care, your savings. New York's income limits are relatively generous, and they change every year. Don't count yourself out — income limits change yearly, so call and check before assuming you don't qualify.
Apply for New York Medicaid online
Apply online statewide. In New York City, you can also apply through the Human Resources Administration (HRA).
Apply by phone, or in person through your local Department of Social Services (LDSS); in NYC, through HRA.
Call NY Connects for guidance on applying.
Applying is always free.
PACE is a great fit for seniors who need nursing-home-level care but want to stay at home. It combines your doctors, therapy, prescriptions, and adult day care into one program — usually free if you have Medicaid.
New York has PACE programs serving many parts of the state, including New York City, the Capital Region, and beyond.
Ask NY Connects, or search the National PACE Association directory to find a program near you.
If you're on Medicare
If Medicare's costs are eating into your budget, two programs can help.
The Medicaid Helpline can help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program.
NY Connects can also help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program.
Apply for the prescription drug subsidy through Social Security.
Call to learn more about EPIC, New York's program that further lowers drug costs for seniors 65+.
New York's State Health Insurance Assistance Program is called HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program). Their trained counselors give free, unbiased Medicare help — they don't sell insurance.
They can help you compare Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans, enroll in programs that lower your Medicare and drug costs, understand and fix confusing medical bills, and make sense of open enrollment.
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling from trained HIICAP counselors.
Everyday essentials
SNAP (food stamps)
Apply at myBenefits.ny.gov or through your local Department of Social Services. Many seniors qualify.
Available through your county Office for the Aging — reach it via NY Connects.
Dial 211 to find food pantries near you.
If housing costs are a worry, these can help with rent, affordable housing, and avoiding eviction or foreclosure.
Free help with rent, affordable housing, and avoiding eviction or foreclosure.
Dial 211 for local rental and utility assistance.
Can point you toward senior housing and home-repair programs.
Guidance & protection
Every county in New York has an Office for the Aging that runs senior meals, transportation, caregiver support, and more.
Reach your county Office for the Aging through NY Connects.
A free national line that can also connect you to your local Office for the Aging.
You're entitled to free legal help with benefits, housing, and elder-abuse issues.
Can refer you to the legal services program serving your county.
LawHelpNY.org
Lists free civil legal aid providers across the state.
Your local Office for the Aging also offers free legal assistance to seniors — ask NY Connects for a referral.
If you or a loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted living and something feels wrong, an Ombudsman is a free advocate for residents.
A free, confidential advocate for residents of long-term care facilities.
Find your local ombudsman (The Consumer Voice)
Search for your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
Dial 211 for free, local help with food, housing, and utilities.
A free national service that connects older adults and caregivers to local services anywhere in the U.S.
Call NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871. Explain what's happening. They'll listen and point you to the right programs.
Call for free1-800-342-9871It's New York's health-coverage program for people with low incomes. It covers health care and long-term care, usually at little or no cost.
Generally no. Medicare covers doctors and short-term care, not ongoing assisted living or long-term nursing-home costs. Medicaid is the program that helps with long-term care.
Yes — these programs are built for people on fixed and low incomes. New York's limits are relatively generous. Call NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871.
Ask about the Medicare Savings Programs through the Medicaid Helpline (1-877-267-2323) or NY Connects. The QMB level pays your ~$185 monthly Part B premium plus copays.
Care at home brings an aide or services to you so you can stay in your own place; a nursing home provides 24-hour care in a facility. New York Medicaid's Managed Long-Term Care can help pay for either.
Absolutely. NY Connects (1-800-342-9871) and the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) exist for exactly this — and cost nothing.
Asking for help takes courage, and you deserve support as you age. New York has built these programs so its seniors can live with dignity. Make the calls, ask your questions, and use what's yours.
Program details, income limits, and contact information can change. The agencies linked above can confirm the most current specifics for your situation. This page is for general information and isn't legal or financial advice.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Program details, income limits, and contact information can change — the linked agencies confirm the most current specifics.