NYC Social Services

Below are some programs for Seniors, people with disabilities and/or low income that you may qualify for:

• Access NYC (opens in a new tab), a free service that identifies and screens for over 30 City, State, and Federal human service benefit programs.
• America the Beautiful (opens in a new tab): National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass: Lifetime pass for Seniors to National Parks and other historic sites.
• Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) (opens in a new tab) helps NY State residents who are 65 or older pay for their prescription drugs and helps pay for Medicare Part D premiums.
• Medicare Savings Programs (opens in a new tab), such as:
  • Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB) which can pay for the Medicare Part A and/or Part B premium
  • Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLIMB) and Qualified Individual-1 (QI-1) which pays for Medicare Part B premium only
  • Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDW1) pays for the Medicare Part A premium only
• NYC Department for the Aging: (opens in a new tab) The Department for the Aging contracts with more than 400 local agencies to provide a wide array of services throughout NYC. The Department is the place to turn for questions about benefits and services, assistance with government program applications, and for special services to help older New Yorkers and their caregivers.
• NYC School Tax Credit (opens in a new tab): For City full or part-time residents who cannot be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s federal income tax return
• NY State’s School Tax Relief Program (STAR) (opens in a new tab): Helps you pay lower property tax for the house or apartment you own and live in
• Reduced fare (opens in a new tab) on MTA subways and buses with a special card or using your Medicare card
• Senior Centers (opens in a new tab): Centers all over New York City offer activities, including computer classes
• Senior Citizen Homeowner’s Exemption (SCHE) (opens in a new tab): Save tax dollars to qualified residential property owners
• Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) (opens in a new tab): If your home is rent controlled or rent stabilized and has a rent increase, you may not have to pay it
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) (opens in a new tab): Monthly aid to buy food at certain stores and supermarkets.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (opens in a new tab) provides monthly payments to people who are in need. SSI is for people who are 65 or older, as well as for blind or disabled people of any age, including children. People who get SSI may also qualify for Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).