Medicare Savings Program: This program helps those on Medicare get the premium they pay for their Medicare Part B back in their Social Security check.

To qualify, you must be on Medicare and be under the gross income levels:

  • Individuals: $2,280 Couples: $3,077

There are also two programs to assist with the cost of prescription medications- Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) and the Low Income Subsidy (LIS). You can call the numbers below to see if you qualify.

If you are interested in applying, call NY Connects Office for the Aging at 315-867-1121 or HIICAP at 315-894-9917

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a nutrition assistance program. SNAP provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. This card can be used like a debit card to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores.

If you are over 60, to qualify, your income must be under the gross income levels:

  • 1-person household: $1,473 2-person household: $1,984

If you are interested in applying, call Herkimer County DSS at 315-867-1291 or Catholic Charities of Herkimer County at 315-894-9917 Ext. 235 or go to www.mybenefits.ny.gov

Food Pantries: Local Food Pantries can provide food items.

To find the Food Pantry nearest you, call NY Connects/OFA at 315-867-1121 or visit www.nyconnects.ny.gov and search Food Pantries of Herkimer County.

Food Sense Food Co-op Program: Food Sense is a great way for individuals to save money and purchase quality foods for less. Each package of food or unit is filled with high-quality meats, vegetables, fruits, and grocery items. There are no restrictions-If you eat, you qualify. For more information and to place an order, call Catholic Charities at 315-894-9917.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)- The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income people pay the cost of heating their homes.

  • Household of 1: $2,852 Household of 2: $3,730

To see if you qualify, if you are over 60 yrs call 315-867-1195, or if you are under 60 yrs call 315-867-1220 or visit www.mybenefits.ny.gov

Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program – This program assists with overdue water and wastewater bills. To see if you qualify, visit https://otda.ny.gov/LIHWAP.

Rental Assistance: You may qualify for funds to help pay your rent.

Little Falls Housing: 315-823-2540 Herkimer Housing: 315-866-2252
Ilion Housing: 315-894-2159 Dolgeville Housing: 315-429-9548

Please call the area that you reside in, and for all other areas, call Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency at 315-624-9930.

Property Tax Relief: These programs could assist you in reducing your property taxes.

Star Credit: To apply, call 518-457-2036 or visit: www.tax.ny.gov

Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption: Contact your assessor or visit www.tax.ny.gov to locate your assessor or call 315-867-1235

Veterans Exemption: Contact your assessor to receive an application or visit www.tax.ny.gov

Veterans Benefits – If you are a Veteran, you may qualify for assistance.

To see if you are eligible, contact Herkimer County’s Veterans Office at 315-867-1127.

Adult Protective Services (APS) – APS can assist an adult age 18 or older who may not be able to meet their own needs and have no one to assist them.

Please contact APS at 315-867- 1231

Working Solutions Career Center: The center can assist you in finding employment or training opportunities. Please contact Working Solutions at 315-867-1400.

NY Connects/Office for the Aging: Our goal is to assist older adults in remaining in their homes by providing services such as; transportation, meals, services to assist with personal care and housekeeping, caregiver services, legal aid, & Information & Assistance to individuals of any age. If you need assistance, call 315-867-1121.