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More New Yorkers Eligible for Utility Bill Discounts, Especially Older Adults
Governor Hochul is urging New Yorkers to take advantage of the State’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP). Approximately 2.5 million more households are eligible to enroll for monthly discounts – including many that are now eligible due to Governor Hochul’s expansion of program eligibility.
Depending on household income, the EAP can help New Yorkers save up to hundreds of dollars per year on utility costs, with discounts set to make a typical utility bill less than six percent of household income.
Up to half of all New York State households are eligible to receive monthly utility discounts through the EAP. Households are automatically enrolled in the EAP if they are currently enrolled in the Home Energy Assistance Program or Public Assistance (i.e., Temporary Assistance), which are administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
Households are also eligible for EAP discounts if they are currently enrolled in numerous other programs (list below). However, these households are not automatically enrolled in the EAP due to customer privacy restrictions that prevent automatic enrollment. These households can self-enroll to receive EAP discounts by applying online.This applies to households currently enrolled in:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Veterans’ Disability or Survivors Pension
- Supplemental Security Income
- Lifeline Telephone Service Program
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Utility Guarantee
- Direct Vendor programs
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Safety Net Assistance
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Read Governor Hochul’s press release announcing the enrollment drive and program expansion
Learn about eligibility and how to enroll
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2026-2027 NYS HEAP Enrollment Timeline
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes.
Individuals who are eligible may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their utility service shut off.
Questions regarding the HEAP program should be directed to the HEAP Local District Contact.
Aging services providers: take note of the upcoming season timeline as you assist older adults in connecting to resources or benefits, including HEAP.
2026-2027 Season and Current Status
The 2026-2027 New York State HEAP season is expected to open in November 2026, but the exact date has not yet been confirmed by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) at the time of this writing (on September 30).
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2025-2026 season: All components have closed — Regular HEAP closed April 10, 2026; Emergency HEAP closed April 24, 2026; Cooling Assistance closed June 5, 2026
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Next season (2026-2027): OTDA and program guides indicate the Regular HEAP application period will typically begin in early to mid‑November and run through the winter until funds are exhausted
- The 2026-2027 opening date is unconfirmed; OTDA will announce it on its HEAP page and via the myBenefits.ny.gov portal when finalized
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ICYMI: NYSOFA Livestream on Fire Safety and Older Adults
The majority of fire victims are older adults, accounting for as much as 75% of fatalities (50+ population). That's an alarming statistic for an often-preventable outcome.
During Emergency Preparedness Month in September, NYSOFA joined the fire prevention and control team from the New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services to further address the impact of fatal fires on older adults. We discuss the top causes of fires in the home, the main ways to prevent them, how caregivers can support older adults, and resources to help.
Watch and share the program on YouTube today
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NYSOFA Innovations Guidebook: Your Quick-Start Manual for Dozens of Tech Partnerships to Support Older Adults
NYSOFA is out with our new NYS Innovations in Aging Guidebook. It’s designed as a quick-start manual for aging services providers, elected officials, community-based organizations, and others wishing to explore innovative ways of supporting older adults in the community using technology.
The guidebook showcases platforms that have been tested and trusted by NYSOFA for use by anyone seeking solutions to support older adults and caregivers. In the guide, you’ll find a summary of each NYSOFA partnership, how it’s designed, and who it’s for. To make the guide as practical as possible, we’ve organized it by use/applicability and by topic.
Use/Applicability
Each page has an icon explaining how the program is made available to older adults: for free statewide, or on a more defined basis (i.e., through participating partners or by adopting the technology on your own).
Topic Areas
We’ve also organized each program with a series of color codes that explain what kind of intervention is provided:
- Social Engagement Support
- Companionship Support
- Health & Wellness/Falls Prevention
- Caregiver Support
- Dementia Care/Alzheimer's Support
- Financial Safety & Security
Read about each innovation, decide what works for you, and create a strategic roadmap for providing new and expanded services to older adults in your community.
Download the Guidebook Today
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New Website for Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Office of the New York State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program has a new website. Check it out at https://ltcombudsman.ny.gov/.
What is the Ombudsman Program?
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) is a federal advocacy program dedicated to protecting people living in long-term care facilities. In New York State, the Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman is an independent office administratively housed in the New York State Office for the Aging.
The State Ombudsman supervises Regional Ombudsman Coordinators who serve all communities throughout the state. Regional Ombudsman programs are sponsored by non-profit organizations, independent living centers and area agencies on aging.
The heart of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is its corps of specially trained and certified citizen-volunteer ombudsmen. Many volunteers are retired professionals from various fields. These dedicated Ombudsmen spend an aveage of two to four hours a week in each of their assigned facilities, advocating for the residents.
Interested in volunteering? Complete the interest form here.
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HIICAP: Your Place for Trusted, Objective Medicare Information During Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment is around the corner, starting on October 15 through December 7. Special thanks to Heather Leddick and Caleb Foard of the New York State HIICAP team for participating in this video message highlighting the Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program as your trusted place for help during Medicare Open Enrollment. As Heather and Caleb stress:
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HIICAP provides free, objective counseling to help you understand your Medicare options and make informed decisions about your coverage.
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HIICAP can also help you learn about benefits you may be eligible for — including programs like the Medicare Savings Program that can help lower your Medicare costs.
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HIICAP counselors are specially trained to help. Many are volunteers who bring skill, experience and empathy to their work.
- And many counselors are older adults, too—people just like the community members they help, who understand the questions and concerns that come with navigating Medicare.
Look for more resources about Medicare Open Enrollment on NYSOFA social media.
Medicare Savings Program
See also our new video about the Medicare Savings Program, which helps pay out-of-pocket Medicare costs, such as Part B premiums. On average, this program can provide up to an estimated $8,000 in cost savings annually for older adults.
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The New York State Budget and Older Adults
NYSOFA's analysis of the New York State Budget provides a wide-angle overview of the Fiscal Year (FY) 27 plan and its many linkages to supportive, age-friendly initiatives for older adults and their families across agencies and programs.
The budget includes historic investments in NYSOFA services, expansion of the Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) program, enhancement of NYSOFA scams-prevention initiatives, and recommendation on a one-stop resource for benefits. It also includes a broader set of age-friendly supports across agencies and programs addressing older adults' community needs, centered on affordability, public safety, family support, and expanding opportunity for all New Yorkers.
Read our Press Release
Read the Full Analyis for More Details
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HIV/Aging and Older Adults Awareness Day
In September, NYSOFA was proud to join the New York State Department of Health in recognizing National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day at the 2026 Conference on Aging with HIV on Long Island: Advancing Care & Empowering Futures.
NYSOFA Chief of Staff John Cochran spoke, reflecting on the unique needs of older adults who are living longer with HIV/AIDS, and how aging services providers can be a help.
Special thanks to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) AIDS Institute’s 'People Aging with HIV' pilot program and Project Director John J. Hartigan for inviting NYSOFA to participate.
Remember:
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Anyone can get HIV, including older people, and it’s important to recognize this fact and emphasize it for the health of all people. In fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, roughly 41% of the people in the United States with HIV were at least 55 years old.
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While many HIV risk factors are the same for people of any age, older people are less likely to get tested for HIV.
- Older people living with HIV may experience the double effect of an HIV diagnosis and ageism or other stigmas.
These are just some of the facts about HIV/AIDS and aging. To learn more, catch an encore of our livestream conversation with John Hartigan last year on YouTube. Below are some resources shared during the program:
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Title III-D Digest: Evidence-Based Health Promotion
New Programs Include NYC Aging’s Age-Tastic!
Did you know? The National Council on Aging (NCOA) maintains a listing of evidence-based health promotion programs that are pre-approved for III-D of the Older Americans Act (OAA), which provides funding for evidence-based disease prevention and health promotion programs for adults age 60 and older.
The downloadable spreadsheet lists over 70 programs and indicates characteristics such as the format, number of sessions, and language availability.
New programs are periodically added to the NCOA list. The most recent Evidence-Based Program Review Process added the 10 programs below (click each name to learn more).
Coming soon: NYSOFA is developing a new web resource about Title III-D Evidence-Based Health Promotion. Look for more information in the months ahead.
This article is the second in a new series highlighting evidence-based health promotion opportunities through the aging network.
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Webinar: Guardianship, Its Alternatives, and a Deep Dive into Capacity
Project Guardianship is offering a workshop on October 28 (at 1 p.m.) that will cover when Article 81 guardianship may be appropriate and what alternatives are available.
The program will discuss formal options, such as Powers of Attorney and Health Care Proxies, along with informal supports, including home care and community resources. The program will also outline what factors a judge considers when deciding if an adult is "incapacitated" according to the law.
Presented by the Guardianship Prevention and Support Helpline:
- Annabelle Duggan, Managing Attorney
- Anne Meyer, Senior Staff Attorney
- Jasmine Ramig, Training and Education Staff Attorney
Register Here (via Zoom)
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Breast Cancer Month: Resources to Help Older Adults
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States after skin cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer death among women after lung cancer, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Medical professionals stress the importance of being vigilant about breast cancer detection. Examine yourself regularly and contact your doctor with any concerns. Be diligent about annual exams and mammograms.
Read this month's column by Advocacy Specialist Colleen Scott
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FREE Digital Resources to Support Older Adults, Caregivers
Each month, on social media and at events, NYSOFA shares important resources about digital innovations to help older adults. Are you sharing too? These resources are free of charge — and they're making a difference.
Caregiver Resources
Do you perform housework for someone, help them shop for food, pick up their medication? You are a caregiver. Help is available.
Online Classes Through GetSetUp
NYSOFA’s partnership with GetSetUp has connected approximately 500,000 older adults to free online courses and communities that help them learn new skills and interact with others who share their interests. Explore free online classes here. Find a promotional flyer and postcard on our training page here.
Virtual Senior Center
Through a partnership with Selfhelp Community Services, NYSOFA is offering Selfhelp’s Virtual Senior Center (VSC) free of charge for any individual age 60 and older in New York State. Explore the Virtual Senior Center and enroll here today.
Other Opportunities
Want to learn about other NYSOFA partnerships and pilot programs?
NYSOFA is building an online library of webinars and resource materials to get you started. Go to our training page and select all trainings under the “innovations” tab (left-hand sidebar).
Four Free Resources: All on One Page
NYSOFA has also developed a new one-pager highlighting four online resources that we offer statewide for any older adult. This document features all of these resources on one page for full impact. There's also a second (back) page with information about the approximately 20 core services and supports available to older New Yorkers and families through offices for the aging.
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Check Out October Course Offerings through our Partnership with GetSetUp
Explore what’s new this October through NYSOFA's partnership with GetSetUp, the online learning community.
October Programming through GetSetUp
Health Literacy Month (Medicare)
Health care information can sometimes feel confusing or overwhelming. In recognition of Health Literacy Month, this series explores Medicare and resources that can help you learn more about your coverage and health care choices.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools for protecting your health. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this series explores topics such as breast health, prevention, and support for those affected by breast cancer. Learn practical information to help you stay informed, advocate for your health, and support loved ones with confidence.
Seasonal Creations to Welcome Fall
Celebrate the beauty and creativity of autumn! This series invites you to explore fall-inspired crafts, seasonal decorating ideas, and creative projects that capture the colors and spirit of the season. Whether you're creating for yourself, your home, or loved ones, you'll discover fun and meaningful ways to welcome fall.
Medicare Resources
Medicare Open Enrollment is right around the corner! Enrolling in Medicare plans can be overwhelming and you may have questions about the process. These sessions are designed to help you confidently navigate through the Medicare Open Enrollment period, whether you're looking at options for the first time or want to consider changes in your current plan.
Cybersecurity Awareness
Staying safe online starts with knowing what to watch for. In recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, this series helps you protect your personal information, recognize scams, and use technology more securely. Learn simple steps to strengthen your online safety and feel more confident navigating today's digital world.
Thriving Through October
October is a time to learn, connect, and prepare for the season ahead. This month, we're recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Health Literacy Month, Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Ageism Awareness Day while also celebrating the creativity and fun of Halloween. Join us for classes that help you stay informed, engaged, and inspired throughout the month.
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About Inside NYS Aging
Inside NYS Aging is a publication of the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA). It provides news and resources for aging services providers and their partners in their efforts to promote services and supports for older adults. Please share this newsletter widely with any organizations or professionals that reach older adults. Read past issues in the newsroom on NYSOFA's website.
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Thanks for sticking it out until the end! If you found this content valuable, please share with your coworkers and colleagues in the aging services network!
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