April 2025 Benefit Updates and Resources
Benefit Updates
New York State has announced that the 2024-25 HEAP Regular & Emergency Benefits will close on Monday, April 7th at 5:00pm. All applications submitted online via Access HRA or postmarked on or before the deadline will be processed.
HRA released the new income and resource guidelines for Non Magi Medicaid (Medicaid for 65+, disabled or certified blind) and the Medicare Savings Program for 2025.
Medicaid
Family Size Income Resources
1 $1,800 $32,396
2 $2,433 $43,781
Medicare Savings Program
Family Size QMB Income QI Income QWDI
1 $1,800 $2,433 $2,609
2 $2,426 $3,279 $3,525
Medicaid Renewals
The 5-year PAUSE on closing Medicaid cases at HRA for failure to return the renewal packet/failure to recertify is ending in April 2025.
Discontinuances for failure to recertify will restart for HRA beneficiaries with authorizations to May 31, 2025.
For more information: http://health.wnylc.com/health/file/887/?f=1
LiveOn NY's Benefits Outreach Program is available to assist older adults in applying for benefits. For assistance or to make a referral, please call (212) 398-5045 or email us at benefits@liveon-ny.org
February, 2025 Aging Updates and Resources
EBT/SNAP fraud
EBT Phone Scam Alert: Scammers are calling clients and pretending to be EBT Customer Service (888-328-6399). These calls may look real, but they are not. Clients can protect their EBT card by freezing it. More info here.
OTDA is launching a text blast informing households of the new EBT freeze card feature. Clients will receive a message from 696-832 with a link to a flyer detailing how to freeze their card when not in use. This message is not spam or a scam, and clients are encouraged to use the freeze feature for added security. More info here.
March 17th is the deadline to apply for property tax exemptions!
See below for links to information on specific exemptions
For SCHE
For DHE
Join LiveOn’s Benefits Outreach team on February 27 at 12:00pm at a STRIVE Virtual Town Hall, organized by The Service Program for Older People, where we’ll be giving a presentation on the Benefits Overview for Older Adults. Click here to join (Passcode: 789472)!
Fall 2024 Updates on Benefits Programs for Clients
Updates to SNAP guidelines
Beginning October 1, more people will be eligible for SNAP. Below are the monthly income and resource guidelines for households with one member who is 60+ or disabled, as well as the amount of the increased SNAP allotment:
Household Size Maximum Monthly Gross Income
1 person $2,510
2 people $3,407
3 people $4,303
The maximum resource level for applicants who are 60+ or disabled and over the maximum monthly gross income is now $4,500.
The maximum SNAP allotment per household:
Household Size Maximum Amount of SNAP
1 person $292
2 people $536
3 people $768
Deadline for EBT Benefit Skimming Replacement is extended
Congress has extended SNAP replacement benefits through December 20, 2024, as part of federal stopgap legislation. Go here to learn more about filing for SNAP replacement.
SNAP Restaurant Meal Program expands!
The Restaurant Meal Program (RMP) enables eligible SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase meals at participating restaurants. NY State's OTDA has gradually expanded this program on a limited basis in Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. Go here for more information and a list of participating restaurants.
Regular Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Opens!
NY State’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) opened November 1st and will remain open until the funds are exhausted. The Regular HEAP benefit provides a one-time grant grant toward energy costs. The income guidelines have increased as follows:
Household Size Maximum Monthly Gross Income
1 person $3,322
2 people $4,345
3 people $5,367