Gateway Programs. HEAP can unlock free home energy upgrades, and a Medicaid card can qualify someone for other discounts.

What can you get?

Start with the help you want, then see which benefits may open that door.

You may qualify

Healthy food for young children

If you have SNAP or Medicaid (WIC; also need pregnancy, breastfeeding, or a child under 5)Get started

You should already have this

Summer grocery money

If your child gets SNAP or Medicaid (Summer EBT; check your notice)Check eligibility

You may qualify

Phone/internet discount

If you have SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI (Lifeline; up to $9.25 savings)Get started

You may qualify

Lower Medicare bills

If you have Medicare and low income (Medicare Savings Program)Get started

You should already have this

Drug-cost discounts

If you have Medicare plus full Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program, or SSI (Extra Help; should start automatically)Check your notice

You may qualify

Medicare drug coverage

If you have Medicare (Medicare Part D; Extra Help may enroll you automatically)Find drug plans

You may qualify

More drug and premium help

If you have Medicare Part D, are 65+, and meet income rules (EPIC; no full Medicaid)Get started

You should already have this

Extra monthly SSI payment

If you get SSI in New York (New York State Supplement Program)Check SSI account

You should already have this

Extra food benefits

If you get SSI and live alone (NYSCAP; some one-person households)Read program rules

You may qualify

Free home energy upgrades

If you have HEAP or meet local income rules (up to $800 for a new AC)Get started

You should already have this

Utility-bill discount

If you have HEAP or Medicaid (Energy Affordability Program; check your bill)Check your bill

You should already have this

Save $45+ per month

If you have HEAP and PSEG Long Island service (PSEG Long Island HAP)Check PSEG account

You may qualify

Emergency utility-bill help

If you meet your utility’s income rules (program varies by utility)Get started

You’re qualified with income proof

Lower NYC fares

If you live in NYC and meet income rules (Fair Fares; an EBT card or award letter can help as proof)Get started

Not sure what you may qualify for? Start with New York’s free benefit screener.

In 10 mins, find out which of these you can apply for:

  • Senior help: Medicare, long-term care, legal needs, food, prescription drugs
  • Food help - help buying groceries
  • WIC - healthy food for pregnant women, babies, and young children
  • Public Assistance and tax credits
  • Home Energy Assistance and free home energy upgrades
  • Health insurance and uninsured care
Check New York benefits

Verified with Medicare’s Extra Help guidance, New York Weatherization info, the LIHEAP Clearinghouse, New York HIICAP, and BenefitsUSA’s NY.

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