Benefits Navigation & Support · Surprise rank #347
Adult Unsafe or Unable to Protect Themself? New York Adult Protective Services Can Step In for Free
Adult Protective Services investigates and helps adults who are at risk of harm because an impairment leaves them unable to meet essential needs or protect themselves and no one else is adequately helping.
Who
Adults age 18+ with physical or mental impairments who are unable to meet essential needs or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, exploitation or hazardous conditions and have no appropriate person willing and able to help.
What to do
Start here: Contact the local county department of social services. NYC residents can use HRA APS; elsewhere use the county social-services office or the statewide information route.
Eligibility: APS eligibility is based on functional impairment, risk and lack of adequate assistance—not on a low-income test.
What you get
Local social-services agencies can assess safety, arrange services and benefits, address abuse/neglect/exploitation and take protective steps when needed, while using the least restrictive intervention possible.
Benefit: Free protective-services assessment, casework and help arranging needed supports or interventions. There is no income limit for APS services.
Possible value: No fixed cash benefit. The value can include securing food, shelter, medical care, benefits, safety interventions and protection from exploitation.
Good to know
Important: APS is not general case management for any adult who needs help. It is for adults who meet the impairment/risk criteria, and adults with capacity generally retain the right to refuse services unless legal intervention is warranted.
Availability: Active statewide service administered locally.
Why people miss it: Families may think adult protective services only handles elder abuse or only serves people receiving public assistance.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026