Benefits Navigation & Support · Surprise rank #443
Aging or Disability Question? One Free Counselor Can Navigate Multiple Agencies With You
The NHTD and TBI Medicaid waivers pay for environmental modifications, assistive tech, and respite care to help individuals with high needs remain safely in the community.
Who
Older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers and families.
Where: Statewide, with local offices in NYC, Nassau and Suffolk.
What to do
Start here: Call 1-800-342-9871 and request an options counseling session.
Eligibility: No income requirement to ask for information; individual programs have their own eligibility.
What you get
NY Connects provides free, unbiased screening and navigation for long-term services and supports regardless of age, disability or payer.
Benefit: Information, options counseling, benefits referrals and connection to county and Medicaid services.
Possible value: No direct cash value, but it can uncover high-value home-care, respite and benefits programs.
Good to know
Important: It does not guarantee admission or replace a formal eligibility assessment.
Availability: Year-round.
Why people miss it: People search separately for Medicaid, aging and disability programs and miss the single front door.
Sources reviewed: Aug 2, 2026