Financial Assistance and Benefits
Eligibility requirements apply to some programs listed on this page. Unless otherwise noted, contact the Genesee County Office for the Aging at (585) 343-1611 for information about eligibility and application assistance.
Benefits CheckUp
BenefitsCheckUp can help you identify financial assistance programs and benefits you may be eligible for. You can complete the screening without providing your Social Security number, name or other identifying information.
Check for Potential Benefits with BenefitsCheckUp
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides financial assistance to help eligible low-income households pay home heating costs.
For current income guidelines and program information, visit the New York State Home Energy Assistance Program.
The program is not available to someone who lives in subsidized housing where heat is included. To request an application or receive assistance completing an application, contact the Genesee County Office for the Aging at (585) 343-1611.
Lifeline Telephone Discount
Lifeline provides a discount on telephone service. Individuals may be eligible if they receive benefits such as HEAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid.
Applications may be available through your telephone company. Application forms and assistance are also available through the Genesee County Office for the Aging.
- Verizon: (716) 890-7100
- Frontier Telephone of Rochester: (585) 777-1200
- Frontier, for 547 and 599 exchanges only: 1-800-921-8101
Lifespan Financial Management Assistance
Call ask marshall at (585) 815-7979.
This in-home service provides assistance with budgeting, bill payment and day-to-day financial matters, including:
- Balancing a checkbook
- Planning a budget
- Working with creditors
- Filing insurance forms
- Applying for benefits
Section 8 Housing Program
Genesee County has government-subsidized housing programs where rent may be based on household income. For application assistance, contact the Genesee County Office for the Aging at (585) 343-1611.
Social Security
Social Security provides income benefits for insured workers and may also provide benefits for certain spouses, divorced spouses, people with disabilities, children and surviving dependent parents.
Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-866-931-7103 or 1-800-772-1213, or visit the Social Security Administration website.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides eligible households with electronic benefits that can be used to purchase food.
Applications are available through the Genesee County Office for the Aging or the Genesee County Department of Social Services. Contact the Department of Social Services at (585) 344-2580 for income guidelines.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides basic income, or additional income, that may supplement Social Security, pension income or earnings. Individuals age 65 or older, or individuals of any age who are disabled or blind, may be eligible.
For applications and income guidelines, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-866-931-7103 or 1-800-772-1213.
The local Social Security office is located in Eastown Plaza in Batavia, New York.
Veteran Benefits
Benefits available to veterans or spouses of veterans may include pensions, medical care and prescription drugs, vocational rehabilitation, education, home loans, compensation, burial benefits and other services.
Contact the Genesee County Veterans Service Agency at (585) 815-7905.
3837 West Main St.
Batavia, New York 14020
Weatherization Program
The Weatherization Referral and Packaging (WRAP) Program provides eligible households with home repairs and energy-conservation assistance designed to improve energy efficiency.
Services may include window replacement, insulation, caulking, weather stripping, broken glass repair and furnace repair or replacement.
To be eligible, an individual must be eligible for HEAP benefits and the need must be certified through an energy audit. Homeowners and renters with their landlord's approval may apply.
Contact Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc. at (585) 343-7798.
Home Improvement Assistance
Other home improvement loans and grants may be available to older adults for projects such as roof replacement, siding and accessibility modifications.
For information about income guidelines, contact the Genesee County Office for the Aging at (585) 343-1611.
Visit the ask marshall website for Handyman Program details.