Medicare Help in Niagara Falls, New York

This page covers the City of Niagara Falls, New York, and the Niagara County offices that serve it. It isn't for Niagara Falls, Ontario, across the river. For the statewide rules, start with Medicare help in New York.

In Niagara Falls, the county's Department of Social Services runs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once called food stamps, and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) from 301 10th Street. The county's Office for the Aging, also in Lockport, gives free Medicare advice and runs lunch sites across the city. The city runs the John A. Duke and LaSalle senior centers, and NFHA runs public housing. This page covers the North End, LaSalle, DeVeaux, Hyde Park, Highland, Pine Avenue and the rest of the city. If Lockport feels far away now that a parent has stopped driving, most of this can start with a phone call. If you also help family in Buffalo, see Medicare help in Buffalo.

Local offices in Niagara Falls

Not sure you qualify? Apply anyway, because the county makes the call, and some of your income may not count. If you would rather not do it alone, a Pair Team advocate can help you in one call.

Where do I apply for Medicaid in Niagara Falls?

In Niagara Falls, you apply for Medicaid at 65 or older through the county's Lockport office, 20 East Avenue. Walk in on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., or call (716) 278-8400. Use form DOH-4220 and Supplement A.

In 2026, one person can make up to $1,836 a month, or $1,856 with the $20 the state doesn't count. Savings can be up to $33,038. The same office takes the Medicare Savings Program, which pays the $202.90 a month Medicare costs you. For one person, it takes income up to $2,494 a month, with no savings test. See Medicare and Medicaid together in New York and Medicare Savings Programs in New York.

For Medicaid help at home, call the county's Home Care Unit at (716) 278-8620. New applicants also get a needs check from the New York Independent Assessor at 855-222-8350. With the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), which Niagara County calls In-Charge, you can hire your own aide. See Home Care and CDPAP in New York.

Where can I get a senior meal in Niagara Falls?

At 60 or older, you can get a hot lunch at seven county dining sites in Niagara Falls. Reserve at least 48 hours ahead at (716) 438-4031, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The suggested gift is $4.

If you can't get out, call NY Connects at (716) 438-3030 about weekday meals at home from FeedMore Western New York (WNY).

Where can I get free Medicare advice in Niagara Falls?

You can get free Medicare advice in Niagara Falls from HIICAP at the Office for the Aging, at (716) 438-3030. Counselors also help you apply for Extra Help and the Medicare Savings Program. Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7 each year. HIICAP and Pair Team don't sell plans.

How do I get rides in Niagara Falls?

In Niagara Falls, you can get rides from the county, NFTA or Medicaid.

• The Senior Medical Van gives people 60 and older rides to medical visits, even in Erie and Orleans counties. Call (716) 438-3030 at least two weeks ahead.
• Reduced-fare cards for Metro buses are made by appointment at the Portage Road Transportation Center, (716) 855-6611. The card costs $2.
• PAL is NFTA's shared van for people whose disability keeps them off the bus. Call (716) 855-7268 for a form. A trip costs $4 cash, or $3.50 with a MetGo card.
• Medicaid rides to the doctor are booked through MAS at 866-932-7740, at least three days ahead.

How do I get senior housing in Niagara Falls?

To get public housing in Niagara Falls, apply to NFHA. Pick up an application at any NFHA building or at 744 Tenth Street, or call (716) 285-6961 to get one by mail. Rent is 30% of your income after allowed costs, or 10% of your gross income, whichever is more. At Spallino Towers and Wrobel Towers, its Senior Services staff help residents apply for benefits, at (716) 285-7812. See housing help in New York.

How do I get help with heating bills in Niagara Falls?

In Niagara Falls, regular HEAP takes applications from November 2, 2026, for one person making up to $3,563 a month. Apply at mybenefits.ny.gov, or in person at 301 10th Street. Help to fix or replace a broken furnace opened October 1, 2026. At 60 or older, call the Office for the Aging's HEAP line at (716) 438-4016. See HEAP in New York.

• National Fuel has Catch-up Coaches at 1-800-365-3234. Its Neighbor for Neighbor Heat Fund gives up to $300 a year to people 55 or older with low income. Book a time through Catholic Charities at (716) 856-4494.
• National Grid customers can call 1-800-642-4272 about the Energy Affordability Program, a monthly bill credit for homes that get HEAP.

Where can I get food help in Niagara Falls?

For food help in Niagara Falls, apply for SNAP at mybenefits.ny.gov or at 301 10th Street. From October 1, 2026, one person 60 or older can get up to $306 a month with income up to $2,660. FeedMore WNY's Niagara County outreach worker helps you apply at (716) 822-2005, extension 3035. See SNAP for seniors in New York.

For food today, Community Missions on Buffalo Avenue runs a pantry Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. Bring an ID and proof of income to sign up.

What a Pair Team advocate does

In Niagara Falls, Medicaid and the Office for the Aging are in Lockport, so we make those calls with you. Here's what we do:

• Help you fill out the DOH-4220 and Supplement A, then call (716) 278-8400 until you have an answer.
• Book the Senior Medical Van two weeks ahead, or help you apply for PAL.
• Fill out the NFHA application with you and follow up with 744 Tenth Street.
• Get your HEAP form in as soon as HEAP opens, then set up a National Fuel or National Grid payment plan.

An advocate is covered by Medicare if you qualify. It takes two minutes to find out.

Check if you qualify for a Pair Team advocate

Frequently asked questions

I live in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Is this my page?

No, this page is for Niagara Falls, New York, in Niagara County. If you help a parent on the New York side, every office here serves them.

I live in Lewiston or Wheatfield. Is this my page?

Yes, if you live in Lewiston or Wheatfield, this page covers your county offices, because they serve all of Niagara County.

Do I have to go to Lockport for Medicaid?

You may not have to go to Lockport for Medicaid, so call (716) 278-8400 first and ask what to bring or send. HIICAP at (716) 438-3030 can also help you with the Medicaid form.

What can the city's 311 portal help with?

The city's 311 portal takes reports of potholes, broken sidewalks and code violations online at niagarafallsny.gov. For something urgent after hours, call the police complaint line at (716) 286-4711.

What if Niagara County denies my Medicaid?

If Niagara County denies your Medicaid, you can ask the state for a fair hearing within 60 days at 1-800-342-3334. If your Medicaid is being cut, ask within 10 days to keep it while you wait.

Sources

• Medical Assistance, Niagara County Department of Social Services
• SNAP, Niagara County Department of Social Services
• HEAP, Niagara County Department of Social Services
• Home Care, Niagara County Department of Social Services
• Contact Us, Niagara County Department of Social Services
• Aging, Niagara County Office for the Aging
• Contact Office for the Aging, Niagara County
• Insurance (HIICAP), Niagara County Office for the Aging
• Eat Well Stay Well, Niagara County Office for the Aging
• Dining Sites, Niagara County Office for the Aging
• Senior Medical Van Transportation Service, Niagara County Office for the Aging
• Senior Services, City of Niagara Falls
• 311 Call Center, City of Niagara Falls
• Apply for Housing, Niagara Falls Housing Authority
• For Seniors, Niagara Falls Housing Authority
• Food Pantry, Community Missions of Niagara Frontier
• Community Soup Kitchen, Community Missions of Niagara Frontier
• HEAP Contacts, Niagara County, New York State OTDA
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), New York State OTDA
• Request a Fair Hearing, New York State OTDA
• Medicare Savings Program 2026, New York State Department of Health
• Contact Center, Medical Answering Services
• Reduced Fares, NFTA-Metro
• PAL Fare Information, NFTA-Metro
• Payment Assistance Programs, National Fuel
• Neighbor for Neighbor Heat Fund, National Fuel
• Help Making Payments, National Grid Upstate New York
• Upstate NY Phone Numbers, National Grid