Medicare Help in Schenectady

This page covers the City of Schenectady and the Schenectady County offices that serve it. For the statewide rules, start with Medicare help in New York.

In Schenectady, the county's Department of Social Services takes your application for Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Program at 797 Broadway. The same building handles the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once called food stamps, and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). The county's senior office moved in on April 8, 2026. The city runs a senior center, and SMHA runs public housing. This page covers the Stockade, Mont Pleasant, Hamilton Hill, Bellevue, Woodlawn, Goose Hill and the rest of the city. If the front door at 797 Broadway is closed for lobby work, follow the signs to the other public entrance. If you also help family nearby, see Medicare help in Albany, Troy or Saratoga County.

Local offices in Schenectady

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 Schenectady?

In Schenectady, you apply for Medicaid at 65 or older through the Department of Social Services. Fill out form DOH-4220 and Supplement A, then bring or mail them to 797 Broadway, Schenectady, NY 12305. For help by phone, call (518) 388-4445, or ask Catholic Charities at (518) 374-5667 to help you apply.

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 help at home, call NY Connects at (518) 382-8481, extension 1. New applicants for Medicaid home care also get a needs check from the New York Independent Assessor at 855-222-8350. With the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), you can hire your own aide. See Home Care and CDPAP in New York.

Where can I get a senior meal in Schenectady?

At 60 or older, you can eat lunch at noon at the county's Friendship Café in Ten Eyck Apartments, 375 Broadway. Reserve a seat at (518) 382-8481, extension 1. The suggested gift is $2.

The city's Schenectady Senior Center is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch costs $3, or $4 to take out, and you call (518) 598-2056 by noon the day before.

If you can't cook or drive, ask NY Connects about meals at home, with a suggested gift of $3.50.

Where can I get free Medicare advice in Schenectady?

You can get free Medicare advice in Schenectady from HIICAP at Senior and Long Term Care Services. To set up a meeting, call (518) 382-8481, extension 1. Counselors help you compare plans and apply for help with costs. Each fall, Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7. HIICAP and Pair Team don't sell plans.

How do I get rides in Schenectady?

In Schenectady, you can get rides from CDTA, the county or Medicaid.

• Half-fare cards are made at 2401 Maxon Road on the first Thursday of the month, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the third Thursday, noon to 3 p.m. Bring a photo ID. A ride then costs $0.75.
• STAR is CDTA's shared van for people whose disability makes the bus hard to use. Call (518) 482-2022 and press 4 to apply. A trip costs $2.50.
• County rides take people 60 and older without Medicaid to the doctor. Call (518) 382-8481, extension 1.
• 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 Schenectady?

To get public housing in Schenectady, apply online to SMHA, the oldest housing authority in New York State. Its public housing list has been open since February 12, 2025. Ten Eyck Apartments, at 375 Broadway, has 101 apartments for older adults, with a noon meal every day. SMHA writes to you by mail, so report a new address in writing within 10 business days. Its Section 8 list is closed. For help, call (518) 386-7000. See housing help in New York.

How do I get help with heating bills in Schenectady?

In Schenectady, regular HEAP takes applications from November 2, 2026, for one person making up to $3,563 a month. Apply at mybenefits.ny.gov, at 797 Broadway, or with help from SCAP. If your heat is off or your tank is under a quarter full, call (518) 388-4400, since emergency HEAP isn't online. See HEAP in New York.

National Grid customers can call 1-800-642-4272 about the Energy Affordability Program, a monthly bill credit for homes that qualify for HEAP.

Where can I get food help in Schenectady?

For food help in Schenectady, apply for SNAP at mybenefits.ny.gov or in person at 797 Broadway. From October 1, 2026, one person 60 or older can get up to $306 a month with income up to $2,660. See SNAP for seniors in New York.

For food today, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York can point you to a pantry at (518) 786-3691.

What a Pair Team advocate does

In Schenectady, Medicaid, HEAP and the county's senior office now share 797 Broadway, so one trip can cover a lot. Here's what we do:

• Help you fill out the DOH-4220 and Supplement A, then call (518) 388-4445 until you have an answer.
• Apply to SMHA's public housing list with you, and watch for its letters.
• Help you get a half-fare card on Maxon Road, apply for STAR, or set up county rides.
• Get your HEAP form in as soon as HEAP opens, and call National Grid with you.

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 Rotterdam or Niskayuna. Is this my page?

Yes, if you live in Rotterdam, Niskayuna or Glenville, this page covers your county offices, because they serve all of Schenectady County. The Friendship Café also serves lunch in Glenville and Niskayuna.

What if the front door at 797 Broadway is closed?

If the front door at 797 Broadway is closed, follow the signs to the other public entrance. The county began rebuilding the front lobby on August 10, 2026, and planned to finish in mid-November. Bags are limited while the work goes on. To check before you go, call (518) 388-4470.

Where did the county senior office go?

The county senior office, Senior and Long Term Care Services, moved to 797 Broadway on April 8, 2026. Its phone number stayed the same, (518) 382-8481, extension 1. It's open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Can someone help me with SNAP or HEAP forms in person?

Yes, SCAP at 913 Albany Street can help you with SNAP and HEAP forms in person. It can also connect you with National Grid. Walk in on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What if Schenectady County denies my Medicaid?

If Schenectady 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

• Social Services, Schenectady County
• Health Care Assistance (Medicaid), Schenectady County Department of Social Services
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Schenectady County Department of Social Services
• Home Energy Assistance Program, Schenectady County Department of Social Services
• Senior and Long Term Care Services, Schenectady County
• Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance, Schenectady County
• Food Delivery and Meal Sites, Schenectady County
• Senior Transportation, Schenectady County
• Schenectady Senior Center, City of Schenectady
• Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority home page
• Public Housing Buildings, Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority
• Waitlist Pre-Application, Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority
• Housing and Resource Navigation, Schenectady Community Action Program
• Programs, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York
• HEAP Contacts, Schenectady 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
• Half Fare, CDTA
• STAR Program, CDTA
• CDTA Fares, CDTA
• Help Making Payments, National Grid Upstate New York
• Upstate NY Phone Numbers, National Grid