New York programs offer residents thousands in savings
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Residents of New York City are accessing three public programs that lessen everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and property taxes.
Many older adults and people with disabilities in areas like Washington Heights and the Bronx are finding financial relief through these benefits, though not all eligible people know they can apply. These aren’t universal payments, but rather official aids with requirements related to age, income, disability, or homeownership.
The SNAP program allows households with someone 60 or older, or a person with a disability, to deduct certain medical expenses, like premiums, prescriptions, and copays, from their income when determining eligibility. This can allow more people to qualify for food assistance or receive a larger monthly amount. The MTA Reduced-Fare program offers discounted subway, railway, and bus fares to people 65 and older and those with qualifying disabilities, saving frequent riders hundreds of dollars annually.
Finally, Enhanced STAR helps homeowners aged 65 or older with limited incomes reduce their school property taxes. New York State is streamlining the application process in 2026, automatically upgrading eligible Basic STAR recipients to the Enhanced level. The total savings vary by household, but can combine to significantly ease financial burdens over time. Residents can verify their eligibility and apply through official state and city websites.
