The Erie County Department of Senior Services brings together the programs, services and supportive facilities which help our 197,365 elderly maintain independence whenever possible. Established in 1971, the department coordinates existing community services as well as plans, develops and administers needed programs and promotes new and better services for all persons age sixty and over.
As there are many agencies in Erie County willing and able to help older people, this guide is to assist you in finding the particular service you need. The Guide is made possible by funding from the New York State Office for the Aging and the County of Erie.
? ? ? QUESTIONS ? ? ?
CALL (716)858-8526 or E-MAIL seniorinfo@erie.gov
WEBSITE: https://erie.gov/seniorservices/
TTY / TDD: Use NYS Relay Service at 711 to reach any number in this guide.
TOPICS:
Information & Referral
For information on services, benefits, entitlements and other areas of concern to older persons:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services / NY Connects 858-8526 http://www2.erie.gov/seniorservices/
- 2-1-1 / Central Referral Service 211 or 1-888-696-9211 www.211wny.org
- City of Buffalo Division for Senior Services 851-4141 https://www.ci.buffalo.ny.us/Home/Seniors
- Community Action Organization 881-5150 http://www.caoec.org/
- Crisis Services, Inc. (24-hour service) 834-3131 http://www.crisisservices.org/
- Erie County Department of Health: Information 858-7690 https://erie.gov/health/
- Erie County Department of Social Services 858-8000 https://erie.gov/socialservices/
- Erie County Office for the Disabled 858-6215 https://erie.gov/ecopd/
- Federal Information Center 1-800-688-9889 http://www.info.gov/
- Long Term Care Ombudsman Program 817-9222 or 1-844-527-5509 http://www.ltcombudsman.ny.gov/
- Nursing Home (NYS Health Department) Information & Complaints: 847-4320 https://www.health.ny.gov/facilities/nursing/complaints.htm
24-hour Hot Line 1-888-201-4563 - NYS Office for the Aging 1-800-342-9871 http://www.aging.ny.gov/
- Veterans One-stop Center of WNY, Inc. (VOC of WNY) 898-0110 http://vocwny.org/
- Voter Registration/Erie County Board of Elections 858-8891 http://www.elections.erie.gov/voter-information/voter-registration-information/
Case Work / Case Management
For information call:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services (716) 858-8526
Out-of-Town Aging Network
For information on agencies serving elderly out of Erie County, call:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services (716) 858-8526
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116 https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
- Aging Life Care Association (520) 881-8008 http://www.aginglifecare.org/ (Fee for service.)
Safety
For concerns regarding property or person, call one of the following:
- Emergency 911
- Crisis Services 24-hour Hot Line for crisis counseling, emergency mental health services, information and referral 834-3131
- Erie County Sheriff's Office - General Information (716) 858-7618
Transportation
Door-to-door transportation service to health, nutrition, income maintenance, social services and other services that are identified as high priority may be obtained by calling:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services (Going Places van) (716) 858-RIDE (7433)
- Buffalo: Division for Senior Services (716) 851-4141
- Amherst Senior Transportation (716) 636-3075
- Aurora, Elma/Going Places Van (716) 652-8866
- Aurora, Elma, Marilla, Wales (Rural Transit) (716) 652-2527
- Boston, Colden, Eden, Orchard Park (Rural Transit) (716) 662-8378
- Brant, Collins, Evans, Gowanda, North Collins (Rural Transit) (716) 549-5098
- Concord, Holland, Sardinia (Rural Transit) (716) 592-0088
- Clarence, Newstead (Rural Transit) (716) 565-3323
- Grand Island Senior Center (716) 773-9682
- Hamburg Transportation (716) 646-1666
- Lackawanna Senior Citizens Center (716) 827-6669
- Tonawanda (Town) Senior Center (also covers Kenmore) 875-1029
- Tonawanda (City) Recreation Department 505-1172
Wheelchair Lift Transportation
- Erie County Department of Senior Services (Going Places Van): Wheelchair van service is limited to: Cheektowaga and West Seneca (716) 858-RIDE (7433)
- Medicaid recipients for medical appointments (716) 858-4877
- NFTA Paratransit Access Line (716) 855-7239
- WNY Independent Living Center, Inc. (disability required; fee for service) (716) 836-0822
Private pay wheelchair vans are listed under “Wheelchair Transportation Services” or “Ambulette Service” in the Yellow Pages of the phone book; you may also call your local town hall or senior center.
Driver Safety Programs
- AARP Driver Safety Program (Completion of course may result in reduction of auto insurance cost.) 1-888-227-7669
- Driver Evaluation Program at ECMC (716) 898-3225
- Also, check your school district's community education programs, town halls and senior centers.
Handicapped Parking Permits
For handicapped parking permit information and application, call:
- Erie County Office for the Disabled 858-6215
- Office for Disabled Parking Permits (Buffalo residents only) 851-4204
- Forms must be submitted to your local town hall.
Community Services
Community-based organizations provide a variety of services. Contact the agency closest to home or the one that addresses specific needs:
- Catholic Charities Aging Services www.ccwny.org 896-6388
- Cheektowaga Senior Services, https://tocny.org/departments/seniors/ 686-3930
- Harmonia Collaborative Care https://harmonia-care.org/ 947-5025
- Deaf Access Services, Inc. www.wnydas.org 833-1637 (Voice) or 833-5234 (TTY)
- Hearts and Hands: Faith in Action (Akron / Newstead, Alden, Wales) www.heartsandhandsfia.org 542-2226
- Hispanics United of Buffalo 856-7110
- Lt. Col. Matt Urban Human Services Center http://urbanctr.org/ 893-7222
- Los Tainos Senior Citizens Center 842-0172
- Love, INC. (Greater Gowanda area) http://www.loveincspringville.com 532-3541
- Native American Community Services 874-4460
- People, Inc. Senior Outreach http://www.people-inc.org 768-2357
- Pride Center of Western New York http://www.pridecenterwny.org/ 852-7743
- Schiller Park Community Services 895-2727
- Senior Outreach Services (Amherst / Clarence / Newstead) www.amherst.ny.us/pdf/senior/sos.pdf 636-3070
- South Buffalo Community Association (South Buffalo & Lackawanna) 822-4532
- Springville Concord Elder Network / SCENe 532-1010
- Western New York Independent Living, Inc. http://wnyil.org/ 836-0822
Home Care Services
For more information on home care, personal care or skilled nursing help in the home, call:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services 858-8526
- CASA: Community Alternative Systems Agency (Medicaid recipients) 858-2323
- NY Medicaid Choice (Medicaid recipients) 1-855-222-8350
(See also "Nurses" or "Home Health Services" in the Yellow Pages of the phone directory.)
Chore Service
Neighborhood agencies may be able to offer help with household tasks (donations requested by some agencies). Call:
- Harmonia Collaborative Care 6722 Erie Rd., Derby 14047, 670-1200 (Fee for Service)
- People, Inc. Senior Outreach, 2635 Delaware Ave. 14216, 768-2357
- Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee St., Buffalo 14216, 895-2727
- South Buffalo Community Association (serves South Buffalo and Lackawanna) 35 Cazenovia St., Buffalo 14220, 822-4532
- (See also local churches, Senior Citizen Centers and groups.)
Friendly Visitors & Telephone Calls
For homebound seniors who would like someone to visit on a regular basis, call:
- Senior Companion Program http://people-inc.org/senior_services_home/senior_companion_program/index.html 768-2381
- Also, contact local churches or community centers.
For regular phone calls to check on a person's welfare or offer a friendly chat, call:
- Telephone Assurance Program (TAP) 218-1400 ext. 206
Adult Day Programs
These programs may offer health, rehabilitation, mental health or social activities. For further information contact:
- The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Adult Day Services at Amherst Center for Senior Services (Social Program) 689-1403
- Aurora Adult Day Services (Social Program) 652-4269
- Catholic Charities Senior Day Program (Social Program) 896-6388
- Suburban Adult Services Services (Social Program) 947-5857
- The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Adult Day Services at North Tonawanda (Social Program) 243-7888
- Guild Care (Visually Impaired Health Program) 885-8041
- Town of Hamburg Adult Day Services (Social Program) 646-0255
- Lake Shore Family Center (Social Program) 934-2353
- Lord of Life Adult Day Health Center (Social Program) 668-8000
- People, Inc. Seniors Unlimited Adult Day Care (Social Program) 853-4500
- Respite
- St. Catherine Laboure Adult Day Care Program (Medical Program) 862-2513
- Schofield Adult Day Health Care Program (Medical Program) 849-8720
- Structured Day Program (focus on individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury) (Social Program) 1-800-701-12330 ext. 110
- Veterans Administration Medical Center Adult Day Health Care (Medical Program) 862-3244
Feedmore
For meals to be delivered to homebound seniors and disabled persons, call the service nearest you:
- FeedMore WNY www.feedmorewny.org 822-2002
- Alden Meals on Wheels, 937-7105
- Amherst Meals on Wheels 636-3065
- Grand Island Meals on Wheels 773-9682
- Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels, http://www.kentonmealsonwheels.org/ 874-3595
- Springville Meals on Wheels 592-2760
- Twin Cities Meals on Wheels, Inc. (serves City of Tonawanda & North Tonawanda), http://www.tcmow.com/ 693-1663
Wellness & Nutrition
Stay Fit Dining: Hot meals are served Monday - Friday at noontime at group dining sites for persons age 60 and over; spouses are welcome to attend. Nutrition education and counseling, Club 99 exercise classes, cooking demos offered. For information call: Erie County Department of Senior Services Stay Fit Dining 858-7639
Wellness Programs: Living Healthy Diabetes & Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs; Tai Chi for Health; Matter of Balance 858-8526
Grocery Delivery
Call for information regarding grocery delivery. There is a fee for this service:
- Price Rite Market (West Side), Buffalo 14213, (716)885-2887
- Shop 4 U, Clarence 14031, (716)759-7187
- Dash's Delivers, https://dashsdelivers.rosieapp.com/ (716)204-0386
- Instacart Grocery Delivery www.instacart.com
Food Assistance
For information regarding SNAP/Food Stamps, see the Benefit Checklist.
For more information about Food Pantries in your zip code, please call:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services 858-8526
- Feedmore WNY www.feedmorewny.org 716-822-2002
- Food Bank of WNY, http://www.foodbankwny.org/ 852-1305
- Food for All, http://www.religiousnet.org/programs/program_details.asp?Type=1&Item_ID=352 882-7705
- Food Pantries, http://www.foodpantries.org/ci/ny-buffalo
- For information regarding Food Stamps, please see the Benefit Checklist.
Housing/Rental Assistance
- Erie County Department of Senior Services - Call 858-8526 for a list or http://www.erie.gov/depts/seniorservices/housing/index.asp
- Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority, http://www.ci.buffalo.ny.us/Home/CityServices/Buffalo_Municipal_Housing_Authority 855-6774
- Kenmore Housing Authority 874-6000
- Lackawanna Municipal Housing Authority 823-2551
- City of Tonawanda Housing Authority 692-3555
- Belmont Housing Resources for WNY., http://www.belmonthousingwny.org/ 884-7791
- Rental Assistance Corp., http://racbny.org/ 882-0063
- HUD, Housing and Urban Development, http://www.hud.gov/local/ny/working/buffalooffice.cfm 551-5755
Homelessness
For information on shelters or issues pertaining to the homeless, call:
- 2-1-1 WNY/Central Referral Service, http://www.211wny.org/ 211 or 1-888-696-9211
- Lakeshore Behavioral Health Homeless Services Program 856-9711
- Homeless Outreach Project Eastside (HOPE) at Matt Urban Center 893-7222 Ext. 2
Utility & Energy Information
For a disconnect notice or other concern regarding utility bills, call the utility company first.
If the problem is not resolved, then call:
- PSC (all regulated utilities) (from 10:00am - 4:00pm) 1-800-342-3377
- PSC (gas and electric emergencies) (from 7:30am - 7:30pm) 1-800-342-3355
For additional information or assistance, call:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services 858-8526
For problems with water bills, call the local Water Authority.
For information or assistance in paying heating bills, call:
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Hot Line 858-7644
- Catholic Charities Neighbor for Neighbor (heating utilities) 856-4494
- HeartShare Care & Share Energy Fund (National Grid) 1-855-852-2736
- HeartShare Project Share Heating Fund (NYSEG) 1-800-599-4327
- Salvation Army Neighbor for Neighbor (heating utilities) 883-9800 Ext. 230
For energy conservation, call:
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) 858-8526
Community Medical/Dental
Community Health Centers: Community centers provide medical care, social services, and are a resource for all types of individual needs within a neighborhood setting:
- Baker Victory Dental Center, http://www.bakervictoryservices.org/dentalcent.html, 790 Ridge Rd., Lackawanna 14218, 828-9334
- Catholic Health System, various sites, http://www.chsbuffalo.org/, 447-6205
- ECC School of Dental Hygiene (Free exams and cleaning), 6205 Main St., Williamsville 14221, 851-1336
- Erie County Medical Center, 462 Grider St., Buffalo 14215, http://www.ecmc.edu/index.asp, 898-3000
- ECMC Dental Care at 462 Grider St., Suite 150, Buffalo 14215 http://www.ecmc.edu/medicalservices/specialty/pfamily.html, 898-3189
- Good Neighbors Health Center (Only for people with NO health insurance.), 175 Jefferson Ave., Buffalo 14210 http://www.harvesthouse.ws/goodneighbors, Medical and Dental Care: 856-2400
- Jericho Road Family Practice, 184 Barton St., Buffalo 14213, http://www.jrchc.org/, 881-6191
- Jericho Road Family Practice, 1609 Genesee St., Buffalo 14211, http://www.jrchc.org/, 892-2775
- Kaleida Health, various sites, http://www.kaleidahealth.org/, 887-5000
- Neighborhood Health Care Center, http://www.neighborhoodhealthcenter.org/ 155 Lawn Ave., Buffalo 14207; 300 Niagara St., Buffalo 14201; 3674 Commerce Pl., Hamburg 14075.
Primary Health Care and Dental: 875-2904 - University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, 3435 Main St., 325 Squire Hall, Buffalo 14214, http://dental.buffalo.edu/, 829-2821
Mental Health Services
Mental health evaluation, assistance and / or information are available through:
- Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, Erie County Medical Center (24-hour emergency psychiatric service) 898-3465
- Crisis Services, http://crisisservices.org/content/ 834-3131
- Del-Nor Resource and Treatment Center 533-4065
- Horizon Health Services, http://www.horizon-health.org/ 831-1800
- Jewish Family Service Geropsychiatric Assessment Program, http://jfsbuffalo.org/ 883-1914
- Mental Health Association (Information & Referral, Advocacy), http://www.eriemha.org/ 886-1242
- Endeavor Health Services (Formerly Mid Erie Counseling and Treatment Services), http://www.mid-erie.org 895-6700
- Project HOPE (Helping Older People Excel) at Catholic Charities, 896-6388
- Spectrum Human Services, http://www.shswny.org/,
2040 Seneca St., Buffalo 14210 ................................................................828-0560
27 Franklin St., Springville 14141 .............................................................592-9301
1280 Main St., Buffalo 14209 .....................................................................884-5797
326 Orchard Park Rd., 14224 ....................................................................662-6638
Volunteers are matched as mentors and special friends with individuals who are experiencing emotional problems and / or a mental illness:
- Compeer of Greater Buffalo, http://compeerbuffalo.org/, 883-3331
Health Care Information / Self-Help & Support Groups
- Alzheimer’s Association, WNY, http://www.alz.org/wny/ 1-800-272-3900 or 626-0600
- American Cancer Society, http://www.cancer.org/ 1-800-227-2345 or 689-6981
- American Heart Association, http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ 243-4610
- American Lung Association, http://www.lungusa.org/ 1-518-465-2013
- American Parkinson’s Disease Association, http://www.apdaparkinson.org/ 1-800-223-2732
- Arthritis Foundation, http://www.arthritis.org/new-york/ 212-984-8700
- Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center, http://www.askbhsc.org/ 885-8318
- Cancer Information Service, http://www.cancer.gov/ 1-800-4-CANCER
- Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, http://www.lifetransitionscenter.com/ 686-1900
- Deaf Access Services, http://www.wnydas.org/ 833-1637 (Voice) or 711 (Relay Service)
- Diabetes Support Group, http://www.diabetes.org/ 1-800-342-2383
- Eighth District Dental Society, http://www.8ddsny.org/ 995-6300
- Epilepsy Association of WNY, http://www.epilepsywny.com 883-5393
- Erie County Health Department, http://www2.erie.gov/health 858-7690
- Erie County Senior Services Living Healthy Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) 858-8526
- Erie County Senior Services Living Healthy Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) 858-8526
- Eye Care America National Eye Care Project, http://www.eyecareamerica.org/ 1-800-222-3937
- Hearing Loss Association of America, http://www.hearingloss.org/ 1-301-657-2248
- Life Transitions Center, http://www.hospicebuffalo.com/ 836-6460
- Lions Club, http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/index.php 836-0822 Ext. 181
- Medical Society of the County of Erie, http://eriemds.org/ 852-1810
- Mended Hearts (heart attack / disease survivors), http://mendedhearts.org/ 655-4597
- Mesothelioma Group, http://www.mesotheliomagroup.com 1-888-629-0613
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society, http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx 634-2573
- VIA (FKA Olmsted Center for Sight), http://www.olmstedcenter.org/ 882-1025
- Parkinson’s Wellness Group of Western New York, http://www.parkinsonswny.com/ 859-7565
- Recovery International (for former mental health patients), http://www.recoveryinternational.org 694-0104
- Stroke Groups, http://www.stroke.org/site/PageNavigator/HOME 1-800-787-6537
- WNY Osteoporosis Resource Center, http://www.chsbuffalo.org/AboutUs/News/2012/OsteoporosisSupportGroup 862-BONE (862-2663)
(For information on other Support/Self-Help Groups call Erie County Department of Senior Services: 858-8526.)
Consumer Questions
For concerns regarding fraud, false advertising, food inspection, etc., call:
- Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org 881-5222
- Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo, Inc., http://www.consumercreditbuffalo.org/ 712-2060
- Cornell Cooperative Extension (food safety), http://cce.cornell.edu/pages/default.aspx 652-5400
- Dispute Settlement Center 883-5050
- Do Not Call National Registry, https://www.donotcall.gov/ 1-888-382-1222
- Erie County Department of Health (health related info.), https://erie.gov/health 858-7690
- NYS Attorney General (consumer protection), www.ag.ny.gov 853-8404
- NYS Consumer Protection Board, https://www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection/ 1-800-697-1220
- Senior Medicare Patrol NYS Hotline (fraud or abuse), http://www.aging.ny.gov/NYSOFA/Programs/EconSecurity/SMP.cfm 1-877-678-4697
Victim Services
For assistance in finding supportive services after being the victim of a crime, call:
- Crime Victim Board 847-7992
- Victim Witness Assistance Program https://www4.erie.gov/da/advocacy-services-support 858-4640
Call for services for victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
- Crisis Services Advocate Program: Offers 24-hour crisis intervention 834-3131
- Protective Services for Adults 858-6877
Call for services for survivors of family violence, sexual assault and elder abuse.
- Family Justice Center, www.fjcsafe.org 558-7233
Legal Counseling
Help is given without cost to seniors for problems with Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, grandparents' rights; in Buffalo, also for home ownership, landlord and tenant problems.
- Center for Elder Law & Justice (formerly Legal Services for the Elderly, Disabled or Disadvantaged of WNY), http://www.elderjusticeny.org/ 853-3087
For low income people and for problems with SSI, Food Stamps, disability claims, handicapped rights, family law, housing for homeless, and eviction matters, call:
- Neighborhood Legal Services, www.nls.org 847-0650
For many other legal matters, call:
- Legal Aid Bureau, www.legalaidbuffalo.org 853-9555
- Volunteer Lawyer Project (referrals), http://www.ecbavlp.com/ 847-0662
- Lawyer Referral Services of the Erie County Bar Association (Initial consultation for referral to private attorney is $20.00.), www.eriebar.org 852-8687
Long-Term Living Arrangements
There are several options for long-term living arrangements with different levels of care and supervision, including independent housing, adult homes, and nursing homes. Call:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services 858-8526
- Adult Care Facilities
- Adult Homes
- Retirement Communities
- Nursing Homes
Developmental Disabilities
- Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled 883-8888, http://www.csdd.info/
- The Arc Erie County New York (Formerly Heritage Centers and Allentown Industries) 856-4201, http://www.arceriecounty.org/allentown
- People, Inc. 634-8132, http://people-inc.org/
- Aspire of WNY 505-5500, http://www.aspirewny.org/
- WNY Developmental Disabilities Service Office 517-2000, http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/
Adaptive Clothing & Equipment
Seniors with physical limitations or seniors who have difficulty doing every day tasks may be helped by adaptive devices or specially designed clothing. For more information, including local suppliers and numbers to call for catalogs, contact the Erie County Caregiver Resource Center. 858-8526
Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) http://cat.buffalo.edu/traid 836-1350
Health Insurance Information
- Insurance Resource Center / Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) of Erie County Department of Senior Services 858-7883
- Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) is available for seniors (age 65 or older) 1-800-332-3742
- Affordable Care Act https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ 1-855-355-5777
- For information on Medicaid or Medicare, see the Benefit Checklist.
Educational Opportunities
Educational opportunities are available at many colleges and high school districts' adult and/or continuing education programs at reduced or free tuition. For more information about classes, call:
- Buffalo and Erie County Public Library (computer classes), http://www.buffalolib.org/ 858-8900
- Buffalo State College (Office of Continuing Education), http://adulteducation.buffalostate.edu/ 878-5907
- Canisius College, http://www.canisius.edu/ 883-7000
- Daemen College, http://www.daemen.edu 1-800-462-7652
- D’Youville College, http://www.dyc.edu/ 829-8000
- Erie Community College – City, http://www.ecc.edu/ 851-1166
- Erie Community College – North, http://www.ecc.edu/ 851-1466
- Erie Community College – South, http://www.ecc.edu/ 851-1666
- Hilbert College, http://www.hilbert.edu/ 649-7900 Ext. 211
- Houghton College, http://www.houghton.edu/ 674-6363
- University Express, http://www2.erie.gov/seniorservices/index.php?q=volunteer-amp-employment 858-7548
- State University of New York at Buffalo (Millard Fillmore), http://www.millardfillmorecollege.com/ 829-3497
- Villa Maria College, http://www.villa.edu/ 896-0700
Education for Caregivers
- Erie County Caregiver Coalition, www.eriecountycaregiver.com
- Erie County Department of Senior Services' Speakers' Bureau 858-8526
- Caregiver Resource Center / Erie County Department of Senior Services 858-8526 for Powerful Tools Classes
- Alzheimer's Disease Caregiver Support Initiative 858-8526
- Also, check your school district's adult and/or continuing education programs.
Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
An emergency response system can be installed in-home. With the push of a button emergency help will be summoned. For further information, call:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services 858-8526
- More information
You may also request information from your local hospital or home care agency.
Check the Yellow Pages of the phone book under "Medical Alarms."
Volunteer Opportunities
- Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) 858-7548
- Compeer of Greater Buffalo, http://compeerbuffalo.org/ 883-3331
- FeedMore WNY (Formerly Meals on Wheels), www.feedmorewny.org/volunteer/ 822-2002
- United Way Volunteer Center, www.uwbec.org/content/pages/volunteercenter 887-2690
Employment
- Buffalo Employment & Training Center, http://www.workforcebuffalo.org/ 856-5627
- Foster Grandparent Program https://www.ccwny.org/services/foster-grandparent-program 896-6388 Ext. 216
- NYS Dept. of Labor Community Service Centers, http://www.labor.ny.gov/home/
Buffalo: 851-2600 Williamsville: 634-9081 - Senior Companion Program, http://people-inc.org/senior_services_home/senior_companion_program/index.html 768-2381
- Supportive Services Corporation, http://www.supportiveservices.org/ 881-6350
- More Information
Socialization & Recreation
Many services and activities are provided for seniors, including recreation and socialization. For senior centers within Erie County, call:
- Erie County Department of Senior Services 858-8526
Click here for Senior Center List - City of Buffalo Division for Senior Services, www.ci.buffalo.ny.us/home/city_departments/csrp/senior_services_disabled_parking_permit 851-4141
- Erie County Department of Parks & Recreation, https://erie.gov/parks 858-8355
- Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo, www.healthycommunitynetwork.com 851-4052
Recreation Permits & Discounts
- Golf: Rate reduction for Elma & Grover Cleveland courses for seniors 62 and over.
(Golden Age Permit) 858-8355 https://erie.gov/parks/ - State Parks: Use your NYS driver's license for parking discount. 278-1770 http://nysparks.state.ny.us/admission/golden-park-program.aspx
- Fishing and hunting licenses for seniors 70 and over: Can purchase licenses from DEC office, town clerk offices, and sporting goods stores.
NYS Conservation Office, 270 Michigan Ave. 851-7000 www.dec.ny.gov/permits/365.html - Federal Parks Senior Pass for 62+:
For information contact US Geological Survey, www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm 1-888-ASK-USGS Ext 3
Discounts & ID Cards
Identification cards can be obtained for discounts on goods, services, food, entertainment and/or Metro bus/rail transportation.
- Complimentary Card Program, Erie County Department of Senior Services (65 years of age or over) 858-8526
- City of Buffalo Division for Senior Services (City of Buffalo residents 60 years of age or over) 851-4141
- NFTA-Metro Reduced Fare Pass for the Disabled (no age requirement;can be obtained 3rd Wednesday of the month) 855-7360
- Non-Driver ID Cards & Driver License from Erie County Auto Bureau 858-7450
- Many merchants offer discounts to seniors; please check with individual providers.
Taxes
- Internal Revenue Service 1-800-829-1040 www.irs.gov
Property tax information and reductions, call your local Town or Village Assessor's office. See the Benefit Checklist for property Tax Exemption and IT-214 NYS Tax Rebate information.
Finances
- Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicare, call: 1-800-772-1213
- See also the "Benefit Checklist," for information about Social Security, Veterans Benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, SNAP/Food Stamps, Utility Assistance, Phone Discounts, Tax Information, and more.
Medicare Information
Instruction on the completion of forms and information about medical claims, call:
- Medicare Part A: Hospital Claims; Medicare Part B: Doctor Claims; Medicare Part D: Prescription Coverage 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or SSA: 1-800-772-1213
- Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program of Erie County 858-7883 https://www2.erie.gov/seniorservices/index.php?q=health-insurance#hiicap