For 2025, there will be a 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) to Social Security and SSI benefits.The following are the federal monthly SSI benefit amount for 2025 (there is no increase to the NYS state supplement amount):For an individual living alone: $967, plus the NYS supplement of $87, for a total of $1,054.For a couple [...]

Medicare Part D plans, which cover prescription drugs, will have a maximum out-of-pocket cost of $2,000 beginning in 2025.  The $2,000 includes any plan deductible, copays and coinsurance; premiums are not included in this amount.  Should someone reach $2,000 in out-of-pocket costs, the Part D plan will cover the costs of their medications in full for [...]

Medicare’s Annual Election period, running from October 15 – December 7, 2024, provides an opportunity for people in Original Medicare with a Part D plan, or those in a Medicare Advantage Plan, to review their plan options for 2025 and make any changes.  Beneficiaries with Original Medicare can switch Part D plans; those in Medicare Advantage [...]

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) program is open and accepting applications! NYC residents can apply via ACCESS HRA.HEAP (known as “regular HEAP”) provides assistance to low-income households to help pay for energy expenses. HEAP benefits are either sent as a direct payment to the household’s heating/utility vendor, or as a one-time cash benefit directly to [...]