* Provides free cell phones and plans to qualified customers throughout New York State.

* Assists with lowering telephone bill, making it affordable for all customers.

Search HERE for service providers in your zip codeThe Affordable Broadband Act (ABA), codified in NY General Business Law, requires internet service providers (ISPs) in New York State, with limited exceptions, to offer reduced-cost plans to qualifying households.Under the ABA, ISPs who are not exempted from the program are required to offer qualifying households broadband service at no more than $15 per month for at least 25 Mbps of service. If an ISP offers a $20 per month plan for high-speed broadband service of at least 200 Mbps they are considered in compliance with the law. An ISP is not required to offer both plans. No bundles, additional fees, or taxes are allowed to be required or charged by the ISP.Non-exempt ISPs are required to offer reduced-cost options for all connections of any speed over fixed wireless, wireline, or satellite services. ABA does not include reduced-cost plan options for mobile or dial-up services.New Yorkers can qualify for these broadband plans if their household participates in any of the following programs:Free or reduced-priced lunch through the National School Lunch ProgramSupplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramMedicaidSenior citizen rent increase exemptionDisability rent increase exemptionAffordability benefit from a utility

Assists income-eligible National Grid gas customers with managing home energy bills by providing a monthly bill credit based on the customer's HEAP benefit, family size, income, energy costs and the presence of a vulnerable household member. Includes automatic enrollment in the Budget Plan, unless customer opts out. Program replaces the company's Residential Reduced Rate Program and goes into effect January 1, 2018.

Lifeline Assistance offers families and individuals participating in a qualified government program or income eligible, a free cell phone FREE Monthly Unlimited Texts and Minutes plus Unlimited Data including 25GB High-Speed Data, FREE Android™ Smartphone, $0 cell phone bill

Lifeline is a federal program dedicated to making phone and internet service more affordable for low-income households. This benefit provides eligible consumers with a monthly discount of up to $9.25. Consumers living on Tribal lands are eligible for an enhanced discount of up to $34.25 per month.

Offers special services for those with disabilities, such as large print or Braille for the blind or seniors, special notifications and assistance to homes which have someone who is chronically ill, frail elderly, oxygen dependent, or disabled. Also has a program designed specifically for senior citizens for information and referral to government aid programs, safety tips, saving money on the energy bill, printed materials, and bill paying options which might save them money.

Provides a reduction in the delivery and system charges portion of the bill. You may qualify if you receive benefits from certain non-PSEG financial assistance programs. You may be eligible for this rate if you have an active residential PSEG account in your name and are currently receiving benefits from at least one of the following programs: Child Health Plus, Federal Lifeline Program, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance - Family Assistance (FA), Temporary Assistance - Safety Net Assistance (SNA), US Veteran’s Disability Pension/Surviving Spouse Pension - Non-Service Connected Disability, Veteran’s Pension or Survivor's Benefit.

Provides a free cell phone with coverage, up to one year, to individuals or families who are on public assistance and below the poverty guidelines and cannot afford telephone communication. These phone are to be used for emergency situations outside the home or for assistance in seeking and retaining employment.

Offers a reduced rate on the primary residential phone line for eligible customers. Call for eligibility requirements or visit the Lifeline Support Website (www.lifelinesupport.org).

Provides help to individuals and families with basic needs during an emergency or crisis situation. Services include emergency food, and utility or rent payment assistance.

Project 10Million is free internet for 5 years plus a hotspot device to families with at least 1 student on the national school lunch program - no chance for fees or overages or anything at all

*Offers free internet for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students.

Provides a free cell phone and airtime each month for income-eligible customers.

* Provides a free cell phone and free airtime each month to low income individuals.These are used for emergencies that may occur outside of the home and also assist those seeking and retaining employment by having the ability to communicate with employers.

* Offers information/referral and assistance programs for senior citizens with Advocacy Nutrition program Case management Dial-a-friend Long term care ombudsman Income tax counseling Loan closet Emergency response program Home delivered meals* Offers home energy assistance program (HEAP) assistance with gas and electric bills.* Offers the expanded in-home services for the elderly program. Cost-sharing home care for functionally impaired elderly In-home assessment Case management Homemaker/personal care aide services Housekeeping/chore services* Offers transportation assistance.* Offers home repair.* Offers legal services.

*Offers free internet for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students.

Lifeline provides discounts, currently $9.25 per month, on landline or wireless telephone service, for eligible low-income subscribers***.ONE Lifeline service is permitted per household, defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address as one economic unit.Applications are made through the current telephone company or preferred company. For a list of phone companies, click NYS Phone Companies.***At or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or participating in benefit programs such as Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program), Veteran's Disability or Surviving Spouse Pension, Section 8, etc.Link-Up America, which helped income-eligible consumers pay telephone installation costs or wireless activation fees, has been discontinued, except in certain tribal areas.

information and assistance applying for: STAR IT 214 Tax rebate cable TV discounts telephone lifeline Food Stamps/SNAP HEAP other programs as available

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) units allow an individual to contact emergency help by pushing a button. PERS units provide peace of mind for individuals who may live alone or be at risk of falling. Units are provided at a reduced cost for individuals aged 60+.

*Offers free internet for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students.

Update July 2024- The Samaritan Center has a NOEP coordinator that assists with SNAP eligibility and application.Referrals and assistance to low-income residents with urgent needs at its Ithaca offices and food pantries in Danby, Groton and Caroline.Free clothing, personal care products, linens, towels sheets and diapersAccepts gently used donations of bedding (sheets, blankets,etc.), towels and clean clothing for men, women and children, including shoes.Once-a-year emergency financial help when resources are available:Security deposits eligibility requirements:-Tompkins County resident moving within Tompkins County-Ineligible for Department of Social Services security deposit voucher-Family has not received security deposit funds in the past 5 years-Income must be less than 60% AMI guidelines-Assistance must be within the FMR guidelines for the unit size and household size-Application and approval process take about 2 weeks-Applicant can not reside in unit before approved inspection or application approvalUtilities- Must have shut-off notice and denial from DSS during HEAP (they are flexible w/ requiring DSS denial letters).Can do minimal fills for propane.Back rent - when funding is available (similar eligibility guidelines as security deposits program)Prescription medications (controlled substances not eligible)Transportation assistance - bus passes or gas vouchers for: education (semester long), employment (verification required-not to look for employment), or medical appointments within Tompkins County.Limited car repair funding available, applicant needs a quote and mechanic needs a W9. Applicant pays the difference for repairs beyond $500.Moving Assistance (limited funding)- Partnership with Reuse where CC refers to the ReMap program for store credit to get furniture, household goods, appliances, etc., and Reuse provides access to moving truck, driver and movers for up to 2 hours for one move per year.-Move must be within Tompkins County.-Low-income households (60% AMI guidelines)-The program doesn't have the capacity to go up and down multiple floors when moving items.-All items must be packed and prepped for moving.-Items can be moved to a storage facility rather than apartment, if there is not a new apartment lined up yet-Refer to the Samaritan Center for screening.Tompkins County site for:Fidelis, Child Health Plus, Medicaid, and Medicare applicationsFood Stamps screeningAnnual Winter Event "Share the Warmth": clothing drive gathers items at red collection bins throughout Tompkins County. Seeks donations of clean items in good condition (working zippers, no missing buttons, no spots/stains). Typically late November or Early December.

* Offers a credit toward monthly residential voice service for eligible individuals.

Free cell phone services for those who qualify.

* Offers telephone services for special populations. Individuals who have deafness or hearing impairments, blindness, or physical challenges. * Offers a discount program for customers on public assistance. Deferred payment agreements. * Provides third-party notification in case of illness or absence from home.