Home » Hochul unveils historic investment in aging services for New Yorkers

Hochul unveils historic investment in aging services for New Yorkers

Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed the largest investment in aging services in New York State history, committing substantial funding to support older adults, caregivers, and families.

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Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed the largest investment in aging services in New York State history, committing substantial funding to support older adults, caregivers, and families.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Executive State Budget significantly expands programs through the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), alongside broader affordability and public safety initiatives aimed at improving the lives of older New Yorkers.  

“Older adults bring enormous economic and social value to their families, their communities, and the economy,” said NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen. “Governor Hochul recognizes these vital contributions with a fiscal plan that promotes opportunity and economic security for older New Yorkers, caregivers, and families alike. This budget provides critical supports to help older New Yorkers age in their communities of choice and support those who care for them with direct services.”  

According to NYSOFA, individuals over age 50 make up 36% of New York’s population yet contribute 43%—or $719 billion—to the state’s GDP. Their spending supports nearly 6 million jobs, generates $482 billion in wages, and contributes $72 billion in state and local taxes. Older adults’ pension and Social Security income inject an additional $99.5 billion into the state’s economy, while their volunteerism generates an estimated $13.2 billion annually.  

The budget includes a record-breaking $45 million increase for community-based aging services, bringing total funding for unmet needs to $68 million in FY26—more than doubling last year’s allocation. Since 2019, the state has invested $200 million in these services. The additional funding will support personal care, case management, nutrition, and other essential services in every Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) region.  

Beyond direct aging services, Governor Hochul’s budget introduces several major initiatives benefiting older adults:  

– **Long Term Care Advocacy:** $6.19 million for the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP), maintaining last year’s funding to ensure nursing home residents and their families have strong advocates.  

– **Middle-Class Tax Relief:** Tax cuts for joint filers earning up to $323,000 per year, helping those on fixed incomes.  

– **Inflation Rebates:** Payments of $300 for single taxpayers earning up to $150,000 and $500 for joint filers making up to $300,000.  

– **Expanded Child Tax Credit:** Financial support for over 300,000 grandparents raising grandchildren.  

– **Housing and Homeownership Protections:** Efforts to restore the SALT deduction at the federal level, protect older homeowners from rising property taxes, and prevent investors from purchasing homes for 75 days to give families and older adults a fair chance at homeownership.  

– **Healthcare and Wellness:** Increased Medicaid access to obesity medications, dental care, air conditioners for individuals with chronic conditions, and expanded community emergency services.  

– **Consumer Protections:** Measures to prevent financial exploitation, longer product return windows, and stronger wage theft laws.  

– **Transportation and Public Safety:** Investments in public transit for older adults, enhanced subway safety, and pedestrian safety measures, including stricter drugged-driving laws and lower speed limits in NYC bike lanes.  

– **Veterans’ Support:** Suicide prevention programs targeting older veterans, who make up 70% of the state’s veteran population.  

– **Disaster Recovery and Climate Resilience:** Expanded support for older homeowners affected by severe weather and investments in clean water, open spaces, and recreational infrastructure to enhance community well-being.  

Becky Preve, Executive Director of the Association on Aging in New York, praised the Governor’s plan: “On behalf of New York’s 59 Area Agencies on Aging and their community-based partners, we applaud Governor Hochul for recognizing the value of older New Yorkers and the value of our network of caring professionals. This historic investment will support services that directly impact the lives of older New Yorkers and caregivers.”  

Stephen J. Acquario, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Counties, echoed this sentiment: “It is crucial that our public policies prioritize the well-being of older adults. By investing in comprehensive services and support systems, we can ensure that older New Yorkers lead healthy, dignified, and fulfilling lives.”  

Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director, also commended the proposal: “AARP New York commends the leadership of Governor Hochul for proposing an unprecedented amount of funding to ensure those waiting for aging services get the help they need. The additional resources will also help those family caregivers who are struggling to piece together care every day to keep their older loved ones at home as long as possible.”  

Governor Hochul’s budget marks a significant step toward addressing the needs of New York’s aging population, reinforcing the state’s commitment to supporting older residents and their caregivers through targeted investments, affordability measures, and enhanced public services.

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