Rent-stabilized/controlled tenants in a co-op can apply for SCRIE, the Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption program When the rent goes up, tenants with SCRIE don't pay the increased rate. Instead, the landlord is eligible for an equivalent credit on the building's property taxes.

Similarly, there's DRIE, the Disability Rent Increase Exemption, which applies to disabled renters.

Co-op or condo-owners aged 65 and older can apply for the tax reduction offered by SCHE, the Senior Citizen Homeowners Exemption; Enhanced STAR, the New York State School Tax Relief Program; and other programs. And all low-income seniors, renters or homeowners, may be eligible for things like HEAP, the Home Energy Assistance Program. There are many veterans' programs as well.

All these things can help free up income that can be used to pay the monthly maintenance or carrying charges.

In addition, you may find help and information through such government services as the New York State Office for the Aging and the New York City Department for the Aging, or such non-profit service organizations as Dorot (the Hebrew word for “generations”).