NY S00348

Establishes a home delivered meal assistance program requiring services for eligible seniors on waiting lists who are currently denied services due to inadequate funding.

Sets eligibility criteria: applicants must be 60 years or older, incapacitated due to accident/illness/frailty, lack family or community support, and be unable to prepare meals safely or lack knowledge/skills.

Allows spouses of eligible seniors to receive services regardless of age if it serves the best interest of the homebound elderly person.

Requires area agencies to assess all referred individuals for program eligibility and implement standardized client assessment procedures consistent with state office guidelines.

Mandates designated agencies report to the director of the office for the aging on waiting list numbers, local funding contributions, and timing of state funding expenditure.