|
Tax Assistance -
Assistance to senior citizens is available to complete Federal or NYS income
tax forms February to mid-April. Year-round assistance and information
regarding tax credits, property tax reductions, etc. is also available.
Star (School Tax Relief)
- Homeowners in NY State are now eligible for school tax reductions. To apply
for the STAR program contact your local assessor. Questions may also be
directed to the Office for the Aging.
IT 214's - The
NY State Tax form IT-214 is a real property tax rebate for homeowners and
renters with an annual income of $18,000 or less. Forms for filing are
available at the Office for the Aging. The form may be filed at any time
during the year, and is retroactive for a three-year period.
Medicaid - Medicaid is a
program for low-income persons who are unable to pay their medical costs. If
qualified, Medicaid helps to pay for a variety of hospital and other medical
services, including eyeglasses, dental care, prescribed drugs, and long term
nursing home care.
Property Tax Reductions -
In most communities in NY State, homeowners over 65 years of age with low
incomes may apply for a 50% reduction in their taxes. You must have lived in
your home for two years or more. Filing dates and income levels vary in each
community. This can be easily checked by contacting your local assessor. The
reduction is not automatic and must be applied for when you reach age 65. You
also must file an application each year with your local assessor.
Employment - Experience
Works and Title V programs in Washington County offer part-time work to
persons age 55 and older who meet certain income criteria.
Energy - Assistance is
provided to income eligible persons in applying for HEAP, the Home Energy
Assistance Program, for the payment of heating bills. Assistance is based on
monthly gross income, the number of persons living in the household, and the
heating situation. Staff from the OFA is also available to screen and refer
eligible older persons whose homes are in need of winterizing and other energy
conservation services. In addition, staff will assist in identifying other
resources to meet a client’s needs including utility fuel funds, charitable
organization, State and Federal loan and grant programs, etc.
Financial Counseling -
Any resident of Washington County who is having difficulty managing their
personal or household budget can receive free and confidential financial
counseling. If you are having trouble making ends meet or find yourself having
to make financial decisions for the first time in your life, Cornell
Cooperative Extension may be able to assist you.
Medicare (www.ssa.gov)
- Medicare is a program that helps older persons with medical bills. Anyone
age 65 or older and entitled to Social Security or Railroad Retirement is
automatically covered under Medicare’s basic hospital insurance plan (Part
A). The supplemental medical insurance plan (Part B) of Medicare is voluntary,
and to participate there is a monthly premium charge. Contact your Social
Security Office at least three months before you reach age 65. For information
on Medicare, contact the Social Security Office nearest you. A listing of
physicians in your area who accept Medicare assignment is available through
the Office for the Aging.
Social Security (www.ssa.gov)
- All persons who have worked some portion of their lives and made sufficient
Social Security payments as required by law are entitled at age 65 to Social
Security benefits. You may receive Social Security benefits sooner, starting
at age 62 if you retire then, but the monthly benefits will be smaller. There
are also disability provisions for individuals who are disabled before age 65.
The spouse of someone who is receiving Social Security benefits is entitled to
a spouse’s benefits even if he or she has never worked. The surviving spouse
of a person who was covered by Social Security is entitled to a percentage of
the spouse’s benefits until he or she remarries. Widows and widowers over
age 60 who remarry will NOT lose their benefits. After one year of marriage,
the widow/widower can file for the spouse’s benefits on the new spouse’s
record if the benefit is higher than the widow/widower’s rate. At least
three months before age 62 or 65, or at the time of disability, go to your
Social Security Office to apply for the benefits to which you are entitled.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
(www.ssa.gov)
- This program provides financial aid to people 65 and over, and to those
blind and disabled regardless of age, whose income and resources are below
specified levels. Those qualifying for SSI may also be eligible for Medicaid
and Food Stamps.
Veteran’s Benefits -
Veterans and their spouses or widows may be eligible for long term care
benefits, real property tax reductions, veterans/widow pensions, financial
assistance with home modifications, medical and prescription services.
Back to Top
|
