Andrew J. Spano, Westchester County Executive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2003

BENEFITS SOURCE

BOOKLET

 

$$$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Department of Senior Programs and Services

Mae Carpenter, Commissioner

 

 

Source Book

For Senior Citizens in Westchester County

 

(914) 813-6300

Department of Senior Programs and Services

Information and Assistance

(914) 245-2088

Northern County Senior Services

(914) 245-2094

Caregivers Resource Center

 

(914) 813-6393

Para informacion en Espanol

 

(914) 813-6436

Elder Abuse Helpline

(800) 662-1220

Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) Relay

 

 

Published by:

The Westchester County

Department of Senior Programs and Services

9 South First Avenue

Mount Vernon, NY 10550-3414

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT

OF SENIOR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

 

 

 

Who We Are

The Older Americans Act of 1965 created structures at the federal, state and local levels to administer programs that help the elderly maintain their health and independence in their homes and communities.

The Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services is part of this National Network on Aging, which includes the Administration on Aging in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 57 State Agencies on Aging, 670 Area Agencies on Aging and approximately 27,000 local service provider organizations under contract to the area agencies.

In 1974, the Westchester County Office for the Aging was designated by the New York State Office for Aging as the Area Agency on Aging to serve all persons 60 years of age and older in the Westchester geographic area. In March 2001, the Westchester County Office for the Aging became the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services.

Our Mission

Our mission is to identify and prioritize the needs of the elderly in Westchester; to create comprehensive and coordinated plans for meeting those needs; and to advocate for responsive policies, programs, actions, legislation and resources on behalf of the elderly.

The Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services also conducts activities and develops programs and services, which meet the intent of the Older Americans Acts and the New York State Community Services for the Elderly Act. The goals and missions of both the federal and state acts are to enhance the quality of life for the elderly in the following critical areas:

Sufficient income to meet basic needs

The best physical and mental health available

Appropriate housing according to individual needs and wishes

Services to restore health to the best possible state

Employment opportunities

Dignified, honorable and healthful retirement

Freedom to pursue meaningful activities

Adequate community services

Benefits from social and medical research as soon as possible

Use of initiative, freedom and independence in managing and planning their own lives

A primary role of the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services is to maintain a complete inventory of services available to older persons and to serve as an information and referral point for local services.

"Generations", the senior citizens’ newspaper published by the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services, is sent to 125,000 persons 60 years of age and older, and lists the Department of Senior Programs and Services Information Center phone (813-6300) and other important numbers.

The Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services is also the local link for Eldercare Locator Services of the National Network on Aging. The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide service to help families and friends find information about community services for older people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASIC BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE

For Westchester’s Residents

This booklet has been prepared by the Department of Senior Programs and Services to give Westchester County residents age 60 or older information about basic benefits you might be missing out on. Call (914) 813-6300 for the latest information about where to find services in your city or neighborhood. We’re always glad to hear from you.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

CASE MANAGEMENT………………….

2

CIRCUIT BREAKER…………………….

2

EPIC……………………………………….

3

FOOD STAMPS…………………………..

3

HEAP………………………………………

4

MEDICAID………………………………..

4

MEDICARE……………………………….

5

MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAMS…..

5

REAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION..

6

REVERSE MORTGAGE………………...

6

SCRIE………………………………………

7

SOCIAL SECURITY……………………..

7

SSI………………………………………….

8

STAR PROGRAM………………………..

8

VETERANS BENEFITS…………………

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Case Management

Eligibility:

Age 60+ and be a resident of Westchester County.

Income Limits:

None.

Resource Limits:

None.

Agency:

Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (914) 813-6442.

Website:

www.co.westchester.ny.us/aging/otherservices1.htm#cm

 

 

 

 
 

Circuit Breaker IT-214
 

Provides tax credits or cash payment of up to $375 to eligible homeowners and renters.

Eligibility:

Homeowners with property value assessed at not more than $85,000. Also renters with monthly rents up to $450 who spend a sizable percent of income on property tax.

Income Limits:

Yearly household income $18,000.

Resource Limits:

None.

Agency:

Call the New York State Dept. of Taxation and Finance (800) 462-8100.

Website:

www.hiicap.state.ny.us/facts/nys_tax_relief.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

elderly pharmaceutical insurance coverage (epic)

Eligibility:

Persons age 65 or older, who do NOT have Medicaid or other insurance coverage for drugs.

Income Limits:

Single: $35,000/yr.; Couple: $50,000/yr.

Resource Limits:

None.

Agency:

EPIC 1 (800) 332-3742 for application.

Website:

www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/epic/faq.htm

 

 

 

 

food stamps

 

Eligibility:

Low-income households, any age.

Income Limits:

A net income limit of 100% of poverty level is used to calculate limits for households with members who are disabled or over age 60. This calculation is complicated and can only be done upon completing an application.

Resource Limits:

$3,000 for all households which include a member 60 years or older.

Agency:

Food Stamp Program, Westchester County Department of Social Services (914) 995-5000.

Website:

www.ssa.gov/pubs/10101.html

 

 

 
 

home energy assistance program (heap 2002-2003)
 

Provides cash/credit toward the payment of energy costs. Also provides heat related emergency grants.

Eligibility:

Homeowners or renters of any age who are paying for heat or utilities directly or as part of the rent.

Income Limits:

One person: $1,678/month; Two persons: $2,194/month.

(Note: Certain expenses may be deducted from rental income).

Resource Limits:

None.

Agency:

Senior citizens and the disabled apply to Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (914) 813-6300. Others may contact the Westchester County Department of Social Services (914) 995-5619.

Website:

www.dfa.state.ny.us/otda/heap

 

 
 

medicaid

Eligibility:

Persons aged 65+ or blind/disabled, with low income and low resources.

Income Limits:

Single: $642 + $20*; Couple: $934 + $20*

(*First $20 is exempt).

Resource Limits:

Single: $3,850; Couple: $5,600 (An additional $1,500 exemption allowed per person for burial).

Surplus Income:

When income is over the limits stated above, but medical expenses equal the difference, apply to Medicaid Surplus Income Program.

Agency:

Medical Assistance Program, Westchester County Dept. of Social Services (914) 995-5000.

Website:

www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/medicaid
   

medicare
 

Federal Health Insurance Program that pays for certain health care costs.

Part A:

Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility, hospice and home health care. No premium required if eligible for Social Security. Others pay $319 monthly. Hospital deductible is $840 per benefit period.

Part B:

Helps pay for physician cost, outpatient clinic, home health care and durable medical equipment: $58.70 monthly premium, deductible is $100 per year.

Eligibility:

Age 65+ and certain disabled person at any age.

Income Limits:

None.

Resource Limits:

None.

Agency:

Apply at your local Social Security Office or

Call 1 (800) 772-1213.

Website:

www.medicare.gov

 

 

 
 

Medicare Savings Programs
 

(QMB, SLIMB, QI-1) these programs, eligibility based on monthly income and *resource limits, can pay either your Medicare premiums, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Programs:

QMB- Pays for Part A & B Premiums, Coinsurance & deductibles

SLIMB – Pays for Part B Premium only

QI-1–(special yr. to yr. allotted funding) pays Part B Premium only

Eligibility:

Age 65+, Disabled, low income and low resources, enrolled in Medicare Part A and Eligible for Medicare Part B.

Income Limits:

QMB, SLIMB, QI-1: Single: $769 -1,031; Couples: $ 1,030 -1,384

Resource Limits:

QMB & SLIMB: Single: $4,000; Couples: $6,000

*QI-1 – No resource limit

Agency:

Apply at your local Department of Social Services Office or Call

1 (914) 995-5000 or for more information call 813-6300.

Website:

www.medicare.gov

 

 
 

real property tax exemption
 

Reduction in taxes for certain homeowners of up to 50%, renewable annually.

 

Eligibility:

Homeowners age 65+ residing on taxed property for previous 12-month period.

Income Limits:

Varies by municipality, not to exceed $28,900.

Resource Limits:

None.

Agency:

Municipal Department of Assessment and Taxation.

Website:

www.hiicap.state.ny.us/facts/nys_tax_relief.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

reverse mortgage program
 

Eligible homeowners can take a loan against the appraised value of the home to generate a monthly income for the term of the loan.

Eligibility:

Homeowners age 62+ who reside in Westchester County. Home must be the primary residence.

Income Limits:

None.

Resource Limits:

None.

Agency:

Senior Housing Assistance Program (914) 428-0953 or New York State Banking Department 1 (800) 522-3330.

Website:

www.aging.state.ny.us/findhelp/guide/guide5.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

senior citizen rent increase exemption (scrie)
 

Provides relief from obligation to pay rent increases, landlord is compensated by reduction in real estate taxes.

Eligibility:

Persons age 62+ who live in rent controlled or regulated apartments with a rent that is more than 1/3 of household income.

Income Limits:

Varies by municipality, not to exceed $20,000.

Resource Limits:

None.

Agency:

Rent Abatement Program, New York State Division of Housing (914) 948-4434.

Website:

www.dhcr.state.ny.us/ora/pubs/html/orafac21.htm

 

 

 

 
 

social security
 

Monthly cash benefit based on prior employment and amount withheld from earnings during employment years.

Eligibility:

Varies. Disabled worker is eligible at any age. A worker’s surviving disabled spouse is eligible at age 50. A worker’s surviving spouse is eligible at age 60. A retired spouse or a worker’s surviving dependent parents are eligible at age 62.

Income Limits:

None for person age 65+. For persons age 62-64 benefit is reduced $1 for every $2 earned over the $11,520 limit. Months prior to turning 65, benefit is reduced $1 for every $3 earned over the $30,720 limit.

Agency:

Apply at your local Social Security Office or

Call 1 (800) 772-1213.

Website:

www.ssa.gov

 

 

  

 

 

supplemental security income (ssi)

Eligibility:

Persons age 65+ with limited income and resources. Blind or disabled at any age, with low income and low resources. Eligible individuals automatically qualify for Medicaid.

Income Limits:

Living alone: single - $632 + $20*; Couple - $921 + $20*

Living with others: single - $568 + $20*; Couple - $863 + $20* (First $20 income is exempt).

Resource Limits:

$2,000 (single), $3,000 (couple), plus $1,500 for burial expense per person.

Agency:

Apply at your local Social Security Office or

Call 1 (800) 772-1213.

Website:

www.ssa.gov/pubs/11146.html

 

 

 

 
 

new york state school tax relief program (star)
 

Reduction in school property taxes for owner-occupied, primary residences.

Eligibility:

Homeowners age 65+.

Income Limits:

$60,000 a year.

Resource Limits:

None.

Agency:

Municipal Department of Assessment and Taxation.

Website:

www.hiicap.state.ny.us/facts/nys_tax_relief.htm

 
 

veterans benefits
 

Provides pensions, medical care and prescription drugs, vocational rehabilitation, education, home loans, burial and other benefits.

Eligibility:

Veterans at any age. Dependents and survivors may receive certain benefits. Pension applications may be made by any wartime veteran who is deemed totally disabled.

Income Limits:

Vary with benefits.

Resource Limits:

Subject to review.

Agency:

Westchester County Veterans Service Agency

(914) 995-2146 or (914) 995-2203.

Website:

www.co.westchester.ny.us/veterans