COSA-County of Delaware Services for the Aging 206 Eddystone Ave. 2nd Floor Eddystone, PA / TDD

Transcription

1 Benefits, Entitlements & Income Support For Older Adults COSA-County of Delaware Services for the Aging 206 Eddystone Ave. 2nd Floor Eddystone, PA / TDD Website:

2 The following is a description of programs available to Delaware County residents. Areas of assistance range from fuel, to transportation, to vehicle registration. Eligibility requirements for all programs, however, are constantly changing. It is recommended, therefore, that individuals call to obtain the most current information. 2 Benefits and Entitlements Available Through ****DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES **** Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Fuel Assistance, and Medical Assistance can be applied for at the following Delaware County Assistance Office (CAO) locations: 1. District Office #1 2. District Office #2 701 Crosby Street 845 Main Street Chester, PA Darby, PA Phone: Phone: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) This is an income-eligible program providing Electronic Benefits Transfer which can be redeemed at food markets for basic food items. No liens are placed against property owned by eligible recipients. Resource limits: Households may have $2,000 in countable resources, such as a bank account. Households may have $3,000 if at least one person is age 60 or older. Certain resources are not counted, such as a home and lot and the resources of people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. For individuals that are 60+ or disabled, the net income is what s used to determine eligibility. Person(s) is Household Eligibility Guidelines (revised annually) Gross Monthly Income Maximum Gross Monthly Income for households that contain an 60+ or disabled member 1 $1,557 $1,946 2 $2,098 $2,622 3 $2,640 $3,300 4 $3,181 $3,976 5 $3,722 $4,652 6 $4,264 $5,330 7 $4,805 $6,006 Each additional Member +$542 +$678 Fuel Assistance LIHEAP (Low Income Heat Energy Assistance Program) -This program provides grants to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help pay heating bills. LIHEAP offers both cash and crisis grants. Cash Grant - The grant payment is sent directly to the utility company or fuel provider, and it will be credited on the utility bill. The only exception to this rule is when a renter's heat is included as part of the rent. Payment is then made directly to the individual. Crisis Grant Helps families who have an emergency and are in danger of being

3 without heat. Emergency situations include: having broken heating equipment (like a furnace) or leaking lines; a fuel shortage that may leave you without heat; and having utility service shut off. LIHEAP Hotline/ Information Eligibility Guidelines - Yearly Income before Taxes is at or less than (Cash & Crisis Grants (2015) Household Size LIHEAP Income Limit Weatherization Income Limit 1 $17,655 $23,540 2 $23,895 $31,860 3 $30,135 $40,180 4 $36,375 $48,500 Each additional Person Add $6,240 $8,320 Medical Assistance - This program provides medical coverage to low income individuals who do not have adequate medical insurance coverage. Eligibility is based upon a combination of income, assets and medical expenses. Contact County Assistance Office to determine eligibility. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB) - This program is a Medicare buy-in for lowincome elderly and disabled individuals who meet income requirements. QMB pays Medicare coinsurance and deductibles. If an individual does not have Medicare, they may still be eligible to receive benefits. Contact the County Assistance Office to determine eligibility. Benefits and Entitlements Available Through **** SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION**** Social Security (SS) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be applied for at the following locations: 807 Crosby St West Chester Pike Chester, PA Upper Darby, PA Social Security - This program provides benefits to workers who paid into the Social Security system during their wage earning years. Monthly payments can be made to: 3 1. Retired workers and their spouses; 2. Widows & widowers & minor dependents of persons covered by Social Security; 3. Severely disabled persons who expect to be unable to work for at least one year.

4 A retired beneficiary and spouse may receive full benefits if application is made at age 65 or over. However, persons may apply at age 62 to receive reduced monthly payments. Widows/widowers are eligible for benefits at age 60 (50 if disabled). Disabled workers may receive payments at any age on their own claim. Monthly payments are reduced when taken prior to age 65. Individuals do not have to stop working to receive Social Security benefits. A person can earn amount they want. However, between age 62 and 65, you have to give back $1.00 for every $2.00 that is earn. The following are needed when applying to Social Security: 1. Social Security Card 2. Birth Certificate 3. Last Year s W-2 Form or Most Recent Federal Income Tax Return 4. Marriage Certificate (if married) 5. Military Discharge Records (if applicable) NOTE: A beneficiary with low income and limited resources should apply for both SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) because SSI can begin in the first month of disability. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - This program provides monthly benefits to individuals that are elderly (over 65), blind or disabled who have limited income and assets. Individuals may be eligible for SSI even if they have never worked and/or receive limited Social Security benefits. To be eligible for this program, an individuals assets, other than the home in which they reside, must be no greater than $2,000 in savings, stocks, bonds, real estate, etc., and never go over that amount while on SSI. A couple may be eligible with assets up to $3,000. In determining a month s income, the first $20.00 of Social Security or other income is not counted. If you receive SSI payments, even if it is only $1.00, you receive Medical Assistance (MA) automatically. There is a re-determination each year for SSI. 4 Benefits and Entitlements Available Through **** THE PENNSYLVANIA LOTTERY FUNDS **** PACE (Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly) -This program is designed to help Pennsylvanian residents aged 65 and older pay for their prescriptions. Individuals must be a resident of the state for at least 90 days prior to the date of their application, and have an income of $14,500 or less for one person or $17,700 for a married couple. An individual can apply within 30 days of their 65 th birthday. Eligible residents pay $6 co-payment for generic and $9 for brand name. The individual cannot be eligible for pharmaceutical benefits under Medical Assistance.

5 PACENET - is an extended financial version of the above listed PACE program. Individuals must be aged 65+ and a resident of the state for at least 90 days prior to the date of their application. PACENET will provide those seniors who have income below $23,500 for s single person, and $31,500 for a married couple and are not eligible for pharmaceutical benefits under medical assistance your prescriptions. Eligible residents pay $8 co-payment for generic and $15 co-payment for brand name per prescription after the $40 monthly deductible. Benefits for both programs include prescription drugs, Insulin, Insulin syringes and insulin needs. No other pharmaceutical supplies are covered. PACE applications can be obtained at COSA, senior centers, legislative offices, or phone or (for the hearing impaired). APPRISE Programs- A federally funded senior insurance counseling program. This program is for seniors who are 60 and older who reside in the state. They handle concerns regarding Medicare, Medicaid, private policies, long term insurance and supplemental insurances. For more information please call or Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program - This program provides rebates on paid property taxes to eligible homeowners/ renters who are either permanently disabled, age 18-64; a widow/widower, age 50-64, or a person age 65 or older. The income limit is $35,000 (Note: only 50% of all Social Security, SSI Payments, and Railroad Retirement is counted for eligibility), whether a single person or a family. The maximum rebate amount is $650. Applications can be obtained at COSA, Senior Centers, Department of Revenue Offices, or Legislative Offices. Community Transit - This program provides a private, nonprofit specialized transportation service to the public. Through the lottery fund a reduced fare rate is provided to older adults aged 65 and older. This is a shared-ride program for residents of Delaware County who: * cannot use public transit * do not have public transit available to them * require a more specialized type of transportation service For specific information call Community Transit general information number at or COSA at Delaware County Transportation Options- A fact sheet describing state funded transportation programs and other forms of transportation services available to seniors in Delaware County is available through COSA - Phone Reduced Vehicle Registration - This program provides retired Pennsylvanians (income not to exceed $19,200 including Social Security and other forms of pension) with a reduced registration fee of $10.00 for Class 1 or 2 vehicle. The discount does not apply to title fees, transfer fees, or sales tax. Applications are available through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Harrisburg, PA or call , all legislative offices and COSA. Older adults can request a two-year license instead of four. Keep in mind that you will need to have a new photo taken every two years as you renew your license. 5

6 *** HOME WEATHERIZATION & HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAMS *** Home Weatherization Program - This program provides home weatherization and oil furnace repair services to low income homeowners and renters in Delaware County. Income Eligibility Guidelines Home Weatherization Household Size Maximum Income 1 $23,540 2 $31,860 3 $40,180 4 $48,500 5 $56,820 6 $65,140 7 $73,460 8 $81,780 For each additional person $8,320 Service Provided: Caulking, Weather-stripping, Insulation of Hot Water Tanks, Attic Insulation, Attic Ventilation, Primary Window (as needed), and Oil & Heater Repair For an application contact the Delaware County Weatherization Program at **** PENNSYLVANIA STATE ASSOCIATIONS***** Senior Dental Care Program - Oral Health Care for senior Citizens. If you are 65 or older and low income you may be eligible to receive professional dental care at a reduced fee. The services include examinations, cleanings, and all other dental procedures. For more information call , (extension 105). Applications can be obtained by calling COSA at or National Eye Care Project- A national outreach program designed to provide medical eye care to the nations disadvantages senior citizens. You must be 65 and older, a legal U.S. resident, and have no access to an ophthalmologist. For more details call EYES. Revised 9/16/16 6