Assemblyman Joe Giglio A Guide to New York State Senior Citizen Programs
from Assemblyman
Joe Giglio


Assemblyman Joe Giglio
Dear Neighbor,

This pamphlet is designed to provide you with a brief introduction of several programs and services available to senior citizens in New York State. The information provided has been updated as of March 2008.

I have provided the contact information for the federal, state or local agency responsible for the administration of each program. However, if you’re not sure which agency to turn to, encounter any problems in your search for assistance or would like additional copies of this pamphlet, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

Sincerely,
signature
Joe Giglio



Assemblyman Joe Giglio
Joe Giglio
WORKING FOR SENIORS
Social Security Retirement Benefits
Benefits
Monthly cash benefits based on years of employment and amount withheld from earnings.
Eligibility
Full Retirement Age (FRA): 65 if born before 1938; If born 1938 and later, gradually rises from 65 to 67. In 2008, FRA for a person born in 1942 is when he/she reaches 65 and 10 months.
Income Limits
Earning limit for person under FRA-$13,560
For persons under FRA, for every $2 earned over the limit, $1 withheld from benefits.
If you will reach FRA in 2008, the limit on your earnings for the months before FRA is $36,120.
In the year an individual attains FRA, an individual must report their earnings for the year the month they reach FRA. During those months preceding FRA, $1 in benefits is withheld for every $3 over the limit.
Resource Limits
None
Government Agency
Social Security Administration:
1-800-772-1213
www.socialsecurity.gov
School Tax Relief
(STAR) Exemption
Benefits
Partial exemption from school property taxes for owner occupied primary residences.
Eligibility
Enhanced: Seniors 65 years of age or older who own and live in a one-, two- or three-family home, condominium or cooperative apartment, whose income is less than $67,850.
Income Limits
See eligibility
Resource Limits
None
Government Agency
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
www.tax.state.ny.us

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Benefits
Renters/homeowners $120-$540. If heat included in rent: $40 or $50. Grant or energy credit, depending upon income, household size and type of fuel used.
Eligibility
Low income homeowners and renters.
Income Limits
Monthly income:
Individuals: $1,876
Couples: $2,454
Resource Limits
None
Government Agency
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
www.otda.state.ny.us
HEAP Hotline: 1-800-342-3009

Elderly Pharmaceutical
Insurance Coverage (EPIC)
Benefits
Cuts prescription drug costs.
Eligibility
NYS residents 65 or older; must meet income guidelines. Not eligible if receiving full Medicaid benefits.
Income Limits
Fee Plan: Single: $20,000 or less
Married: joint income $26,000 or less
Deductible Plan: Single: $20,001 to $35,000
Married: joint income $26,001 to $50,000
Resource Limits
None
Government Agency
EPIC Helpline
1-800-332-3742


Making Prescriptions
More Affordable

‘Extra Help’

The (federal) Social Security Administration offers eligible seniors with limited income and resources “Extra Help,” which pays for the annual premium and deductible for the Medicare prescription drug coverage and limits co-payments to $2 and $5. To encourage EPIC enrollees to apply for “Extra Help,” those enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan with full “Extra Help” will have their EPIC enrollment fees waived.

If you think you qualify, apply either by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or by completing an online application at www.socialsecurity.gov. If an individual qualifies, he or she would then enroll in Part D to assist with prescription drug costs.

Medicare Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage
Benefits
Covers both brand-name and generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies in your area. Medicare prescription drug coverage provides protection for people who have very high drug costs.
Eligibility
Everyone with Medicare is eligible for this coverage, regardless of income and resources, health status, or current prescription expenses.
Note: The annual open enrollment period starts on November 15 and ends on December 31. If you don’t sign up for a plan during this period, you may have to pay a penalty. If you are new to Medicare, you may join a Medicare prescription drug plan from three months before you turn 65 to three months after you turn 65. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits, you may join three months before and three months after your 25th month of disability.
Income Limits
None
Resource Limits
None
Government Agency
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
www.medicare.gov

Medicaid Full Coverage
Benefits
Comprehensive health care benefits, including coverage for hospitals, physician, skilled nursing facility, health-related facility and home care.
Eligibility
Persons 65+, blind, disabled children under 21 or the caretaker relative of a dependent child who is experiencing deprivation of parental support.
Accountable Income Limits
Individuals: $700/month
Couples: $900/month
When one spouse is institutionalized and receiving Medicaid, the other spouse, while not receiving Medicaid, may retain $2,610 in monthly income and $104,400 maximum in assets.
Resource Limits
Individuals: $4,200. Couples: $5,400. Exempt: primary residence, car, certain additions for burial.
Government Agency
NYS Department of Health
www.health.state.ny.us
Medicaid Helpline 1-800-541-2831

photo


Senior Citizen Services
Assemblyman Joe Giglio from Assemblyman
Joe Giglio 		Print & Save
Click above to print this information

Toll-Free State Assistance
AARP (866) 227-7442
Voter Information (800) 367-8683
SSI/Medicare (800) 772-1213
Insurance Problems and Complaints (800) 342-3736
Legislative Bill Status (800) 342-9860
Medicare and Medicaid Claims (800) 633-4227
Senior Citizen’s Hotline (800) 342-9871
State Tax Questions (800) 462-8100
Federal Tax Assistance (800) 829-1040
Utility Billing Problems (800) 342-3377
Veteran’s Problems and Assistance (888) 838-7697
Advocate for the Disabled (800) 522-4369

OTHER SERVICES
Department of Motor Vehicles
Allegany County
(585) 268-9267 		Cattaraugus County
(716) 373-8044 		Chautauqua County
(716) 753-4229

Department of Social Services
Allegany County
(585) 268-9622 		Cattaraugus County
(716) 373-8065 		Chautauqua County
(716) 753-4421

Health Department
Allegany County
(585) 268-9250 		Cattaraugus County
(716) 373-8050 		Chautauqua County
(716) 753-4314

Office of the Aging
Allegany County
(585) 268-9390 		Cattaraugus County
(716) 373-8032 		Chautauqua County
(716) 753-4471

Office of Veterans Affairs
Allegany County
(585) 268-9387
Ext. 387 or 388 		Cattaraugus County
(716) 373-8010
Ext. 3298 		Chautauqua County
(716) 661-8255

Office of Mental Health
Allegany County
(585) 593-1991 		Cattaraugus County
(716) 373-8040 		Chautauqua County
(716) 753-4104

Assemblyman Joe Giglio
700 West State Street
Westgate Plaza
Olean, NY 14760
(716) 373-7103
Back