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MEDICAID
Medicaid is a program for persons who cannot afford to pay their medical costs.
This program can also be used to pay for certain long term care costs.
SOCIAL SECURITY INFORMATION
Social Security
(www.socialsecurity.gov)
Your Social Security taxes
pay for three kinds of benefits: retirement, disability and survivors. You
may receive benefits at
full retirement age (with
reduced benefits available as early as age 62) if you have worked long
enough. If you were born before 1938, your full retirement age was 65. The
full retirement age gradually rises until it reaches 67 for people born in
1960 or later. If you
delay your retirement beyond full retirement age,
you will get special credit for each month you do not take benefits until
age 70. If you choose to delay your retirement past age 65, you still should
file for Medicare within three months of your 65th birthday. If you are
eligible for retirement or disability benefits, other members of your family
might receive benefits, too.
The Social Security website is a valuable
resource for information about all of Social Security’s programs. There are
a number of
things you
can do online.
In addition to the website, you can call toll-free at
1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to
7 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may
call the Social Security TTY number,
1-800-325-0778.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
(www.socialsecurity.gov)
The SSI program makes payments to people with low income who are age 65 or
older or are blind or have a disability.
The Social
Security Administration manages the SSI program. Even though Social Security
manages the program, SSI is not paid for by Social Security taxes. SSI is
paid for by U.S. Treasury general funds, not the Social Security trust
funds.
The Social Security website is a valuable
resource for information about all of Social Security’s programs. There are
a number of
things you
can do online.
In addition to the website, you can call toll-free at
1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to
7 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may
call the Social Security TTY number,
1-800-325-0778.
Medicare
(www.medicare.gov)
Medicare is
our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Certain
people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare, too, including those
who have disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure or
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease). The program helps with
the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the
cost of most long-term care.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
is the agency in charge of the Medicare program. But you apply for Medicare
at Social Security, and you may receive general information about the
Medicare program
(www.socialsecurity.gov)
Medicare Has Four Parts
Hospital insurance (Part A) that helps pay for
inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility
(following a hospital stay), some home health care and
hospice care.
Medical insurance (Part B) that helps pay for doctors’
services and many other medical services and supplies that
are not covered by hospital insurance.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are available in many
areas. People with Medicare Parts A and B can choose to
receive all of their health care services through one of
these provider organizations under Part C.
Prescription drug coverage (Part D) that helps pay for medications
doctors prescribe for treatment.
SSI - SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
SSI is a program which brings low income social security recipients up to a basic benefit level. Individuals may
be also eligible for medical assistance (Medicaid) and Food Stamps.
FOOD STAMPS
Food Stamps are coupons that can be used like
money to buy food, and are available to lower income people. Food Stamps are
accepted at most grocery stores, food co-ops, farm stands and Senior Dining
Centers.
REAL PROPERTY TAX
EXEMPTION
A reduction in property taxes from 20% - 50% is
available to persons 65 or older, based on household income and residency.
Information regarding this program and applications are available through your
local Assessor's Office.
STAR (SCHOOL TAX
RELIEF)
A reduction in New York
State school taxes is available to persons based upon age, household income
and residency. Information regarding this program
and applications are available through your
local Assessor's Office.
NY STATE TAX REBATE (IT-214)
NY State Tax Form IT-214 is a real property tax rebate for home owners and renters with an annual income of $18,000
or less. This form may be filed at any time during the year, and is retroactive
for a three year period. Tax-Aide Counselors are available to assist
seniors in filing this form.
VETERAN'S BENEFITS
Veterans and their spouses or widows may be eligible for long term care benefits, real property tax exemptions, or veterans/widows pensions.
Contact the Veteran's Service Agency at 607-746-2334.
WEATHERIZATION
Funds are available to improve or repair eligible homes and apartments to make them more energy efficient.
Persons who are HEAP eligible are primary recipients.
RESIDENTIAL REPAIR
Grants and low interest loans and volunteer programs are available for limited repairs to homes of eligible homeowners.
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