Category: Programs

Need help with Medicare?

CHOICES Counselors provide free, unbiased information about the Medicare Parts A, B, C
and D and provide assistance through the medicare.gov portal to screen and enroll in various
Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Part D plans as well as provide screening and application
assistance for the Medicare Savings Programs to help make Medicare affordable.

Interested in FOOT CARE?

If you are interested in FOOT CARE, please call us at 860-441-6785 to get on a waiting list.

UniteCT- Do You Need Help Paying Rent due to COVID-19?

UniteCT is an emergency rental assistance for Connecticut’s
economy. Have you been financially impacted by COVID-19? Are you
struggling to pay your rent and utilities? Apply for UniteCT, a rental
assistance program supporting CT residents who earn up to 80% of the HUD
Area Median Income and their landlords. You may qualify for the
opportunity to receive…..Missed electric outstanding payments, Missed
rent or future rent payments. To learn more and see if you qualify, visit:
www.bit.ly/UniteCT or for additional information, call 1-844-864-8328.

Office of the Attorney General-Connecticut:

Attorney General William Tong and Department of Consumer Protection
Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull are asking Connecticut consumers to be wary
of companies selling potentially faulty and unregulated over-the-counter-hearing
aids.
Connecticut law has long required that hearing aids may only be sold by
licensed audiologists or hearing instrument specialists. In 2017, the Food and
Drug Administration relaxed regulations on the sales of hearing aids and
companies began developing hearing devices that could be sold over the counter,
without consulting a medical professional. Medically approved hearing aids are
expensive, often costing several thousand dollars for a single earpiece.
The FDA has yet to approve any over-the-counter hearing aids for sale to
consumers. Yet some hearing devices have been marketed as a FDA “registered”
or “cleared” solution for mild to moderate hearing loss as a more affordable price.
While some might word as advertised, others may be faulty or completely
inadequate for treating hearing loss.
“Although an over-the-counter medical device might be less expensive, it
doesn’t mean it will be effective,” Attorney General Tong said. “If you are looking
into such hearing devices, please do your homework to make sure the device
actually works and fits your specific needs before spending money on a product
that might be worthless.”
“Just like any purchase, make sure to read the fine print closely,” said DCP
Commissioner Michele H. Seagull. “Shop around, do your research, read reviews,
consult with a medical professional, and be sure you know the return policy.
These are all steps that can help prevent you from wasting money on a device
that doesn’t work as advertised.

Here are some tips to remember if you are shopping for hearing aids:

*The FDA has not approved any over-the-counter hearing devices. Over-the-
counter, direct-to-consumer, hearing aids are not regulated and because of this,

may work poorly or not at all and could be harmful.
* Research the seller with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have a
good rating before you purchase the product.
* Be skeptical of online reviews and endorsements.
* Read the purchase policy carefully. Can you get a refund if they don’t
work? How long do you have to make a return if necessary?
* If you can, get a health screening and discuss your options with a medical
professional. They will be able to tell you exactly what kind of hearing device
would work for you and make recommendations.
* Always remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam or have been contacted
by a scammer, contact the Office of the Attorney General at 860-808-5318 or
attorney.general@ct.gov.

Thursday, June 15th at 11:30am- Walk through Take Out Luncheon

Menu: Pulled Pork/Coleslaw/Dessert

Cost: $5.00

Orders must be placed no later than July 7th.  Call senior center for deadline.

Call 860-376-2329 to sign up

MASKS & 6’ SOCIAL DISTANCE REQUIRED ENTER THROUGH FRONT DOOR AND EXIT THROUGH LIBRARY DOOR

Renter’s Rebate of Elderly and Totally Disabled Program 2021

July 2021- Reminder

As a reminder for individuals applying for the Renter’s Rebate and Totally Disabled Program, the income limits for unmarried individuals are $37,600.00 and $45,800.00 for a married couple. You need to provide proof of income for 2020 including but not limited to Social Security benefits, interest, wages, etc. Information regarding additional documentation essential for the completion of your application may be directed to the Senior Affairs Office. To schedule an appointment, please telephone the Senior Affairs Office at 860-887-5581 extension 6. Application deadline is October 1st.

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The Renter’s Rebate Program includes the following requirements for participation:
1. The claimant must have resided in Connecticut for a one-year period of time prior to filling an application.
2. Claimant, or spouse, if domiciled together, must have been 65 years of age by the end of the calendar year preceding the filing period; or be 50 years of age or older and the surviving spouse of a  renter, who at the time of his/her death, had qualified and was entitled to tax relief. Persons under 65 years of age who are receiving Social Security or disability benefits deemed comparable by the Secretary of OPM are also eligible (applications filed under the disability provision must be accompanied by current proof of disability.
3. Qualifying income is considered wages, bonuses, commissions, gratuities and fees; self-employment net income; gross Social Security benefits, Federal Supplemental Security income, dividends, interest, annuities; IRA distributions, Black Lung payments; Green Thumb payments; interest resulting from gifts received; Lottery winnings; net rental income, pensions, Railroad Retirement; severance pay, Unemployment Compensation, Workers Compensation, Alimony, etc.
4. The qualifying income guidelines for the calendar year 2020 must not exceed $45,800.00 for a married couple and $37, 600.00 for unmarried individuals.
5. The applicant must provide proof of rent and utilities payments during the 2020 calendar year.
Individuals interested in making application for the Renters Rebate of Elderly and Totally Disabled Programs are requested to contact the Senior Affairs Office at 860-887-5581 ext. 6. The  application filing period is April 1st through October 1st.

The COVID-19 restrictions continue to remain in place. Possibly in the near future, face-to-face appointments will again be offered. Until there is an official lifting of those restrictions, I ask that  those individuals interested in applying for the Renters Rebate program contact the office, make arrangement to drop off your documents in the Blue Drop Box in the front of the Preston Town Hall, 389 Route 2 (include your name and telephone number on the items) and I will contact you by phone to finalize your application.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28- COMMUNITY FIRST MEAL AND SUNSET SERENADE

FREE and Open to the Public!
**If you plan to enjoy your free meal at the Sunset Serenade you MUST pre register by July 26**
Please come through 4-5 pm, pick up your meal then stay to join us at 5 pm for the free entertainment. If you
want to bring your own food that is obviously fine too.
This is a drive through style and contactless meal program here at Groton Senior Center with the purpose of
keeping our community nourished during these difficult times. In order to keep this contactless, we ask that you
pop open your trunk so meals can be placed in.
This night is generously sponsored by NCOA, Walmart Foundation and Children First Groton.

Call The Senior Center if you need the following:

  • Please call us if you need yarn for your projects.
  • Do you need reading material? We have many books available to you.  Our new center will have a library for your enjoyment!
  • If you have DSS paperwork that you need assistance with, please call.
  • Are you familiar with the Medicare Savings Plan — QMB? You may qualify to save money each month.  We process applications for this program — call us!