Category: Programs

TVCCA’S Connecticut Energy Assistance Program – Updates:

In response to the economic impact of COVID-19 on our community, the
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, provided by TVCCA, Inc., has
implemented important changes to increase access to Connecticut households.
Please call 860-425-6681 to apply.
Program Date Changes:
*Deliverable fuel deliveries extended to Thursday, May 20, 2021.
*Last day that a household can apply has been extended to Tuesday, June 15,
2021.
New Program Updates (For the remainder of this season):
*The program no longer requiring households to provide bank statements as part
of their application.
*Liquid Asset tests are no longer required (liquid assets include savings/checking
accounts, bonds, CD’’s, IRA’s, etc.)
*Additional deliverable fuel benefits for households are now available.
Categorical Eligibility:
*Any household with an individual who is responsible for the heating costs and
receives a SNAP benefit will be eligible for a Level 4 CEAP benefit.
*Any household with an individual who is responsible for the heating costs and
receives Cash Assistance (TFA, State Supplement or Refugee Cash) will be eligible
for a Level 1 CEAP Benefit.

Wed, June 23rd at 11am- Cookout in the Parking Lot

COOKOUT IN THE PARKING LOT

$6pp

Registration will begin June 1st.

Register with the Senior Center by June 18th.

Hamburger, hot dog, potato salad, bag of chips, and dessert.

 

Thurs, June 3rd at 6pm- Hartford Healthcare presents a Webinar: Virtual Healthy Brain Series

In this free, LIVE webinar series, join Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Dementia
Specialist, to learn how to challenge your mind daily, importance of diet, sleep and the blue
zones. Q&A with the expert will follow the presentation.

To register for any HHC virtual class, please call 1-855-442-4373 or visit hartfordhealthcare.org/
virtual classes. Once registered you will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the
virtual class.

June 21st from 2:00pm to 4:00pm- National Make Music Day

We, a group of acoustic guitarists who regularly play together, invite
other guitarists, musicians and singers to join us for a 2-hour play
along session outside the East Lyme Community Center.

All are welcome. Old and young. Just bring a chair, your new or dusty
acoustic or percussion instrument, and or voices.

Music Day Flyer 2021

 

Now Scheduling Nutrition Appointments Started May 6th

NUTRITION OFFICE HOURS are back!!

Meet with Registered Dietitian Deb Downes  One-on-One Thursday mornings at Groton Senior Center

Starting May 6th,  Deb will be back on Thursday mornings.  First visit:  $20 for one hour. Subsequent visits:  $10/half hour.

Nutrition can help with              

  • Weight Loss
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Healthy Eating
  • Cancer (Prevention, Treatment, Recovery
  • Intestinal Issue

To schedule an appointment with Deb : 860-441-6785 

PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR BLIND OR TOTALLY DISABLED PERSONS

Connecticut law provides for a $3,000 assessment exemption for taxpayers who are legally blind. Proof of the blindness (certification by a qualified medical practitioner) must be presented to the Assessor prior to October 1 in order for the exemption to be applied to that assessment year’s tax bill.
Connecticut law also provides for a $1,000 exemption for totally disabled persons who are receiving benefits under a federal, state or local retirement plan, which contains requirements comparable to those of the Social Security Administration. Proof of disability must be presented to the Assessor prior to October 1 in order for the exemption to be applied to that assessment year’s taxes.
Homeowners who are totally disabled may also be qualified for tax credits under the State-sponsored Homeowners Program even if they have not reached age 65. Please refer to the information in this brochure under the title “Property Tax Credits for Senior and Disabled Persons.”

PROPERTY TAX CREDITS FOR SENIORS OR DISABLED PERSONS

Property tax credits from $150 to $1,250 from total tax are available for low-income seniors or disabled homeowners on their primary residence. Eligibility for the “Homeowner’s Program” is based on the following criteria:
Property owner who is at least 65 years old as of December 31 proceeding the filing period or is at least 50 years old and the widow(er) of a previously approved applicant is eligible. Totally disabled taxpayers regardless of age may also be eligible upon presentation of a Social Security Award Letter or an SSA-1099 with Medicare premiums, or proof of benefits comparable to those of the Social Security Administration. Property must be owned or held in “life use” by the applicant as of October 1 of the year prior to the application period and at the time of application.

Income limits are determined annually by the State of Connecticut.* “Income” is considered income from all sources, including tax-exempt interest and Social Security. The income limit for the 2019 tax year is $45,100 for couples and $37,000 for single applicants. Applications must be renewed every two years between February 1 and May 15. Applicants must bring with them copies of their Federal Income Tax (if filed) and their SSA-1099. If taxes are not filed, applicant must provide statements of all income sources (pensions, interest income, SSA-1099, etc.)

*Qualifying Income thresholds are based on Connecticut Office of Policy & Management guidelines set annually.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE FOR 20/21 FALL&WINTER SEASON ***NOTE NEW DEADLINES***

Applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program are being taken at the New London office of TVCCA. This year, due to the COVID pandemic, phone applications will be processed by TVCCA. In order to set up a phone appointment with TVCCA, you will need to call 860-425-6681. They will provide you with further details.

The Senior Center will assist the Senior and Disabled population of East Lyme with their applications. Please call the Senior Center at 860-739-5859 for instructions on how your application will be processed. For residents who reside in Twin Haven and the AHEPA housing complexes, letters will be sent to you with your instructions.

To be eligible:

  1. In a one-person household, income can be NO greater than $36,645. In a two-person household, income can be NO greater than $49,228.
  2. If you are a renter, the first $12,000.00 in liquid assets is disregarded. Any amount over that limit, when added to the annual gross income must be below the income guidelines.
  3. If you are a homeowner, the first $15,000.00 in liquid assets is disregarded. Any amount over that limit, when added to the annual gross income must be below the income guidelines.

 

The following information is required:

  1. Proof of income sources: copy of most recent monthly (quarterly, annual) check or copy of an award letter or copy of most recent bank statement showing the direct deposit. If you are employed you must provide a copy of your four most recent consecutive pay stubs.
  2. Dividends, annuities or interest income (has to be more than $10/month). Copy of a statement for the most recently completed period.
  3. Proof of what you pay for rent. In addition, the name, address and telephone number of your landlord is required. If you are a homeowner and pay a mortgage, you must provide proof of your mortgage payment.
  4. If you have a checking and/or savings account, you must bring in the most recent ENTIRE statement.
  5. If natural gas or electricity heats the household, bring in the most recent ENTIRE statement.

 

Please remember all members of the household who receive income must report their income.

 

WE Wednesdays – Let’s Chat Wednesdays at 10 am

WE WEDNESDAYS virtual program meets weekly Wednesdays 10:00 am – 10:45 am

This virtual social gathering meets weekly through ZOOM so that we may socialize with you while safe distancing. We will keep it casual and allow for everyone to have a chance to say hello and chat. You do not need the Zoom app to participate. Call us at 860-441-6785 or email at colsen@groton-ct.gov to get the direct link.