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.
Category: Resources
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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- Dividends, annuities or interest income (has to be more than $10/month). Copy of a statement for the most recently completed period.
- 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.
- If you have a checking and/or savings account, you must bring in the most recent ENTIRE statement.
- 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.
Fridays: June 11th- An Educational Series for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
Friday, May 28th, 2021 10:30 am -12:00 pm
Understanding Alzheimer’s & Related Dementias
Friday, June 4th, 2021 10:30 am -12:00 pm
Effective Communication Strategies
Friday, June 11th, 2021 10:30 am -12:00 pm
Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors
Please call 860-441-6785 to register for any of these educational sessions by Alzheimer’s Assoc. CT Chapter
Presented by Kris Sortwell, MSW, CBIS
Stroke Awareness – Content by Judy
Yes, it is a true emergency!! If anyone, any age has sudden numbness in their face, arm, leg, especially on one side of the body. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, lack of coordination. Sudden severe headache with no known cause. Call 911 right away!! This is a real emergency. If left unattended the consequences can be life altering if not fatal.
If you think someone might be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T.
F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
The sooner someone is treated the better the outcome. Strokes can be potentially reversed or at least stopped if a stroke is treated within the first 3 hours. Call an ambulance. Do not drive them!! The crew on the ambulance can start treatment sooner and the outcome will be better. You want life-saving treatment as soon as possible!!
If you think you are having a stroke call 911 right away. You might not be able to make that call even a few minutes later.
Every year over 800,000 people have a stoke. Nearly 150,000 die each year. Strokes are the leading cause of serious long-term disability. BUT 80% of strokes are PREVENTABLE!!
Most strokes are caused by clots blocking blood flow in the brain and strokes are a leading cause of disability. Some ways to prevent or lower your risk of having a stroke is to stop smoking, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, eat plenty of veggies and fruit, and exercise. Also be sure you are managing your diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease. Stress and depression can also contribute to the risk of a stroke.
By looking at your own risk factors of having a stroke and living a healthier lifestyle you can help reduce the odds of having a stroke. Be sure to review all of this with your health care professionals. Check with them before taking or changing supplements to see if they are right for you. Get regular checkups. Reach out to other professionals for help to improve your lifestyle.
And it is never too late to change! Talk to your doctor and modify some things in your life!!
RENTER’S REBATE PROGRAM 2021
For our seniors and disabled residents that have rented in Connecticut during the 2020 calendar year, you may qualify for the State Renter’s Rebate Program. We will begin taking applications in May and the Program runs until the end of September. For details, income guidelines, required documents, please contact Kathie at the Center! #860-848-0422. For those seniors and disabled residents that are homebound, our Outreach Worker, DeeAnn Morton, can come to the home to complete the application. She can be reached at #860-848-8820 or the Senior Center number in the late afternoon.
CERTIFIED CHOICES COUNSELOR PROGRAM
Offered by appointment at the Center, the Director, Kathie Peck is a Certified Choices Counselor and offers assistance to those in need on Medicare, Supplemental Plans / Medigaps, Medicare Part D, Medicaid, & more. Also, Benefits checks to see what/all of the state/federal programs you might qualify for. Information on your current income is needed. This is done with confidentiality and privacy for you! Make your appointment today!