Category: Services

TVCCA Energy Assistance Program 2021-2022

Winter is coming and home heating costs can be a struggle for many.  There is help.

TVCCA is now taking applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program which provides assistance towards a homes primary source of heat – oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, coal, wood or wood pellets.  The program is designed to help offset the winter heating costs of Connecticut’s lower income households.  Eligibility is based on income, family size, assets, and expenses.  Payments are made directly to the utility or fuel company.

Income and Asset Limits apply:

Household Size:           1                          2                    3                                

Annual Income           $39,027          $51,035            $63,044

Applications can be done over the phone or in person.

For an appointment or for additional information, please call TVCCA (860) 425-6681

Friday, November 5th from 10:00 to 11:00am- Pop-Up drive-Thru Food Distribution

Our monthly food distribution will continue during November. We plan on
distributing the food on Friday, November 5th between the hours of 10:00 –
11:00 a.m. Unfortunately, some individuals confuse the advertised time of the
distribution and arrive much later in the day for food. We close at 11:00 a.m. If
you arrive at 11:30 or 12:00, the food has been packed up and sent back to
Norwich. We are most appreciative for the continued efforts of United
Community & Family Services extraordinary dedication to this valuable service for
our community. They also have co-sponsors for each distribution which is held.
Many banking institutions such as Charter Oak, Dime Bank, Core Plus Credit Union
are instrumental in making this process happen. Thanks to all!

TVCCA Energy Assistance Program- 2021

Applications will begin to be accepted on August 2nd. As of the printing of
this newsletter, the guidelines are incomplete and will be updated in upcoming
newsletters. At this time, there are some very basic things that must be provided
when you apply. They are:

*Social Security numbers for all household members.
*Birth date for all household members.
*A current active utility bill. The bill must be the listed household members name
that is age 18 or older. The bill must be complete, which means both top and
bottom of the bill must be intact before you make payment to the utility
company. (Usually, the bottom portion of the bill is removed and sent along with
your payment to the utility company.
*Current income documentation for every household member: Last four
consecutive week’s pay stubs (1 pay stub if paid monthly, 2 pay stubs if paid biweekly or 4 pay stubs if paid weekly) and/or Workman’s Compensation benefits
for the four weeks prior to your appointment date; showing gross income, tips,
commissions, and bonuses.
*Currently monthly Social Security, SSI, and/or Veteran’s benefit income
*Pension or Annuity check stub(s), or a letter from the payer on their letterhead
stating the gross amount.
*All bank interest statements and dividend payments for the past month (if more
than $10.00 per month.)
*Unemployment statements from the website www.ctdol.state.ct.us or
unemployment history printout (Within 24 hours prior to the appointment)
showing the last four consecutive weeks.
*Income from alimony and/or child support from Child Support Enforcement
(letter or printout), a bank statement if payment goes directly into a bank
statement.
*Rental income. Current documentation verifying the amount of rent you collect
from your tenant(s).
*Self-employment…..Must fill out the Self-Employment Worksheet, have it
notarized and bring your most recent tax return with all schedules attached.
*DSS cash advance award letter-showing the current income for the household.
*A signed statement indicating the amount and frequency of payments from
friends and relatives who are contributing toward your household’s support that
includes the name, address, and telephone number of the contributing person.

If you are interested in applying for the program, you have several options.
I will be accepting applications, by appointment, at the Preston Town Hall and
Preston Elderly Housing. Phone 860-887-5581 ext. 6 leaving your name,
telephone number and reason for the call. Or, you can contact the TVCCA Office
directly and schedule an appointment by calling 860-425-6681. They are located
at 401 West Thames Street, Unit 201, Norwich, Ct.

St. Vincent de Paul Place Miracle Bag Donations

The Senior Center will be collecting items to donate to St. Vincent de Paul Place this Holiday Season for use to make Miracle Bags.  Miracle Bags are full of hygiene items that are given out not only at the Holidays but also available year round to those in need.  Approximately 440 bags are given out monthly.  Please donate to this great cause!

Items that are needed: bar soap, deodorant, razors, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, toilet paper, combs, hair brushes, winter hats, winter gloves, winter scarves, socks, individually wrapped candy (fun size bars) and granola bars.  Monetary donations and gift cards ($5 or $10) to Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Big Y, Walmart and Target are also appreciated.

*Please be sure all items are new, in unopened containers and not expired.*

If you would like to make a donation, please drop items off at Reception no later than

 

* * MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT 2021* *

Deadline to make changes to your plan is December 7th

Medicare Part C (Advantage Plans) and Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage).

Medicare health plans and prescription drug plans can make changes each year to things like cost, coverage providers and pharmacies.  During open enrollment, you have the opportunity to review and make changes to your plan.  Schedule an appointment to re-evaluate your current plan.

Norwich Residents ~ Please call Carolyn for an appointment (860) 889-5960

Medicare Benefits Counselor Natalie is also available to assist any seniors,  60 years and older, who live in New London County.

NL County Residents 60+ ~ Please leave a message for Natalie (860) 889-5960

 

 

Inclement Weather Notice

If the area experiences bad weather – classes, programs and transportation may be cancelled OR the Senior Center may be closed.

Weather related cancellations and closings are posted on

WFSB TV Channel 3, WICH-1310AM or WCTY-97.7 FM radio stations.

**We are listed as ROSE CITY SENIOR CENTER for cancellations and closings.**

 

COVID-19 Vaccine

If you need assistance finding a COVID-19 Vaccine clinic or need transportation to your COVID-19 Vaccine appointment, please contact the Senior Center for help (860) 889-5960.

Homebound or have difficulty getting out of the house?  Uncas Health District Mobile Vaccination Team can bring the shot to you!  Call Uncas Health District to schedule a home visit.  (860) 823-1189 x109

 

 

Coffee, Tea and SMP- Second Friday of the Month from 9:00-10:00am

Sip your favorite morning beverage as you join in on this informational phone conversation.

Join Senior Resources Agency on Aging for a free group phone conversation about Medicare, Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), CHOICES programs and ways to prevent Fraud and Abuse.  Listen in, ask questions, discuss ideas.  Every 2nd Friday of the Month.  Different topics and speakers each month.

To join, Dial in to the FREE conference call line: (712)775-7031  Enter the Meeting ID: 797-253-419

For more information, contact Alison Dvorak at Senior Resources. (860)887-3561

 

 

Notary Public Services

Otis Library is now offering free notary service!  This service is by appointment only.

To make an appointment, contact Victoria vrice@otislibrarynorwich.org or leave a message at (860) 889-2365 x110

 

Computer Assistance

Do you have questions on how to use a computer, the Internet or email?  Looking for assistance with your laptop, tablet, or cell phone?  Joyce, our new Computer Assistance volunteer can help you out! 

Joyce meets with Senior Center Members by appointment only

Please call Reception for Joyce’s contact information