Programs

    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.

    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.

    Free Grocery Delivery Program for Seniors

    Senior Resources Agency on Aging-Eastern CT announces that it is offering a
    COVID 19 related, short term funding program to pay for groceries and delivery to
    the home of older adults.
    People 60 years or older provide their grocery list to specially trained intake
    personnel over the phone. The list is then ordered and paid for through services
    such as Instacart or other grocery store providers. The recipient pays nothing.
    Approximately $100 of groceries per order, delivery fees and tip are all included in
    the program funding.
    Benefits screening is offered to ensure that the participant is aware of any
    programs or services that will help them to continue to live independently in their
    community. This might include Medicare counseling, Senior Nutrition Program
    participation, SNAP application, Caregiver support, transportation, housing
    questions, heating assistance and much more.
    Participants provide basic demographic information in a confidential phone
    conversation, similar to other Older Americans Act funded programs. Income is
    discussed as part of the benefits screening process but is not a requirement of the
    grocery program. Call 860-887-3561 Monday through Friday 8:30 – 4:00. Have
    your list ready and let the receptionist know that you are calling about the
    grocery program.
    Senior Resources, the Area Agency on Aging in Eastern Connecticut, is a
    private non-profit organization established in 1976 and authorized by the Older
    Americans Act of 1965 and state statute to provide unbiased access, information
    and referral to programs related to aging. The Eastern Connecticut region
    includes Windham, New London, Middlesex County and several towns of Tolland
    County.

    ECTC Transportation program

    This year, the ECTC (Eastern Connecticut Transportation Consortium) medical transportation program has undergone some important changes. We will no longer be assessing a membership fee for the year and the one-way trips have increased to 24 per year, per person. Individuals who are not already registered for the program must register. Please contact the Senior Affairs Office at 860-887-5581 ext. 6 for additional information. For those individuals utilizing only the Caregiver Mileage Reimbursement mileage portion of the program, it remains unchanged.

    The Caregiver Mileage Reimbursement and Medical Transportation program is for adults 60+ and persons with disabilities who are unable to drive and need transportation to a medical  appointment that is occurring outside of the hours or area that the town funded transportation services operate. This service is funded through a state grant. Rides and reimbursements are contingent upon the availability of grant funds. When funds run out, the provision of rides will be stopped until such time as funds become available again.