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.
Wednesday, May 26th- BBQ & Music Bingo
Reminders for Energy Assistance 2020-2021 Season
March 31, 2021 is the Deadline for fuel authorizations or deliveries.
May 3, 2021 is the last day that a household can apply to establish its eligibility for benefits unless the household is utility heated and has a shut-off notice for its primary source of heat.
May 14, 2021 is the last day that a utility heated household with a shut-off notice for its primary heat can apply to establish its eligibility for benefits.
May 31st is the last day to submit deliverable fuel bills.
Elderly and Totally Disabled Tax Relief Program
The application filing period for the Elderly and totally Disabled Tax Relief Program is from February 1 thru May 15, 2021.
Please be aware that the IRS has issued specific guidance about the 2020 stimulus payments and have stated that these payments are not categorized as income, therefore, any economic stimulus payments received during calendar year 2020 WILL NOT count as income for these tax relief programs.
Qualifying income guidelines for the Elderly and Totally Disabled Tax Relief Program are $37,600 for unmarried individuals and $45,800.00 for married persons.
If you are currently participating in the Homeowner Program and need to reapply, you will receive notice from the Preston Assessor’s Office advising you of that requirement.
Proof of all sources of income including but not limited to Social Security, pensions, interest statements, employment, etc. are required. If you filed Income Tax, a copy of the signed and dated document is necessary to provide as well. It is extremely important that you provide all necessary documentation for the application to be completed.
Due to the COVIC-19 pandemic, the application process will change this year. I will be asking you to drop-off your paperwork in the blue Drop Box located at the front entrance to the Preston Town Hall. I will review your information and contact you by telephone to complete your application. I will arrange a time that is mutually acceptable to have you return to the Preston Town Hall to sign the application(s). At which time, I will return any/all original documents which you have provided.
Please call the office at 860-887-5581 ext. 6 informing me that you dropped off your information at the Town Hall. (if leaving a phone message, please include your name and telephone number. The application process does not begin until February 1st.
AARP Tax Assistance Program
Regrettably, the Preston Senior Center will not host the AARP Tax
Assistance Program during this tax season. The COVID-19 pandemic is the
primary reason. BUT existing clients will be encouraged to contact the Rose City Senior Center, 8 Mahan Drive, Norwich to receive assistance with their income tax preparation. NO NEW CLIENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Beginning during January, you are encouraged to contact the Rose City Senior Center at 860-889-5960 to schedule an appointment.
For those individuals who are existing clients only:
New to the process is that you will have to go to the Rose City Senior
Center at least 48 hours prior to your appointment to pick-up a booklet to be completed. (This is the same type of information that you would routinely complete at our center). You will need to complete the paperwork and include it with your income tax information. (Do not place your information in a plastic bag as the virus can live longer in that environment). It is suggested that you place your documents in a secure location within your locked vehicle trunk until the time of your appointment.
Drive-thru service will remain the same as last year. You drive up, staff will
take your paperwork out of the trunk of your car, they work on it and give you a call on your cell phone when they have questions or when your income tax is completed. Appointments will be available on Tuesday and Thursday only.
You will also need a cell phone available so that you can be contacted when
the AARP tax preparer completes your document.