Resources

    Elderly & Totally Disabled Tax Relief Program

    As a reminder, the application for the Homeowners Program is May 15,
    2024. It may seem like a long way away but it’s right around the corner. Call 860-
    887-5581 ext. 6 to set up your appointment. If you file Income Tax, that process
    must be completed prior to scheduling your appointment. For additional
    information, please contact the Senior Affairs Office at 860-887-5581 ext.6.

    Renters Rebate Program

    The Renter’s Rebate Program begins accepting applications on April 1st through October 1st, 2024.

    Participants in the program must be 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 at the time of his/her death. Applicants filing under the
    disability provision must be accompanied by current proof of disability. The
    Claimant must have been a resident in Connecticut for a one-year period of time
    prior to filing an application.

    The qualifying income guidelines for the calendar year 202 3 must not
    exceed $43,800.00 if unmarried, or $53,400.00 if married. For married couples or other, unless legally separated, income from both husband and wife must be
    counted in establishing qualifying income, regardless of living arrangements.

    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.

    The applicant must provide proof of rent and utilities payments during the
    2023 calendar year.

    Individuals interested in making application for the Renters Rebate of
    Elderly and Totally Disabled Program are requested to contact the Senior Affairs
    Office at 860-887-5581 ext. When leaving a message, please include your name
    and telephone number. Thank You.

    AARP Tax-Aide Appointments

    The schedule of available time slots is quickly filling up for the free income
    tax assistance program.

    Some slots are available on February 14, two slots are open on February 28th, three on March 13th and several openings remain on March 27th and April 10th.

    The program is open to residents and non-residents alike. For additional information or to schedule your appointment, please contact the Senior Affairs Office at 860-887-5581 ext. 6. The AARP Tax-Aide appointments are held at the Preston Senior Center, 42 Long Society Road, Preston.

    New Addition to Preston Senior Affairs Committee

    The Preston Senior Affairs Committee would like to announce the
    appointment of Debra Eddy as its newest member. Debra will join with Committee members Chairman Morris Fishbone, Elizabeth Bassette, Marie Perrin and Fran Minor to complete their term of office thru December 31, 2024. Meetings are conducted on the first Tuesday of the month, with the exception of July and August. (we’re on recess during that time) For the convenience of the community, meetings are conducted in person at the Preston Senior Center, 42 Long Society Road and via teleconference. Meeting notices are posted on the Town of Preston website and are open to the public.

    Chasing the Winter Blues Away by UNCAS Health

    Minimizing the Impact of Seasonal Affective Disorder:

    As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, many people
    experience a shift in their mood and energy levels. This seasonal change can
    trigger a type of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is
    characterized by a recurrent pattern of depressive symptoms that begin and end
    at about the same time each year, typically during the fall and winter months.

    Symptoms of SAD:
    • Feeling sad or depressed most of the day
    • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy.
    • Changes in appetite or weight (overeating or loss of appetite).
    • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
    • Feeling sluggish or having low energy levels.
    • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
    • Feeling hopeless or worthless.
    • Thoughts of suicide.

    For additional information regarding SAD and ways in which you can seek assistance, please contact Uncas Health District at 860-823-1189.