photo arrow Social Security Benefits for Seniors
photo arrow Helping You Afford Prescription Drugs
photo arrow A word from Assemblyman Gary D. Finch
FREE    SUMMER    2008
District Office: 69 South Street, Auburn, NY 13021 (315) 255-3045
Albany Office: L.O.B, Room 320, Albany, NY 12248 (518) 455-5878
e-mail: finchg@assembly.state.ny.us




A Word from
Gary D. Finch
New York State Assemblyman 123rd District

Dear Neighbor,

The information contained within this brochure is meant to keep you apprised of the many programs available to senior citizens in New York. There is a section that contains important phone numbers, both statewide and specific to Chenango County, that I suggest you cut out and hang up where it is easily accessible.

I know that we owe senior citizens for all of the sacrifices that they have made to give us the life that we have today. To help pay you back, the services outlined within are designed to save you money and help you with many of your living expenses.

The contact information for each program is included, but if you are unsure of which agency to turn to, or would like any other information, please feel free to call or stop by my office.

"...we owe senior citizens for all of the sacrifices that they have made to give us the life that we have today."
Gary D. Finch

Sincerely,
signature
Gary D. Finch

Gary D. Finch: Addressing the Individual Needs of Seniors...
Working for a secure future for all.



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The Social Security Benefits Guide

Retirement Benefits
Monthly cash benefits based on years of employment and amount withheld from earnings.

Eligibility is determined by age and income. Full retirement age is 65 if born before 1938, and if born after 1938 gradually rises to 67. Earning limits for someone under 65 is $13,560 and for individuals over 65, there is no limit.

Survivor Benefits
Payments are based upon work record of deceased. To be eligible, you must be a widow or widower 60+ or 50+ and disabled. Limits are the same as retirement benefits.

Disability Benefits
Payments are based upon sufficient work prior to onset of disability.

Disabled individuals of any age with an impairment that is expected to keep them out of customary occupation for at least one year, are eligible.

Limits are same as retirement benefits.

Supplemental Security Benefits
Monthly cash benefits to meet food, clothing and shelter needs.

Eligible persons are those who are 65+ and are blind or disabled and have low income and resources. Must be a US citizen or lawfully permanent resident prior to August 22, 1996.




Helping You Afford Prescription Drugs
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EPIC & Medicare Part D
New York State’s Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program can help residents save as much as 80% on their prescription medicines. In most instances, those who qualify never pay more than $20 for a prescription, and may pay as little as $3. For more information, call the toll-free EPIC hotline at 1-800-332-EPIC.

You may also combine EPIC benefits with Medicare drug coverage for even greater savings. In many cases, EPIC may provide better coverage for less cost. In addition, EPIC does not have “doughnut” (gap coverage) and has either a fee or deductibles, not both as in Medicare. EPIC co-payments also do not exceed $20 and EPIC does not have a restricted drug formulary.

“Extra Help” Subsidy
The federal Social Security Administration offers eligible seniors with limited income and resources “Extra Help,” which pays for the annual premium and deductible for the Medicare prescription drug coverage and limits co-payments to $2 and $5. Those enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan with full “Extra Help” will have their EPIC enrollment fees waived.

For more information, call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or complete an online application at www.socialsecurity.gov. If an individual qualifies, he or she would then enroll in Part D to assist with prescription drug costs.




Other Helpful Programs for Seniors

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
New York State’s HEAP helps pay heating costs. Eligibility is determined by your annual income and household size. To find out more about HEAP, call your local Office for the Aging or the Senior Citizens Hotline at 1-800-342-9871.

"...Seniorcitizens are an invaluable asset to our communities. Their hard work and sacrifices have given us the freedom that we have today, and we need to make sure that their needs are met."
Gary D. Finch

Real Property Tax Exemption
You may be eligible to have your real property tax assessment reduced by as much as 50%. This exemption is offered as a local option to homeowners age 65 and over whose annual income is within specified guidelines. To find out if you meet the income requirements and if the exemption is in effect in your locality, please call your county, city, town or village assessor’s office.

Lifeline Telephone Service
Reduces cost of basic telephone service to as little as $1.00 a month. Persons eligible to receive assistance benefits from at least one of these programs are eligible: Medicaid, Food Stamps, SSI, HEAP, Veterans non-service related Disability Pension and Veterans’ Surviving Spouse Pension. For information, call 800-799-6874.

www.nydoctorprofile.com
Website created by the NYS Department of Health provides information on practicing physicians. You may access information on educational background, legal actions, health plans, hospital affiliations and more. If you prefer to speak to a customer service representative, call 888-338-6999.

Emergency Assistance for Adults (EAA)
Cash payments for food, rent, moving expenses, utilities, furniture, repairs, etc. in case of emergency. SSI-eligible persons with a documented need for assistance are eligible and income guidelines are the same as SSI. For information, call 877-472-8411.




Simply print out this card and place it in a common place for easy reference to important phone numbers!
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
from Assemblyman Gary D. Finch
Assemblyman Gary D. Finch
TOLL-FREE STATE ASSISTANCE
AARP (866) 227-7442
Voter Information (800) 367-8683
SSI/Medicare (800) 772-1213
Insurance Problems and Complaints (800) 342-3736
Legislative Bill Status (800) 342-9860
Medicare and Medicaid Claims (800) 633-4227
Senior Citizen’s Hotline (800) 342-9871
State Tax Questions (800) 462-8100
Federal Tax Assistance (800) 829-1040
Utility Billing Problems (800) 342-3377
Veteran’s Problems and Assistance (888) 838-7697
Advocate for the Disabled (800) 522-4369
Do Not Call Registry (888) 382-1222
Chenango County Offices
(All numbers 607 Area Code)
Office of the Aging 337-1770
Social Services 337-1500
Veterans Office 843-3299
Health Department 337-1660
Office of Mental Health 337-1600
County Clerk 337-1450
Department of Motor Vehicles 337-1460
Emergency Management Office 334-3728
Pratt-Newton Memorial Home 674-6031
Bida Adult Home 843-6769
Preston Manor 334-9428
Chenango Valley Home 334-6598
Real Property Tax Services 337-1491

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