Many seniors find that over time their fixed incomes are worth less due to the effects of inflation. Fortunately, there is some relief available in the form of assistance programs. While many of these programs have explicit income-eligibility requirements, it is worth checking to see whether you qualify and could use any of the following:
EPIC
Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage is a New York State program that helps income-eligible
NYS residents 65 or older pay for their prescription drugs. There are two types of plans: the Fee Plan
and the Deductible Plan. Income limits for the Fee Plan are $20,000 or less for individuals and $26,000
(combined income) for married couples. Income limits for the Deductible Plan are $20,001 to $35,000
for individuals and $26,001 to $50,000 (combined income) for married couples. All enrollees are required
to have Medicare Part D as their primary prescription coverage. EPIC is secondary coverage. For more
information contact the EPIC Helpline at 800-332-3742.
EISEP*
Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program provides case management and non-medical in-home
services to seniors age 60 and over. Fees are based on a sliding scale. Those already receiving assistance
from Medicaid or any other entitlement program are not eligible for this program. For more information call
845-364-2115.
HIICAP*
Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program provides information and counseling
assistance to seniors concerning Medicare, health insurance issues, private health insurance and related
benefits, including EPIC. For more information call 845-364-2118.
HEAP*
Home Energy Assistance Program is a grant program that subsidizes heating bills from November through
May. It is available for residents 60 or older, who meet income guidelines or who are already collecting
SSI benefits. Monthly income limits are $2,030 for individuals and $2,657 (combined income) for married
couples. For more information call 845-364-2108.
WRAP*
Weatherization Referral and Packaging is a home weatherization service for HEAP-qualified seniors.
For more information call 845-364-2101.
CAREGIVER RESPITE*
Provides caregivers (giving care to someone over 60) with various types of relief. There are no income
qualifications for the week-long respite program. For more information call 845-364-3444.
SENIOR CARE HELPLINE*
Offers preliminary telephone evaluation of long-term care needs and provides referrals to appropriate
service programs ranging from delivery of meals to nursing home placements. There are no income
eligibility limitations on this program. For more information call 845-364-3444.
*These programs are provided through the Rockland County Office for the Aging, which is funded by the Rockland County Legislature, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the Older Americans Act. To contact the Rockland County Office for the Aging, call 845-364-2110.
Recently, Assemblyman Zebrowski negotiated to save the STAR Exemption to continue its property tax relief for homeowners. Following is information about the STAR, Senior Enhanced STAR, and Low Income Senior tax exemptions. Please note that all exemption applications must be filed with the Assessor in your town no later than March 1st.
BASIC STAR
Basic Star does not need to be renewed. As long as there is no change in title, you only need to
file once to maintain the school tax benefits. Eligibility is based upon ownership and primary residency.
SENIOR ENHANCED STAR
Enhanced Star has an additional eligibility requirement based upon income; therefore, this exemption
must be renewed each year. Current income limits are based on the 2009 income tax year and your
adjusted gross income cannot exceed $79,050. If you have signed up for the automatic income
verification program (you must file NYS Income Taxes to do this), you do not have to file a renewal
application with the Assessor as long as NYS Taxation & Finance can continue to verify your income
eligibility. Letters were mailed in January 2010 notifying seniors in this program of the determination
of the State. In addition to the ownership, residency and income requirements, you must be 65 years
of age or older.
LOW INCOME SENIOR
This exemption must be renewed annually. Renewal notices are mailed at the end of December.
Again, you must be 65 years of age or older and reside in your own home. However, the income limit
is much stricter than the Enhanced Star. For this exemption, your 2010 gross income from all sources,
including Social Security, pensions, interest, etc. must be below $37,400. You may deduct out-of-pocket
medical expenses, which must be documented.
For more information about exemptions, contact your local Assessor:
or go to the website of the NYS Real Property Services at www.orps.state.ny.us.
New York State
The Golden Park Program allows New York State residents, age 62 or over and
who show a valid NYS Driver License or NYS Non-Driver ID Card, free vehicle access
to state parks on non-holiday weekdays. (This program does not apply to weekends
or holidays.) For more information contact the NYS Parks Regional Office at Bear
Mountain by calling 845-786-2701 or online at
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/admission/
Federal
The National Park Service offers a “Senior Pass” for $10, which allows free access to hundreds
of national recreation sites throughout the country. It must be purchased in person at one of those
sites. Two sites nearest to Rockland County are Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hyde Park
(845-229-9115) and Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace in New York City (212-260-1616). Additional
information is available online at: www.nps.gov
Rockland County
The RC Division of Environmental Resources oversees the county’s network of 23 parks comprising
2,579 acres. All of the parks are free to individuals, although there are fees for groups of twelve or
more. For a Parks Brochure or other information, call 845-364-2670 or go online at
http://www.co.rockland.ny.us/environ/county/parks.htm
Town Parks
All of the towns in the 94th Assembly District have much to offer in terms of affordable recreational
facilities, senior clubs, discounts, and activities. For specific information contact your town:
Rockland Community College offers various educational opportunities for seniors. Listed below are just some of them.
(Also see RCC’s website at www.sunyrockland.edu)
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Class audits of regular classes for residents 60 and older subject to space availability. (Free) 845-574-4730
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Institute for Senior Education offers non-credit courses geared to seniors’ interests. (Fees vary) 845-574-4700
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SeniorNet@Rockland, administered by Meals on Wheels Programs and Services, teaches computer communication and technology for residents 65 and older. ($65 for 8 sessions) 845-623-5467
Also, most of the school districts offer Continuing Education classes. Contact your school district directly for more information.
Website: http://www.usa.gov/topics/seniors.shtml
Website: http://www.co.rockland.ny.us/Age/index.htm
Website: http://www.aging.ny.gov/
(Meals to homebound elderly)
Website: www.mowrockland.com
Website: www.informationrockland.com
(Information on events and places in Rockland)
Website: www.rockland.org
(Information on available public transportation)
Website: http://www.co.rockland.ny.us/PublicTrans
Website: www.co.rockland.ny.us/vets/veterans.html
Website: http://veterans.ny.gov/
Website: http://www.va.gov/