Do You Need Additional Money to Help Pay for Your Heating Costs?

Please review the following benefits checklist for any items you may be interested in receiving. For a printer-friendly [PDF*] checklist, CLICK HERE.

For more information, please contact Albany County-NYCONNECTS at (518) 447-7177.

• Medicare Savings Programs:
  Medicare Savings Programs helps people with limited income to pay their monthly Medicare Part B premium. If enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program, a Medicare beneficiary is also deemed eligible for "extra help" in paying Medicare Part D prescription drug costs.
• "Extra Help" Paying for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage:
  If you are currently on Medicare you may qualify for "extra help" (the low-income subsidy) from Medicare to pay prescription drug costs. This can help you pay your drug plan's monthly premium, deductible, co-payments and the coverage gap.
• EPIC:
  The New York State Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program helps people 65 years of age and older to pay for their prescription drugs. EPIC supplements other drug coverage including Medicare Part D.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
  Pays monthly checks to people who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability and who have limited resources and incomeli>
• Food Stamps:
  The Food Stamp program issues monthly benefits that can be used to purchase food at authorized retail food stores. Food stamp benefits help low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families.
• Telephone Lifeline:
  Income-eligible households can receive a reduced rate for telephone service and installation charges.
• Earned Income Tax Credit:
  The New York State Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) program provides refundable tax benefits for working people with low or moderate incomes. Workers who qualify and file Federal and State tax returns may get back some or all of the income tax that was withheld during the year. If the taxpayers EITC is higher than the taxes owed, the taxpayer may also get extra cash back from the IRS and from New York State.
• STAR:
  The New York State's School Tax Relief Program (STAR) provides for a school property tax rebate program and a partial property tax exemption from school taxes for all New Yorkers who own and live in their homes. There is also an Enhanced STAR exemption which is available for eligible 
   seniors 65 and older.
• Real Property Tax Credit:
  Available to New York State residents who have a household gross income of $18,000 or less, and who pay either real property taxes or rent for their residence(s). If all members of the household are under age 65, the credit can be as much as $75. If at least one member of the household is age 65 or older, the credit can be as much as $375.
• Veterans' Property Tax Exemption:
  Qualified Veterans can receive a property tax exemption. The program provides a partial property tax exemption to those homeowners meeting qualifying veteran's criteria. This exemption also provides the qualifying senior citizens age 65 and older, to have their property taxes reduced by up to 50 percent.
• IT-214:
  New York State income tax program that will refund part of the local property tax paid by moderate and low income homeowners and (indirectly) by renters. A homeowner may qualify even if they pay no income tax.

ENERGY RELATED PROGRAMS THAT MAY HELP REDUCE YOUR HEATING BILLS

• HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program):
  Helps eligible low-income people meet the high costs of home heating.
• WRAP (Weatherization Referral and Packaging):
  The WRAP program provides energy conservation, emergency weatherization services and referrals to weatherization programs for HEAP eligible households. Emergency weatherization could include adding insulation, repair or replacement of windows, doors and repairs to furnaces and roofs.
• EmPower:
  Focuses on cost-effective electricity reduction measures, including: lighting and refrigerator replacements; insulation; and health and safety measures. There is no cost to the customer.
• Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR:
  Reduces energy costs of low and moderate income households (up to 80% of the State median income) by providing affordable energy efficient improvements to households that are not eligible for the federally-funded Weatherization Program.
• Access to Home:
  Provides financial assistance to property owners to make dwelling units accessible for low and moderate income persons with disabilities. This helps enable individuals to safely and comfortably continue to live in their residences and avoid institutional care.

For a printer-friendly [PDF*] checklist, CLICK HERE .

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