September, 2007

SERVICES TO ASSIST ERIE COUNTY RESIDENTS

As we continue to enjoy the remainder of a beautiful summer in Western New York, I would like to remind residents of the various programs available to assist them and to ensure that you are well informed about the various services available.

HEAP... The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will begin in early November. However, to expedite application processing, the Erie County Department of Senior Services has mailed HEAP applications for the 2007-2008 season to those Senior Citizen and Disabled households who received HEAP assistance last year. HEAP benefits are based on monthly household income. The 2007-2008 HEAP eligibility guidelines are as follows with household size and gross monthly income: one-$1876; two-$2454; three-$3031; four-$3609; five-$4186; six-$4763; seven-$4871. Residents 60+ can apply for HEAP benefits by mail. Applications will be accepted in person for all other eligible residents in November. If you received HEAP benefits last season and do not receive an application by September 7, 2007, you should contact the Department of Senior Services HEAP hotline at 858-7870 or call me at 631-8695 to request an application. I encourage all those eligible to utilize the program and apply early.

Going Places Van... The Erie County Department of Senior Services, in conjunction with the Center for Transportation Excellence (CTE) is initiating a pilot program to assist in filling the gaps in transportation service through one of four private carriers when a Going Places Van is not available. The door-to-door service is available to seniors who are unable to use conventional means of transportation and need to schedule doctor appointments, trips to grocery stores and other appointments. Call 858-RIDE between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to schedule transportation.

Alpha Outreach Program... Erie County's Department of Senior Services will be visiting neighborhood locations throughout Erie County to allow residents 60 and older easy access to information and services offered through Senior Services and other partner agencies. The Alpha program will be at the Clarence Senior Center on Thursday, October 11, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. A representative from the Department of Senior Services will be available to answer questions about HEAP, nutrition programs, health information, protective services, transportation assistance, health insurance assistance, veteran services and much more. Photo identification cards will be issued to senior residents. A Complimentary Card will also be issued for those 65 and older which provides reduced Metro bus and rail fares. This program will allow senior residents to find out about the many programs offered by Erie County and other agencies.

2007 STAR Rebate Program... Residents of Erie County have recently been mailed a STAR Rebate Program Application from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Seniors 65 and older who received the enhanced STAR exemption need not apply and will automatically receive their rebates in the mail. The deadline to apply for your Middle Class STAR rebate is November 30, 2007, and I encourage eligible homeowners to apply.

For information about rabies clinics, civil service announcements, radon kits and many other services and programs available to you, please call me at 631-8695 or email me at ranzenhofer@erie.gov.

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