Brooklyn Queens Land Trust

BENEFITS AND PROGRAMS Information FOR New Yorkers

May 15, 2003

NOTE:
The eligibility criteria and dollar amounts shown for the 17 benefits listed here were accurate as of Winter 2002. Most of the agencies listed have automated answering systems needing touch tone responses FileD from the caller. There may be a waiting time of up to several minutes, depending on the agency. The time may be longer to reach an operator, if using a rotary telephone available in - Spanish - Creole ?– Russian - Chinese ?– Korean
EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT

You and your family may be eligible for a federal and state tax credit.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) returns federal and state dollars
through tax credits or cash refunds to working families who earn less than
$34,178 annually. The average combined credit for 2002 was $2,107, with
some families receiving as much as $5,278. However, many Brooklyn residents who are eligible for these funds do not file for them.
Those eligible for the EITC are working families with more than one child
earning less than $34, 178 annually, families with one child earning less
than $30,201 annually and individuals 24 years of age and older making less
than $11,060 annually.

Assistance in filing for the credit is available at sites throughout New York City. For more information on the Earned Income Tax Credit, please contact the City Department of Consumer Affairs hotline at (212) 487-4444 in
English, (212) 487-4481 in Spanish or on the web at www.nyc.gov/consumers

Remember, this is your money; all you have to do is claim it!

Social Security (Old Age and Survivors Insurance)

Monthly payments to insured workers and their dependents and survivors.

Retirement Benefits

?· Full at age 65, reduced at age 62.
?· Other family members of retiree may be eligible:
?· Spouse, if age 62 or older
?· Spouse at any age if caring for a child under 16
?· Unmarried children under 18
?· Divorced spouses qualify for benefits if married at least 10 years and are 62 or older

Survivor Beneficiaries

?· Widowed spouse 60 or older
?· Widowed spouse 50 or older and disabled
?· Widowed at any age if caring for a child under 16 or disabled
?· Unmarried children under 18
?· Dependent parents

Ask about children and grandchildren

Assets and Income
No limit on assets or unearned income. However, those under age 65 will have $1.00 deducted from Social Security payments for every $2.00 earned over $11,280. No earnings limit for those age 65 and above.


Social Security Direct Deposit
You can have your Social Security check deposited directly to your bank account. More than one-half of beneficiaries use direct deposit. Call Social Security for Direct Deposit toll-free weekdays from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm: 1-800-772-1213.

Apply to: Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213.



Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Monthly supplemental payments for low-income, aged, blind, disabled, in addition to Social Security and/or other income. With some exceptions, citizenship is required.

Income

The more income you have, the lower your SSI benefit. Payments not counted by SSI as income include the first $20.00 of unearned income received in a month; the first $65.00 of earned income and half the amount over $65.00.

Allowable Assets

$2,000 (one person), $3,000 (couple) plus burial fund, $1,500 per person.

Maximum Monthly Benefits

For an individual living alone $632.00 A couple $921.00. The amount may differ if the recipient is living with others: for one person $568.00, for a couple $863.00. Inquire about benefits levels for family care and residential care.

Note:
Applicants eligible for SSI may also qualify for Medicaid and Food Stamps.
Apply to: Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213

Veterans Benefits

Pensions for low-income and disabled veterans, health care, vocational training, rehabilitation, education, home loans, disability compensation, life insurance, burial and other benefits. Medical benefits include care in VA hospitals, nursing homes and outpatient services. Dependents and survivors may also be eligible for certain benefits.

Age: Any age
Assets: Subject to review
Income: Limits vary with benefits
Apply to: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs NY Regional Office
1-800-827-1000 or 1-212-807-7229


Public Assistance

Cash benefits for low-income persons to provide essential food, clothing and shelter. Benefits vary depending on specific situations:

?· assets/income
?· rent
?· housing status
?· work-related expenses and/or special needs (e.g. restaurant meals).

Age: Any age
Assets: Limit--Single individuals and childless couples - $2000.00 cash assets; $3,000.00 if age 60 or older. Ask about life insurance and burial plans.

Income: Eligibility is calculated individually, depending on family size, income and expenses.
Maximum Monthly Benefits: One person $352.10, two $468.50, which includes rent. One-Time Per Year Emergency Cash Grants: Heat/utility repairs and Medicaid are available to persons who meet above requirements but choose not to receive Public Assistance. Others, regardless of income, may apply in a financial emergency if they have spent all cash assets.

Apply to: Human Resources Administration Infoline (877) HRA-8411

Medicare

A health insurance program that helps pay certain hospital costs and medical care after deductibles, co-insurance and/or premiums.

Age: 65 or older and eligible to receive Social Security or railroad retirement benefits.

Note:
Application must be made three months before 65th birthday to avoid penalty. Certain disabled people under 65 may be eligible after receiving Social Security Disability for two years.

Assets and Income: No limits

Part A Covers:

?· Inpatient hospital care
?· Inpatient skilled nursing facility
?· Home health care and hospice care

?· Deductibles and co-insurance Part A: $812.00 for the first 60 days (hospitalization) and $203.00 per day for the next 30 days and $406.00 per day for days 91-150.

If discharged, after 60 consecutive days (including day of discharge) a new benefit period will start. If you return before the 60 days, the original benefit is continued.

?· Skilled nursing home facility covered under Part A up to 100 days (following hospitalization). Co-insurance of $101.50 per day for days 21-100.

Part B Covers:

?· Doctor services
?· Outpatient hospital services
?· Durable medical equipment, and other medical services and supplies.

Pays 80% of Medicare-accepted charges for covered services after annual deductible of $100 has been met. Available to persons eligible for Part A at a monthly premium of $54.00.

Apply to: Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213

Medicare Saving Program

Two programs assist low-income elderly with medical costs.

1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB)

Those covered by Part A and Part B may be able to have Medicaid cover the monthly premium ($54.00) in addition to deductibles and co-insurance.

Age 65 and older or disabled receiving Medicare after being on Social Security Disability for two years.

Assets Limit -- $4,000 (one person), $6,000 (couple) plus $1,500 burial fund per person.

Net Income One person $739.00, couple $995.00. Maximum allowable income includes $20 exemption.

2. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLIMB)

Those covered by Part A and Part B may be able to have Medicaid pay the Medicare Part B medical premium ($54.00)

Age: 65 and older or disabled receiving Medicare after being on Social Security Disability for two years.

Assets: Limit--$4,000 (one person), $6,000 (couple) plus $1,500 burial fund per person.

Net Income: One person $886.00, couple $1,194.00. Maximum allowable income includes $20 exemption.

Note:
Monthly income limit includes Social Security, private pensions, interest, dividends and cash assistance from family members.

Applicants may reduce income to allowed levels by deducting cost of health insurance premiums, including Medicare Supplemental Insurance. This program is not retroactive. The sooner you apply, the sooner you will receive benefits. New Legislation effective in April 1998 helps additional low-income seniors to pay for Part B Medicare premiums. The new categories are called:

Qualified Individual 1: QI-1s are Medicare beneficiaries with monthly income between 120 percent and 135 percent of the federal poverty level. Under current poverty guidelines, individuals with monthly income up to $997.00 ($1,344.00 for couples) are eligible. Medicaid will pay the entire Part B premium for these beneficiaries. As of May 1, 2002 resources are no longer counted.

Qualified Individual 2: QI-2s are Medicare beneficiaries with income between 135 percent and 175 percent of the federal poverty guideline, individuals with monthly income up to $1,293.00 ($1,742.00 for couples) are eligible. Medicaid will pay a small portion of their Part B premium. As of May 1, 2002 resources are no longer counted.

Apply to:

Human Resources Administration Infoline
call (877) HRA-8411 or write
Medicare Savings Program Applications
PO BOX 3011
Jamaica, NY 11431


Medicaid

Pays medical bills for low-income persons including services not covered by Medicare (dental care, home care, institutional care, prescription drugs, eye glasses, and hearing aids). With some exceptions, citizenship is required.

Age: Any age -- Persons receiving Supplemental Security Income or Public Assistance are automatically eligible. Persons under 65 must meet the Public Assistance standard of need.
Persons 65 and over, disabled or blind are eligible as follows:

Assets: Limit -- $3,800.00 (one person), $5,550.00 (couple), plus $1,500.00 burial fund per person. Where the cash value of life insurance is over $1,500.00, the first $1,500.00 is counted toward the burial fund, the remaining balance is counted as an asset (the home and some pre-purchased burial items are not counted as assets).

Income: Net monthly limit -- -- $634.00 (one person), $925.00.
For disabled, aged and blind households, add $20 to limit; certain work income is also excluded.

Surplus Income Program: If income is more than the limits above, but medical bills (paid or unpaid) equal the difference, apply to the Medicaid Surplus Income program.

Nursing Home Transfer of Income and Assets: If one spouse is institutionalized, the community-based spouse may keep $2,232.00 monthly (after health insurance premiums) of couple's combined income; and may keep resources of $89,280.00.

Note:
Do Not Transfer Assets or Home Without Consulting an Attorney.

Apply to: Human Resources Administration Infoline (877) HRA-8411


Food Stamps


Are allowances issued on a monthly basis that are used in place of cash to purchase food items at participating stores and supermarkets. With some exceptions, citizenship is required.

You may qualify if you:

?· work for low wages
?· work part-time
?· are unemployed
?· receive Public Assistance, SSI or other assistance payments
?· are elderly or disabled and live on low income.

Age: Any age

Assets: Limit -- $2,000 for most households, $3,000 for household if one member is 60 years or over.

Income: If a household member is 60 or older or disabled, net income must be 100% of current poverty level. Seniors are encouraged to apply because allowable income is calculated individually based on living arrangements.

Note:
Eligibility is determined only after completing a full Food Stamp budget form, using all applicable income deductions. Different income deductions apply in specific situations such as having no cooking facility, living in a shelter, or only one spouse applying.

Apply to: Human Resources Administration Infoline (877) HRA-8411

Reduced Fare


Reduced Fare on the New York City subways and buses; on Staten Island Ferry -- 2 hours, seven days a week, also on express buses during off-peak hours (10:01 am - 2:59 pm, 7:01 pm - 5:59 am, Mon-Fri and all day Sat. and Sun.).

To qualify for reduced fare one must be 65 or older.

If a person is disabled, they qualify for reduced fare at any age.

Assets and Income Limits: Not Applicable (No Limit)

For Subways: Purchase token and show Medicare card, or Department for the Aging Reduced Fare card, or the Reduced Fare Metrocard to receive a return transfer.

For Buses: Pay 75 cents and show Medicare, or Department's Reduced Fare Metrocard.

Note:
Photo-identification Metrocards can be used as an identification card. When the Metrocard is used to gain access to the subway or a NYC transit bus, the correct reduced fare will be deducted automatically.

Individuals 65 and older who do not have, or are not eligible, for a Medicare card, may apply for a Reduced Fare card, and also obtain application forms and assistance in person for the Reduced Fare Metrocard at:

NYC Department for the Aging
2 Lafayette Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10007
(212) 442-1000

If disabled and under 65, apply at or call directly:

N.Y.C. Transit Authority
Reduced-Fare Program
P.O. Box 023158
Brooklyn, NY 11202-0064
(718) 243-4999

TTY for Hearing impaired: (718) 596-8273

Documentation is needed when applying for Reduced Fare Metrocard or Photo Identification Metrocard.

Proof of Age can be provided from either of the following:

?· Birth Certificate
?· Medicare card
?· Social Security Award Letter

?· Driver's License or NY State non-driver's Id

Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)


SCRIE exempts rent-controlled/stabilized, Mitchell-Lama and hotel tenants from certain rent increases. (If Mitchell-Lama see building management).

SCRIE covers increases for renewal leases, Maximum Base Rent (MBR) increases, fuel, landlord hardship, and major capital improvements.

SCRIE does not cover increases for direct services or new equipment. Rent must be at least 1/3 of net monthly income. For rent-stabilized apartments, tenants must have a valid one or two-year lease.

Age: Head of household must be 62 or older.

Assets: No limit

Income: Yearly limit -- $20,000 household total (deduct income taxes, payroll taxes, court order support payment to estimate eligibility). Use prior tax year, or if retiring, project current year's income.

If you would like a screening for SCRIE, please visit Benefit QuickCheck, or you can fill out and print a copy of the SCRIE application. (document is in pdf format)

You can also apply by writing for an application to:

NYC Department for the Aging
SCRIE
2 Lafayette Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10007
(212) 442-1000

Senior Citizen Homeowners Exemption (SCHE)


Savings of up to 50% to qualified property owners. Applicant must have held title to property for at least 12 consecutive months. Property must be applicant's legal residence, used exclusively for residential purposes, and have no more than three units.

Age:65 and older. If spouses are co-owners, one of them must be 65 or older. If other persons are co-owners, all must be 65 and older.
Under the age of 65, if a veteran, a spouse of a qualified veteran or a surviving spouse who has not remarried.

Assets: No limits

Income: Limit -- $28,900 for the last calendar year.

Apply: Mail or bring your application to the Property Division Office for the borough in which property is located.

Applications accepted between July 15 and March 15.

BRING PROOF OF INCOME, BIRTH, AND PROPERTY DEED.

Bronx ................................... (718) 579-6879
1932 Arthur Avenue, Room 701, Bronx, NY 10457

Brooklyn .............................. (718) 802-3560
210 Joralemon Street, Room 200, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Manhattan ........................... (212) 361-7660
66 John Street, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10038

Queens ................................ (718) 298-7000
144-06 94th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11435

Staten Island ....................... (718) 815-8511
350 St. Mark's Place, Room 107, Staten Island, NY 10301

Real Property Tax Credit (IT-214)



Provides tax credit or cash payment of up to $375 to homeowners or renters for part of previous year's rent or real property taxes. To qualify, current market value (home, garage, land, etc.) must be $85,000 or less; or average monthly rent must be $450 or less, not including heat, gas or electricity.

Age: Any age

Assets: No limits

Income: Limit -- $18,000

Note:
Can file for 3 years retroactively. To qualify, it is not necessary to have filed a tax return for the preceding year.

Apply to:

Taxpayers Assistance Bureau
New York State Department
for Taxation and Finance
1-800-225-5829



Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)


A one-time grant per year to help low-income homeowners and renters pay fuel and utility cost.

Age: Any age

Assets: No limits

Income: Monthly limit $1,678.00 (one person); $2,194.00 (couple)

Heat Emergencies: Only HEAP-eligible households paying directly for heat may apply for help with fuel, repair or heat-related equipment, or temporary relocation.

Benefit Amounts: $40.00 - $400.00

Note:
Funds are limited, apply early.

To Apply:

If you are 60 years or older, call
NYC Department for the Aging
HEAP Program: (212) 442-1000
Those under 60 years, call:
Human Resources Administration
Infoline (877) HRA-8411


Weatherization Referral and Packaging Program (WRAP)


WRAP is a federally funded service administered by the Department for the Aging to provide low-income elderly with free home energy services designed to lower their energy bills and increase the comfort of their homes.

Assets: No limits

Income: $1,678.00 for single and $2,194.00 for couples

Note:
Must reside in one- to four-unit dwellings

To apply:

If 60 or older or
on Social Security Disability,
call the Department for the Aging
WRAP program:
(212) 442-3055

Elder Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC)


Saves more than half the cost of most prescription drugs.

There are two coverage plans to choose from: Annual Fee Plan and Deductible Plan.

(Medicaid recipients are not eligible.)

Age: 65 or over

Assets: No limits (Those on Medicaid spend-down may be eligible.)

Income: Limit--$35,000.00 a year (one person); $50,000.00 (couple).Note:
Pharmacies must be EPIC participants.
For information call EPIC
1-800-332-3742

Elder Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC)


New York State School Tax Relief Program (STAR)

STAR is the New York State School Tax Relief Program that provides an exemption from the school portion of property taxes for owner-occupied primary residences.

All New Yorkers who own their own one, two, three-family home, condominiums or co-operative apartments will be eligible for the STAR tax reduction.

Basic STAR Exemption

Age: Any age

Assets: No limit

Income: No limit

Senior citizens (age 65 and older) with yearly incomes of $60,000 or less will be the first to benefit from the Enhanced STAR exemption.

For qualifying senior citizens, the Enhanced STAR works by exempting the first $50,000 of the full value of a home from school taxes. The exemption is phased in over four years, in $12,500 increments.

Enhanced STAR Exemption

Age: 65 and Older

Assets: No limit

Income: Annual household income of $60,000.00 or less

Applications are accepted from November 1 through January 5. Low - income homeowners who already receive the Senior Citizen Homeowners Exemption (SCHE) automatically qualify for the STAR exemption, and do not have to file a separate application.

For more information you may contact:
(212) 361-8215 or write to: STAR Program
NYC Department of Finance, 66 John Street, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10038



Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, 209 Joralemon Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-802-3700