ENERGY/WEATHERIZATION

ENERGY:  The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a Federal program designed to assist eligible, low-income households in meeting home energy costs.  Services include financial assistance with fuel bills, emergency financial assistance for fuel/utility termination, and referrals for weatherization service.  The benefit a household receives from HEAP is based on monthly income, the number of people in the household, and the type of heat generation used.  Income eligibility guidelines are issued each year.

To apply for HEAP, clients age 60 and over should contact the Dutchess County Office for the Aging; others contact the Dutchess County Department of Social Services.

Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) helps HEAP eligible homeowners in emergency situations with the repair or replacement of heating equipment.  To be eligible, household must meet income and resource guidelines.

Local utilities also offer their own energy assistance programs.

WRAP:  The Weatherization Referral and Packaging Program (WRAP) is designed to help senior citizens with energy related problems or needs.  A WRAP representative will assess needs and develop a plan for the client, who must agree that the plan meets his or her needs.  The energy packager will then help link the client to weatherization and other human services in the community.

Homeowners, 60 or older and a full-time Dutchess County resident, may be eligible for WRAP.  Multi-family homes and apartments may be eligible with landlord contribution.  All household must be HEAP eligible.  The DC Office for the Aging administers WRAP locally.

WEATHERIZATION:  Weatherization can conserve energy and save money by making a dwelling as energy efficient as possible.  Depending on the needs of a dwelling, some of the following weatherization services may be provided at low or no cost:  Services may include cleaning, testing, and repairs to heating systems, insulation of attics, walls, and perimeter areas, replacement or repair of broken windows and/or external door weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows to reduce air leaks.

Weatherization assistance is offered through the local Community Action Partnership, utility companies, and local loan/grant programs. 

EISEP (EXPANDED IN-HOME SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY PROGRAM)

The Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) offers funding for services and case management services to help those over 60 years of age in need of assistance to remain at home.  Through EISEP, consumers over age 60 may be eligible for non-medical in home services such as case management, light housekeeping, shopping, laundry, and personal care (for example, help with bathing, dressing, shaving, and hair care).  Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) and non-institutional respite are also available through the program.  Eligible applicants must be 60 or over, ineligible for Medicaid, and have unmet needs in the ordinary functions of daily living.

The services are paid for on a sliding scale. Clients must be willing to share their financial information with NY Connects staff.  Contributions are welcomed.  Assessment, ongoing monitoring of services, and case management are provided through OFA/Dutchess NY Connects.

FOOD STAMPS

The Food Stamp Program (FSP) is a federal, supplemental food assistance program administered under the US Department of Agriculture to assist low-income Americans to meet their basic need for adequate nutrition. Food Stamps are intended as a supplement to other funds available for food.

Food Stamp benefits are distributed through the Electronic Benefit Transfer System (EBT). A debit card (called the EBT card) is now used to access Food Stamp benefits. You may use your card wherever you see the Quest logo. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Food Stamp Program.

MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) assist people with low-income and limited resources pay for their Medicare premiums and can qualify a beneficiary for extra help paying the cost of their Medicare prescription drug coverage.  Assistance in applying for benefits is available from DC Office for the Aging.  Call 845-486-2555 or toll free at 866-486-2555.

MEDICAID

Medicaid is a program for New Yorkers who can't afford to pay for medical care.  You may be covered by Medicaid if:

• You have high medical bills.
• You receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• You meet certain income, resource, age or disability requirements.
• Medicaid is a national health assistance program created by Congress in 1965 for persons with very low income and resources.  In New York State, it is financed jointly by federal, state, and county governments. 

Mandated services include payment for doctors who accept Medicaid, in-patient and out-patient hospital care, rural health clinics, family planning services, health screening follow-up services for children under 21, laboratory and X-ray services, home health care services for qualifying individuals, and care in residential health care facilities (nursing homes) and assisted living programs (ALPS).

New York State Medicaid covers dental care, some medical equipment, personal care services, eyeglasses, prescription drugs (for non-Medicare eligible individuals), prescription shoes, medical transportation, personal emergency response systems, and some therapies.  Limits exist for some services (utilization thresholds), and prior approval is required for many services.  In Dutchess and throughout New York, most non-Medicare eligible Medicaid beneficiaries are required to be enrolled in a managed care insurance plan.

The laws regulating Medicaid eligibility change frequently.  Some of the areas covered by such laws include transfer of assets, family responsibility, and the level of income and resources which may be retained.  It is important to work with the Dutchess County Department of Social Services, knowledgeable advocacy agencies, or specialized attorneys to be assured of the most up-to-date information on eligibility

Usually, children in foster care or persons eligible for aid to dependent children (ADC), home relief (HR), and supplemental security income (SSI) are eligible without additional application requirements.  Others who are eligible are persons of very limited income who are under 21 years old or greater than 65 years old, or pregnant, or certified blind or disabled.

For most Medicaid applicants, a personal interview with the applicant or his/her representative is required initially and every twelve months thereafter, or whenever the applicant’s circumstances change (income; household composition).  Documentary proof of all statements regarding income, resources, age, nationality, marital status, and residence should be available.