FUEL ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS
For older Vermonters who are concerned about paying their heating bills this winter, it might be time to consider applying for help through the Vermont Home Heating Fuel Assistance Program. To qualify, the gross monthly income limit for people over the age of 60 is $1,379 for a household of one and $2,018 for two. Savings cannot exceed $10,000 for either. Homeowners, renters and those living in heated rentals can qualify.
To receive the maximum fuel benefit by November, it's important to apply by the August 31 deadline. Those applying before the second deadline of November 30 will receive a full benefit in January. After that deadline, the benefit will arrive later and be a reduced amount. To obtain an application, or to discuss the program, call the Senior HelpLine 802-786-5991, 1-800-642-5119, or the Office of Home Heating Fuel Assistance 1-800-479-6151. The Senior HelpLine is a free service of the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, serving Rutland and Bennington counties since 1974; web site www.svcoa.org. ; email seniorhelpline@svcoa.org.
Finding In-Home Care
If you are a caregiver, you are not alone. A recent study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP found that 44.4 million Americans age 18 or older are providing unpaid care to an adult, usually a family member. A caregiver may be a spouse giving around the clock care, or a daughter, son or neighbor who stops in regularly.
Sometimes those family caregivers need a boost themselves. Hiring private part-time caregivers can improve the quality of life for everyone involved. The Senior HelpLine can provide a list of county wide home-care agencies and information about the on-line Vermont Direct Care Registry of private caregivers. www.rewardingwork.org/vt. Contact the Senior HelpLine for an access code for a free subscription to the registry and for information about programs and services related to in-home caregiving; 802-786-5991 or 1-800-642-5119. This is a free service of the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, serving Rutland and Bennington counties since 1974. seniorhelpline@svcoa.org.
