Financial, Legal, and Utility Assistance

Medicare Part D Prescription Assistance, AARP Income Tax Assistance, HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program), WRAP (Weatherization Referral Assistance Program), Legal Assistance, Medicaid Assistance, Medicare buy-in information, SSI (Supplemental Security Income) information, Bethlehem Food Pantry, Food Stamp certification site, Medicare forms assistance, and Telephone Lifeline Discount certification site.

HEAP:  The Home Energy Assistance Program helps individuals on fixed or low incomes with energy related bills.  Senior Service Outreach workers provide assistance filling out applications for Town residents age 60 or over.  If you have received HEAP in the past and choose to fill out your own application, please consider letting us know so that we can alert you to other programs for which you may be eligible.  For more information regarding HEAP, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension/CHOICES, Faith Plaza, Route 9W, Ravena, NY  12143, 756-8650,  Senior Services Outreach at 439-4955 ext. 1173, 1174 or 1175, or the Albany County website at http://www.albanycounty.com/departments/dss/programs_services.asp?id=186 (scroll down for HEAP information)  which includes income guidelines and an online application form.

Persons under age 60 may make appointments for HEAP assistance at the Bethlehem Town Hall at monthly scheduled sessions.  Call for information, 439-4955 extension 1173, 1174 or 1175.

WRAP:  The Weatherization Referral and Packaging Program may help persons age 60 and over who are Albany County residents with needs such as the insulation of walls or attics, weather stripping and furnace improvement.  Your household must be eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).  If you own your own home or trailer or live in an apartment building and pay for your heat separately (up to four units), you may be eligible for free assistance.  For more information, contact the Senior Services Department at 439-4955 extension 1173, 1174 or 1175.

Lifeline Telephone Discount:  Telephone companies provide a service to help low income customers save more than $100 per year on their local telephone bills.  If you are eligible for Food Stamp Assistance, Medicaid, SSI or HEAP, you may be eligible for a significant discount on your telephone bill each month.  For more information, contact the Senior Services Department at 439-4955 extension 1176.

Albany County Senior Legal Services Program  Town of Bethlehem residents, age 60 and older, can take advantage of the Albany County Senior Legal Services Program at the Senior Services Department at Town Hall on the second Thursday of each month.  The program is staffed by a full-time attorney through the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York and can provide representation and/or referrals as appropriate on a variety of legal issues facing seniors in the community.  The program is free of charge but appointments are required.  For more information or to make an appointment, please contact the Senior Services Department at 439-4955, extension 1176.

Reverse Mortgage Information:
    Frequently asked Questions About HUD Reverse Mortgages

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