O SENIOR BERKSHIRE
Mission Statement
The mission of Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. is to provide Berkshire elders, care givers, and individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live with dignity, inde pendence, and self-deter mination, and to achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Statement of Inclusivity
E l d e r S e r v i c e s p r a c t i c e s n o n - d i s c r i m i n a t i o n i n e m p l o y m e n t
practices and service delivery. Embracing diversity, our in-home and community-based services are available to all without re g ard to race, ethnicity, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or lifestyle
Make the Berkshires Count
Hoping all is well with you. T he last time I wrote to you we were transitioning into autumn Now we’re well into yet another transition, winter; even though winter doesn’t of ficially be gin until next week. You never quite know what yo u ’ r e
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and this year was no exce ption with an early December stor m that dumped nearly two feet of snow and a smaller one earlier this week. Speaking of snow and ice and cold weather in general, I want to acknowledge our of fice staf f, kitchen staff, drivers, the people in the county’s meal sites, our staf f who visit our clients and t
conditions and traverse snowy/icy sidewalks and steps to make sure their neighbors receive t h e i r
We
dedication.
To d ay my m a i n fo c u s i n
par ticipate in the 2020 Census While it may seem a bit early to be thinking about a Census that won’t be gin to “rev up” until March, the reality is that making folks aware the Census is coming and getting them to understand why an accurate Census count is so crucial may require multiple for ms of communication from dif ferent sources Like many of my colleagues from other local service org anizations, I p a r t i c i
Editorial Board: Deb Aldrich, Ginger Alexander, Bonny DiTomasso, Laura Feakes, Christopher McLaughlin, and John-Ar thur M iller
Adver tising: To place an adver tisement in Berkshire Senior, please contac t K ate Teutsch at 413 496-6324 or e -mail adver tising@ berkshireeagle com
Berkshire Senior is published bi-monthly by Elder Ser vices of Berkshire County, Inc , 877 South Street, Suite 4E, Pittsfield, MA 01201, 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242, e -mail: esbc@esbci org or on the internet at w w w esbci.org
NOTICE
Elder Ser vices sells adver tising to defray costs. Inclusion of adver tisers in no way implies that Elder Ser vices endorses any produc t or ser vice
Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion of Elder Ser vices. For medical, financial or other advice, seek a qualified professional in the appropriate field
Elder Ser vices and its programs are funded, in par t, by the Massachusetts Executive O ffice of Elder Affairs.
State and federal funds provided to Elder Ser vices are limited. Elder Ser vices welcomes charitable donations to help meet the growing needs of Berkshire seniors, and gratefully ack nowledges all donations.
possible. It was during one of these meetings that I heard a statistic that really struck me: every completed Census for m yields $2,700 of state and federal funding for Berkshire County every year for 10 years. That statistic be gins to put into perspective why your par ticipation in the Census is so critical to you and to everyone who lives in Berkshire County
l l r e c e ive n o t i c e a b
reminders over the next month until you complete the Census. If you live at another address par t of the year (spend the winter in F lorida) you should complete the census for your Berkshire address, assuming yo u s p e n d m o s t o f t h e ye a r h e re I t a l l c o m e s d ow n t o
where you spend the majority of your time. T he prefer red method for completing the survey is to go online at www.2020census.gov. If you do not complete the Census online, you will be able to complete it over the phone or a via a paper survey you will receive in early April. If you don’t complete the Census by the be ginning of May a Census re presentative will visit your home
number of Berkshire County re presentatives in Cong ress and the Massachusetts le gislature. MassHealth and Medicare funding, fuel assistance allocations, public safety and public transpor tation g rants, Section 8 Housing, Head Star t and unemployment funding decisions are all made based on Census infor mation. If all of us don’t complete
continued on page 5
E l d e r S e r v i c e s ’ B e r k s h i r e S e n i o r, J a n u a r yF e b r u a r y 2 0 2 0
S enior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit
You may be eligible for a refundable tax credit!
By Laura Feakes, Elder Services I & R Specialist
C e r t a i n s e n i o r s wh o ow n o r
r e n t r e s i d e n t i a l p r o p e r t y a r e eligible for a refundable tax credit – find out below if you qualify:
T he Circuit Breaker (CB) tax credit is of fered to older persons
i n M a s s a ch u s e t t s t o o f f s e t h i g h proper ty tax bills. This tax break
i s c a l l e d t h e “ c i r c u i t b r e a ke r ”
b e c a u s e i t i s t r i g g e r e d l i ke a n electrical circuit breaker, when proper ty tax payments (including
wa t e r a n d s e we r d e b t c h a r g e s
b u t e x c l u d i n g a n y a b a t e m e n t
o r e xe m p t i o n ) e xc e e d 1 0 % o f a person’s income for the same tax
ye a r E ve n t h o u g h t h e C B t a x credit is based on your proper ty tax payment, it is the state that p ays yo u b a ck – n o t yo u r l o c a l city or town.
To b e e l i g i b l e f o r t h e c r e d i t
fo r t h e 2 0 1 9 t a x ye a r yo u m u s t
b e a t l e a s t 6 5 y e a r s o f a g e
b e fo re Ja nu a r y 1 , 2 0 2 0 , ow n o r
r e n t a h o m e o r a p a r t m e n t i n Massachusetts and occupy it as yo u r p r i n c i p a l re s i d e n c e Yo u r 2019 total income cannot exceed $ 6 0 , 0 0 0 fo r a s i n g l e fi l e r, $ 7 5 , 0 0 0 f o r a h e a d o f h o u s e h o l d , o r $90,000 for mar ried couples filing
a j o i n t r e t u r n . Fo r p u r p o s e s
o f t h i s c r e d i t , “ t o t a l i n c o m e ” includes taxable income as well as exempt income such as social
s e c u r i t y, t r e a s u r y b i l l s , a n d p u b l i c p e n s i o n s. T h e a s s e s s e d v a l u a t i o n o f y o u r p r o p e r t y cannot be more than $808,000 If the taxpayer owns more than one a c re o f l a n d , o n ly t h e a s s e s s e d value of the principal residence, t o g e t h e r w i t h t h e l a n d t h a t i m m e d i a t e l y s u r r o u n d s a n d i s
a s s o c i at e d w i t h t h at re s i d e n c e, not to exceed one acre, should be used in determining the eligibility of the taxpayer for the credit. The
A b a t e m e n t / A m e n d e d Re t u r n
A l o n g w i t h t h e a m e n d m e n t for m, you submit a Schedule CB
t o c a l c u l at e yo u r c re d i t . I f yo u
d i d n o t f i l e Fo r m 1 , yo u m u s t
f i l e Fo r m 1 f o r t h a t ye a r n ow, to gether with Schedule CB. This must be completed within 3 years
f ro m t h e l a s t d ay fo r f i l i n g t h e
r e t u r n , w i t h o u t r e g a r d t o a n y extension of time to file. For more infor mation, you can go to the Mass De pt of Revenue w e b s i t e , w w w. m a s s . g o v / d o r, wh e re yo u c a n d ow n l o a d fo r m s and detailed instructions Or call the DOR toll-free at 1-800-392-6089
maximum credit allowed for tax year 2019 is $1,130
I f yo u re n t , t h e l aw a s s u m e s that 25% of your rent goes toward proper ty taxes A for mula, based o n a c t u a l r e n t p a i d d u r i n g t h e c a l e n d a r y e a r, i s u s e d t o determine the amount of an elder t e n a n t ’ s C B c re d i t N o c re d i t i s a l l owe d i f t h e t a x p aye r c l a i m s the married filing se parate status, re c e ive s a f e d e r a l o r s t at e re n t s u b s i dy, r e n t s f r o m a l a n d l o r d wh o i s n o t re q u i re d t o p ay re a l estate taxes, or is the de pendent of another taxpayer
Yo u c l a i m t h e c r e d i t b y submitting a completed Schedule CB Worksheet and Schedule CB, Circuit Break Credit, with a 2019 state income tax retur n If you do n o t n o r m a l ly fi l e a s t at e re t u r n because you don’t owe any state taxes, you still can take advantage of this tax break by filing a For m One plus the Schedule CB. You c a n n o t ap p ly o n l i n
I f y o u ’ r e e l i g i b l e , c o m p l e t e
Schedule CB with your Mass state income tax retur n, using your tax software You can also print out the for ms found online and mail them to the Mass DOR. Any credit received by an eligible taxpayer is not considered income for the pur poses of obtaining eligibility
o r b e n e fi t s u n d
a m s including food, medical, housing, and energy assistance pro g rams.
I f yo u f i n d yo u r s e l f e l i g i bl e, you can go back 3 tax years and claim the credit retroactively. For example, you have until April 15, 2020 to file for the circuit breaker tax rebate for 2016 If you filed a For m One, you must file a For m CA-6, which is an Application for
The DOR’s customer service call center hours for tax help are 8:30 a m – 4 : 0 0 p m M o n d ay t h r o u g h
F r i d ay W h e n yo u c a l l t h e D O R
8 0 0 n u m b e r, yo u w i l l g e t a n
a u t o m a t e d m e n u ; p r e s s 2 f o r “personal”.
Free tax pre paration assistance i s a l
Pro g ram sponsored by the AARP Fo u
special attention to those
60 and older. Volunteers have been trained in cooperation with the I R
Berkshire County sites of fering this service are generally Senior Centers and are listed elsewhere i
Senior.
and Refer ral (I & R) De par tment
seniors. I & R Specialists can be reached at 413-499-0524 or 1-800544-5242.
Help with Income Taxes Tax Year 2019
Foundation Tax-Aide
pre paration for low-to moderate-income taxpayers - especially those 50 and older, from February 1 – April 15, 2020. Find a location near you below and call for an appointment:
Pittsfield Senior Center, 330 Nor th St, 413-499-9346
Dalton Senior Center, 40 Field St Ext, 413-684-2000
Lenox Senior Center, 65 Walker St, 413-637-5535
Lee Senior Center, 21 Crossway St, 413-243-5545
Adams Senior Center, 3 Hoosac St, 413-743-8333
North Adams Senior Center, 116 Ashland St, 413-662-3125
Williamstown Senior Center, 118 Church St, 413-458-8250
Great Bar rington Senior Center, 909 S Main St, 413-528-1881
VITA Program
Berkshire county residents with a household income of $56,000 or less are eligible for free tax pre paration by IRS cer tified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance volunteers (VITA). Berkshire United Way cur rently suppor ts the VITA pro g ram with staf f, volunteers and funding to community par tners To make an appointment call one of the following:
• Berkshire United Way for South County locations, 413-442-6948;
• Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity for Central and Nor th County locations, 413-442-0002; or
• BCAC: for South and Central Berkshires, call 413-418-3685; for North Berkshires, call 413-663-3014.
In addition, MyF reeTaxes.com is an easy online tool that helps you file your taxes for free if you ear n less than $66,000 T he site of fers free ste p-by-ste p guidance, is simple to use, and they provide assistance through email or online chat. Tax filing is completely free for both federal and state tax filing
Free AARP Tax-Aide Program Returns in February
F r e e t a x r e t u r n p r e p
t i o n w i l l b e o f f e re d a g a i n at s eve r a l locations in Berkshire, Hamden and Hampshire Counties, star ting i n F e b r u a r y a n d c o n t i n u i n g t h r o u g h m i d - A p r i l 2 0 2 0 . T h e service is available to all middle a n d l ow - i n c o m e t a x p aye r s w i t h special attention to those aged 60 and older Volunteers trained and cer tified in cooperation with the IRS will assist in filing retur ns, either on paper or electronically Ta x p aye r s d o n o t n e e d t o b e a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.
Taxpayers are required to have t h e fo l l ow i n g d o c u m e n t s wh e n t h e y a r r ive t o g e t t h e i r re t u r n s completed. If they don’t have the documents, they could be asked to retur n at a later date, or even
t o l d t h a t t h e i r r e t u r n c a n ’ t b e pre pared until they have all the i n f o r m a t i o n . T a x p ay e r s m u s t have an appointment.
To f i n d a Ta x - A i d e l o c a t i o n ,
g o t o t h e f o l l o w i n g i n t e r n e t
a d d r e s s i n J a n u a r y 2 0 2 0
h t t p s : / / s e c u r e . a a r p . o r g /
a p p l i c a t i o n s / V M I S L o c a t o r /
s e a r c h T a x A i d e L o c a t i o n s . action or call your local senior center.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
• Gover nment issued photo ID
• A Social Security card for the taxpayer and all de pendents to be claimed; NOTE Medicare cards will not be allowed for identification.
• If filing a Massachusetts retur n and the taxpayer is over 65 also bring receipts for property taxes paid in 2019 and water and sewer bills (homeowners) or rent (renters) paid in 2019.
• copies of your 2018 Federal and State tax returns;
• All documents showing wages, interest, dividends, and other income (W2s, 1099s, brokerage re por ts, Social Security, unemployment, selfemployment, etc.);
• records of any estimated tax paid;
• records of the original cost and date of purchase of any assets, such as stocks or a house, sold in 2019;
• records of the original cost, sales tax, and date of purchase of a new car or purchase of a first home in 2019;
• records of a foreclosure or cancellation of mor tg age debt;
• records of educational costs or student loan payments;
• documentation of expenses if you wish to itemize deductions;
• records of child care expenses (provider’s name, address, SSN/ EIN);
• proof of health insurance;
• Health insurance coverage infor mation for taxpayer, spouse and all dependents;
• Infor mation showing what months they didn’t have health insurance coverage if they didn’t have it for the full year;
• If health insurance was purchased through the Marketplace/Exchange then they should bring For m 1095-A, which should be received by January 31;
• Documentation, if any, of a Health Care Exemption received from the IRS or the Marketplace/Exchange.
Make the Berkshires Count continued from page 3
the Census, these pro g rams and others will experience funding decreases.
As advocates for Berkshire County seniors Elder Services is very concer ned about issues of safety and privacy We’re happy to re por t the following as re g ards the 2020 Census:
• Your privacy is protected! It’s ag ainst the law for the Census Bureau to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or your household By law, your responses cannot be used ag ainst you and can only be used to produce statistics.
• The Census or Census takers will never ask you for any of the following infor mation:
a. Political af filiation
b Social Security infor mation
c. Financial infor mation of any kind
• I f a C
will have credentials identifying him/herself as a Census employee and you will be able to access www 2020census g
re presentative.
T here is additional infor mation re g arding the 2020 Census in this edition of Berkshire Senior and we’ll include additional infor mation in future editions to continue to kee p you infor med and up to date so that to gether we can Mak e the Berkshires Count
Until next time be good, be kind and be careful.
Christopher McLaughlin is the Executi v e Director of Elder Services.
Thank You To O ur Donors:
The following donations were received during the time period of July 1, 2019 to November 30, 2019. Donations received on or af ter December 1, 2019 will appear in the nex t publication of the Berkshire Senior
Elder Independence
Ms Joan Andrews
Mr. & Mrs. Rober t Annelli
Mr & Mrs Michael Capozzi
Mr & Mrs Terr y F Cardin
Ms Virginia Cariddi
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Charow
Mr. John Donald
Ms Judi Drozd
Mrs. Josephine Elling
Ms Paula Farbman
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Ferrarin, Sr.
Ms Bernice B Filkins
Mr & Mrs Serafin Garcia
Mr Steve Green
Ms. Sally Green
Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Green
Mr & Mrs Har vey Hamelin
Mr & Mrs Terrence Hanlon
Mrs. Jean R. Kenyon
Mr. & Mrs. William Ketcham
Rev. & Mrs. Edward A King
Knights of Columbus Berkshire Hills Council #314
Ms. Paula Kordana
Mr. Kenneth Kulig
Mrs. Monica Mandell
Mrs. Helena Matthews
Ms Betsey McKearnan
Ms Kathleen McMullen
Mr. Wallace G. Morrison, Jr.
Ms. Linda Mullany
Mrs. Marcella Nevin
Mr Anthony Piscioneri
Ms Sara G Pollard
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel J. Pupo
Mrs. Barbara G. Reddington
Mr & Mrs William M Reid
Ms Cynthia J Sault
Mr. & Mrs. Newell Skinner
Mr. & Mrs. Walter Slosek
Mr George F Smith, Sr
Mr & Mrs Leonard F Sniezek
Mr & Mrs Wayne Tenney
Ms. June A. Thomas
Mr & Mrs David Thorne
Mr & Mrs Val Tornicelli
Ms Nanc y G Torrico
Ms. Liana Toscanini
Mr & Mrs Ronald Uliasz
Mr & Mrs John S Vachula
Ms Jean Veazie
Ms. Hilar y Walker
Mr. Richard Weiskel
Ms Lillian Winters
Ms Nanc y Wyand
• Noentrancefee • PersonalCare,plusextra carewhenneeded • MedicationReminders • Fullservicedining
Meals on Wheels
Ms Mar y Dickson
Mr. & Mrs. Ar thur Gordon
Mr David B Grady
Mr George Munson
Ms Carol Perkins
Dr Eugene Talbot
Thursday Morning Club
Memorial Donation
In Memory of: Danny Albano
Ms Donna Albano
In Memory of: Franziska Boas and Ar thur Schleginger
Ms. Carol Pinsky
In Memory of: Marie Biron
Ms Marian Roper
In Memory of: Norma Buratto
Mr & Mrs G Scott LePrevost
In Memory of: Phillip and Amelia Cetti
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Cetti
In Memory of: Irene R. Dellea
Ms. Karen Archey and Mr. Forest Frost
Ms Ann L Archey
Berkshire Retirement Home
Ms Catherine A Briggs
Ms Dawn M Dellea
Ms Diana Fontana
Ms. Kathleen Archey Ker wood
and Mr. Shaun Ker wood
Ms Jody A Mathis
Mrs. Dianna Pikul and Mr. Richard Pikul
Ms Donna Pimental
Mrs. Elaine Rocheleau and
Mr. Paul Rocheleau
Ms. Sharon Shogr y
Ms Gail Tetlow
Mrs. Maureen Tuggey and
Mr. Richard Tuggey
In Memory of: Angela Fields
Ms Michelle McMurray
Mr & Mrs John W Philpott
In Memory of: Mildred Ketcham
Mr & Mrs Donald Brower
Mr. & Mrs. Mar tin Brown
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Conroy
Ms. Mar y Lou Decker
Mr & Mrs Daniel Furlong
Mr & Mrs Edward Ladouceur
Ms Marilyn Sheehan
Mr Gene Silvagni
Mr Andrew Stephenson
Mr. & Mrs. William Tchorz
In Memory of: Helen Milukas
Mr & Mrs George Milukas, Jr
Mr. Timothy O’Brien
Mr & Mrs Michael Poirot
Ms Laurie Shea
Mr. & Mrs. William Sturgeon
In Memory of: Stephanie Pasternak
Mrs. Barbara Feakes
Ms Donna Pasternak
Mr. & Mrs. Larr y Russett
Mr James Sadlowski
Ms Marcia M Wright
In Memory of: Mr. Glenn Rist
Ms Christine K Bubriski
Mr & Mrs Brett Chandler
Ms. Colleen Donahue
Ms Lynn Goodale
Ms Margy Gwozdz
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Hajdas
Ms Corinne Keegan
Lansen Mold
Mr. & Mrs. David Mitowski
Mr Keith Palmer
Ms Linda Richards
Mr & Mrs J John Rosier
Mr & Mrs Paul Stawarz
Mr. Halc yon Wheeler
Ms. C. Nanc y Woitkowski
In Memory of: David Rogers
Ms Mar y Rogers
In Memory of: Andrew Scelsi
Ms Virginia Pasternak
Mr. & Mrs. Rober t Watroba
In Memory of: Margaret Ann Wheeler
Ms Alyssa Kopp
In Memory of: Guy Fragala
Mr & Mrs Gaetano Fragala
In Memory of: Thomas Prokopowicz
Mr Thomas Matuszak
Ms Patricia Whitney
General Donation
Mr & Mrs Ronald Aasen
Mr & Mrs Rober t Annelli
Mr Thomas Arsenault
Mr Jon Bak
Mr & Mrs John Barber
Mrs. Jane Betti
Mr & Mrs Ronald H Bourgoin
Mrs. Josephine Buzzanco
Ms Teresa Caldwell
Cheshire Lions Club
Mr. & Mrs. Rober t F. Cimini
Dr & Mrs Joel L Colker
Mr Norman K Durkee
Mr & Mrs Frank Engels
Great Barrington Police
Association Local 350
Mr. & Mrs. Claire Gulick
Mr. Donald Hagberg
Mr. & Mrs. Terrence Hanlon
Ms Mar y M Hayes
Mr Everett Heiss
Mr Joshua Karabu
Mr & Mrs George Keator
Mr & Mrs George Kellar
Mr Winthrop D Kie, Sr
Mr Francis M Laundr y
Mr. & Mrs. Joel A. Less
Marcia Brady Tucker Foundation
Mr & Mrs Stephen Marko
Mr & Mrs Christopher Mathews
Mrs. Ursula McGowen
Ms Connie Metall
Mr & Mrs Richard Moon
Mr. & Mrs. David Mor ton
Mr. George Munson
Ms. Ann Pannesco
Mr Stephen Pepper
Mr & Mrs Wesley Petersen
Mr & Mrs John W Philpott
Mr & Mrs William M Reid
Mr Philip Rennie
Richard C Donati Memorial Fund
Attorney Alan J. Righi
Dr. & Mrs. Herber t Rod
Mrs. Florence Romaniak
Ms Helaine Rose
Ms Marilyn Shulklapper
Mr & Mrs Joseph M Tirrell
Ms Judith Trask
Ms. Mar y Verchot
Ms. Gina Vinciguerra
Mr. & Mrs. Norman V. Wilker
Mr Sergei Yantovsky
Mr & Mrs Thomas Young, III
Young at Heart Donors
4
t
Champions of Change
T h e Yo u n g @ H e a r t
C h o r u s a t t h e C o l o n i a l
T h
S
New York Times to TIME,
T h e E l l e n S h o w t o T h
Dail y Show this g roup of seniors, ranging in age from 73-92, has perfor med from Nor thampton to New Zealand, Europe to Japan, on over 30 inter national tours and was most recently reco gniz ed as one of CNN’s 2019 Champions of Change
O n S e p t e m b e r 2 2 t h e y b ro u g h t t h
Wo o d s t o ck
n
i re d s h ow t o t h e C o l o n i a l T h e at re t o b e n e fi
Wheels Pro g ram
T he Young@Hear t concer t raisied over $9,000 for Elder Services’ pro g rams and services. T he show of fered the audience much more than entertainment; it was an oppor tunity to see people with g reat life experience so alive and full of energ y and joy An after noon with the Young@Hear t Chorus proved that it is “possible to g row old without g rowing boring.”
We would like to thank the following sponsors, donors, adver tisers and supporters that made the perfor mance possible:
Phoenix Theatres
Nejaime’s Wine & Spirits Snowshoe Farm
Berkshire Biscotti
BJs Wholesale Club
Guidos
David Gage
Nanc y ’s Chocolates and Confec tions
Per formance Food
Ser vices
Peter Marchetti
Price Chopper
Elec tra’s Café
Gray Raven Farm
Linda’s Pastries
Richard R. Tuggey, Builder
Make the Berkshires Count!
e
c
i
re presentatives in Cong ress and t h
T h e C e n s u s w i l l a l s o b e u s e d
t o d e c i d e h ow m u c h s t a t e a n d
f e d e r a l d o l l a r s a r e s e n t t o
o u r a r e a f o r a w i d e r a n g e o f pro g rams. Some of the pro g rams that use Census data include
• MassHealth. Medicare, and Medicaid
• Public Safety Grants
• Public Transpor tation Funding
• Fuel Assistance
I f y o u d o n o t f i l l o u t t h e
C e n s u s, t h e s e p r o g r a m s c o u l d
l o s e m o n e y i n o u r a re a a n d we can lose seats in Cong ress and the State Le gislature. We need you to be counted!
Yo u w i l l g e t a n o t i c e a b o u t t h e C e n s u s i n e a
d reminders over the next month When you g et the notice, please go online to fill out the census If you do not complete the Census, a wo rke r w i l l v i s i t yo u r h o m e between May and July 2020 to get the infor mation from you T
infor mation submitted is shared
w i t h a n y o t h e r g o v e r n m e n t
a g ency T he Census will never a s k f o r y o u r s o c i a l s e c u r i t y
u m
numbers or money This Census
w i l l b e o n l i n e fo r t h e fi r s t t i m e and it is safe. If you do not have
a c o m p u t e r, c h e c k yo u r l o c a l
l i b r a r y, s e n i o r c e n t e r, o r c i t y / t ow n h a l l f o r h o u r s wh e n yo u
c a n c o m p l e t e t h e c e n s u s o n
a c o m p u t e r t h e r e I f yo u f e e l
u n c o m fo r t abl e w i t h t h e o n l i n e survey and do not respond to it, a paper survey will be sent to you
Avoiding Fraud and Scams
Avoiding Scams Online
P h i s h i n g i s
in the mail in early April that you can use instead.
W h a t h a p p e n s i f yo u s p e n d
t h e w i n t e r i n a n o t h e r s t at e bu t
l ive t h e re s t o f t h e ye a r i n t h e
B e r k s h i r e s ? Yo u w i l l l i k e l y r e c e ive t h e C e n s u s a t b o t h o f your addresses If you live in the Berkshire’s more than anywhere e l s e, yo u s h o u l d b e f i l
t h e C e n s u s f o r yo u r B e rk
h i r e address It doesn’t matter where yo u a r e w h e n yo u g e t t h e s u r ve y o
xe s, vote, or re gister your vehicle in another state, it all comes
most of your time – the place you call home
Make the Berkshires Count!
Please fill out your Census for m online or in paper:
2020Census.gov
Census Takers in Your Neighborhood
The U S Census Bureau is committed to making the 2020 Census quick, easy, and safe for all par ticipants Here are some tips to help you stay safe
infor mation by pretending to be an entity that you trust. Phishing emails o f t e n d i re c t yo u t o a we b
infected with malware.
It is important to know that the Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails to request your par ticipation in the 2020 Census Fur ther, during the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will never ask for:
• Your Social Security number
• Your bank account or credit card numbers.
• Money or donations.
I n a d d
political par ty
Staying Safe at Home
If someone visits your home to collect a response for the 2020 Census, you can do the following to verify their identity:
• First, check to make sure that they have a valid ID badge, with their photo g raph, a U.S. De par tment of Commerce water mark, and an expiration date
• If you still have questions about their identity, you can call 800-9238282 to speak with a local Census Bureau re presentative
Reporting Suspec ted Fraud
I f yo u s u s
Bureau re presentative. If it is deter mined that the visitor who came to your door does not work for the Census Bureau, contact your local police de par tment I
T his is a nor mal par t of pre parations for the 2020 Census. Census Bureau employees will also be in the community to continue collecting infor mation for the American Community Survey and other ongoing surveys.
How Can You Verify That Someone Is a Census Worker?
If someone visits your home to collect infor mation for the 2020 Census, you can do the following to verify their identity:
• First, check to make sure that they have a valid ID badge, with their photo g raph, a U S De par tment of Commerce water mark, and an expiration date
• If you still have questions about their identity, you can contact your Re gional Census Center to speak with a Census Bureau re presentative.
Why Are Census Workers Out in Communities?
You might see census takers in your neighborhood for a few different reasons:
• They are verifying addresses in pre paration for the census.
• They are collecting responses to the census or another survey
• They are dropping of f census materials
• They are conducting quality checks related to the census.
Be Proac tive
B y Ap r i l
par ticipate in the 2020 Census The best way to avoid a followu p v i s i t f ro m a c e n s u s
q u e s t i o n n a i re o n l i n e, by p h o n e, o r by m a i l a
yo u receive your invitation to par ticipate
Important Dates
B y Ap r i l 1 , 2 0 2 0 , eve r y h o m e w i l l receive an invitation to par ticipate in the 2020 Census Once the invitation ar rives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail.
Overall Timeline
Counting every person living in the United States is a massive under taking, a n d e f f o r t s b e g i n ye a r s i n a dva n c e. Here’s a look at some of the key dates along the way:
• A p r i l 1 , 2 0 2 0 : C e n s u s D a y i s observed nationwide. By this date, every home will receive an invitation
t o p a r t i c i p at e i n t h e 2 0 2 0 C e n s u s
O n c e t h e i nv i t a t i o n a r r ive s , yo u
s h o u l d r e s p o n d f o r yo u r h o m e i n one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail. When you respond to the census, you tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020
• Ap r i l 2 0 2 0 : C e n s u s t a ke r s b e g i n
v i s i t i n g c o l l e g e s t u d e n t s wh o l ive on campus, people living in senior centers, and others who live among
•
•
l
takers also be gin conducting quality check interviews to help ensure an accurate count.
• M a y 2 0 2 0 : T h e C e n s u s B u r e a u be gins visiting homes that haven’t
r
make sure everyone is counted.
counts to the President and Cong ress as required by law.
redistricting counts to states T his i
population changes
Census Day 2020
r home on April 1. Census Day will be
country.
Did You Know…
By law, the Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable infor mation about you, your home, or your business, even to law enforcement agencies. That’s protected under Title 13 of the U.S. Code.
How the Census Bureau Protec ts Your Data
T he U S Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your answers and kee p them strictly confidential In fact, every employee takes an oath to protect your personal infor mation for life.
Our Legal Duty To Protec t Your Information
T h e C e n s u s B u re a u i s b o u n d by T i t l e 1 3 o f t h e U. S . C o d e t o ke e p yo u r infor mation confidential
Under Title 13, the Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable infor mation about you, your home, or your business, even to law enforcement agencies. The law ensures that your private data is protected and that your answers cannot be used ag ainst you by any gover nment agency or cour t
T he answers you provide are used only to produce statistics. You are ke pt a n o ny m o u s : T h e C e n s u s B u re a u i s n o t p e r m i t t e d t o p u bl i cly re l e a s e yo u r responses in any way that could identify you or anyone else in your home
Data Protec tion and Privac y Program
Being responsible stewards of your data is not only required by law, it is embedded in Census Bureau culture. Strict policies and statistical safe guards
h e l p p ro t e c t t h e c o n fi d e n t i a l i t y o f yo u r i n fo r m at i o n . B e fo re re l e a s i n g d at a products, the Census Bureau verifies that they meet its confidentiality standards
Your response matters.
Health clinics. Fire de par tments. Schools. Even ro a d s a n d h i g h ways. T h e c e n s u s c a n s h ap e m a ny different aspects of your community
Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year
The results determine how many seats in Congress each state gets
I t ’s mandated by the U S Constitution in Ar ticle 1, Sec tion 2: The U.S. has counted its population ever y 10 years since 1790.
Your privac y matters.
E ve r y e m p l o ye
personal infor mation for life
When you respond to the census, your answers are ke p t a n o ny m o u s. T h e y a re
statistics.
by law to protect your answers and ke e p t h e m s t r i c t l
The law ensures that your private infor mation is never published and that your answers cannot b e u s
yo u by a
y gover nment agency or cour t
Caregiving Changes Your Life
by Jose ph Choon, Care gi v er Coordinator, Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc.
C a r i n g f o r a l o v e d o n e o r
a s i g n i f i c a n t o t h e r c a n b e a
d a u n t i n g t a s k E a ch c a re g ive r, who they are caring for and their relationship is unique. The people are as individual as a snowflake or fallen autumn leaf.
M a n y c a r e g ive r s e x p e r i e n c e
a wh o l e r a n g e o f i s s u e s : s t re s s, a n g e r, i s o l a t i o n , a f e e l i n g o f
ab a n d o n m e n t f ro m f r i e n d s a n d family, questioning self, financial burden, and a loss of a sense of fulfillment
W h e n a c a r e g ive r i s c a r i n g for someone with a pro g ressive disease like Alzheimer’s or other d e m e n t i a s , S t r o k e , M u l t i p l e
S cl e ro s i s, Pa rk i n s o n ’ s D i s e a s e,
M u s c u l a r D ys t r o p hy, C e r e b r a l
Pa l sy, o r m a ny o t h e r i l l n e s s e s,
t h e i r c a r e g iv i n g a l s o b e c o m e s
p r o g r e s s i v e . A t e a r l y o n s e t ,
c a re g iv i n g re q u i re s o n ly a f ew
m i n u t e s a c o u p l e o f d ay s p e r
m i nu t e s ch a n g e t o a f ew h o u r s
a n d t h e n a f ew h o u r s d a i ly a n d then to 24/7 care.
The care giver’s responsibilities
c h a n g e a l o n g w i t h t h e pro g ression At first, the changes
c a n b e s u b t l e. T h e n t h e c a r e
recipient may require assistance with walking, bathing, dressing or cooking. It may be that the care recipient can no long er balance
a c h e c k b o o k o r m a n a g e t h e i r finances T hese chang es require
t h e c a r e g ive r t o t a ke o n t h e s e
t a s k s. O ve r t i m e, t h e c a re g ive r
e m o t i o n a l l y a n d p h y s i c a l l y
c a n h i t a wa l l T h e y m ay a s k themselves, “How did I get here?” They are experiencing care giver bur nout
C
C a r e g i v
o r g u i l t , e n g a g e i n a l c o h o l
o r d r u g a b u s e , g a i n o r l o s e
we i g h t , e x p e r i e n c e c h a n g e s i n
s l e e p, f a t i g u e a n d m a n y o t h e r
symptoms. Care givers are special people
N o t a l l o f u s h ave t h e a b i l i t y
o r w i l l i n g n e s s t o t a k e o n t h e
c o m m i t m e n t t h a t c a r e g i v e r s make You may ask is there help available? The answer is yes You can take advantage of resources
i n o u r l o c a l c o m m u n i t y. M a n y
o f t h e s e r e s o u r c e s a r e f r e e
o f c h a r g e . T h e r e a r e m a n y
C a r e g ive r S u p p o r t G r o u p s i n
B e r k s h i r e C o u n t y S p e c i f i c trainings such as Powerful Tools for Care givers or Savvy Care giver
a re u s u a l ly o n e d ay a we e k fo r two hours and last for six weeks
O f t e n c a r e g ive r s n e e d h e l p w i t h b e i n g s t r e s s e d o v e r
c a r e g i v i n g r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s ,
w i t h t h e d i f fi c u l t y o f b a l a n c i n g
j o b , f a m i l y a n d c a r e g i v i n g commitments, help with feelings
o f a n x i e t y, a n g e r, l o s s a n d / o r sadness because of care giving
I f t h e p e r s o n t h e y a re c a r i n g
f o r i s 6 0 ye a r s o f a g e o r o l d e r
E l d e r S e r v i c e s c a n h e l p I f
C AREGIVER DISCUSSION GROUPS
Joe Choon leads monthly caregiver discussion groups
• 2nd Tuesday, 10 - 11:30 a.m., at Elder Ser vices
• 3rd Wednesday, 1 - 2:30 p.m., at Gt. Barrington COA
• 4th Thursday, 1 - 2:30 p.m., at Nor th Adams’ Spitzer Center New members always welcome. There is no charge Come for conversation, suppor t, & helpful information For information call 499-0524
y o u a r e c a r i n g f o r s o m e o n e u n d e r t h e a g e o f 6 0 wh o h a s a n
A l z h e i m e r ’ s d i s e a s e o r
BerkshireHealthcare is proud to providesuperiorcare to the residentswhocallourcommunity home.Fromsenior housing to skillednursing,memorycare, hospice andpalliativecare, andshortandlong-termrehabilitation, westriveforeffective,highquality outcomesfor even themostcomplex medicalconditions.
• H ILLCREST C OMMONS
• K IMBALL FARMS
• M T.G REYLOCK E XTENDED C ARE VisitBerkshireHealthcare.orgtofindacommunityclosetoyou.
• FAIRVIEW C OMMONS • W ILLIAMSTOWN C OMMONS
• N ORTH A DAMS C OMMONS
“After I was in a bad caraccident,Ispent almostthreeweeksin Williamstown Commons’ worldclassrehabprogram. Theintensiverehab processexceededmy highexpectations. Williamstown Commonsistrulya communityof healing.”
–Resident, Berkshire Healthcare A liate, June 2018
Whenevery momentmatters, trustHospiceCarein TheBerkshires.
Weareproudtooffer:
• Compassionate,highlytrained staffcertified in hospiceandpalliativecare
• Comprehensiveteamavailable to provideawide range of servicesincluding:
• Fullrange of servicesfocused on managingpainand improvingquality of life
Calltoday to see howhospicecanhelpyourfamily.
877SouthStreet,Suite 1W • Pittsfield, MA 413-443-2994 • www.hcib.org
Thedifferenceisinourcare
Elder Ser vices of Berkshire County, I nc.
NUTRITION PROGRAM
SENIOR COMMUNITY
sponsored in part by
DINING CENTERS
NO. ADAMS 662-3125
ADAMS 743-8333 COMMUNIT Y CENTER 3 Hoosac St. M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am
CHESHIRE 743-9719 SENIOR CENTER 119 School St. M-T-W 11:30 am
LANESBORO 448-2682 TOWN HALL 83 North Main St. T & TH 11:30 am
DALTON 684-2000 SENIOR CENTER 40 Field St. Ex t. M & TH 12:00 pm
BECKET 623-8934 TOWN HALL Route 8 P O Box 60 T & TH 11:00 am
PIT TSFIELD 499-9346
SENIOR CENTER 330 North St. M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am
LENOX 637-5535 COMMUNIT Y CENTER 65 Walker St. M & F12:00 pm
LEE 243-5545 SENIOR CENTER 21 Crossway Village M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am
GT. BARRINGTON 528-4118
SENIOR CENTER 917 South Main St. M-T-TH-F 11:30 am
PIT TSFIELD 442-2200 KOSHER JEWISH COMM.C TR 16 Colt Road M-T-TH 12:00 pm
STOCKBRIDGE 298-3222 HEATON COURT 5 Pine St. T-TH 11:30 am
PROVIDENCE C T. 443-1841
PROVIDENCE COURT 379 East St. M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am
STOCKBRIDGE 298-4170 SENIOR CENTER 50 Main St. WED12:00 pm
SHEFFIELD 229-7037
SENIOR CENTER 25 Cook Road W & F12:00 pm
E lder S er vices of B erkshire County, Inc. is Awarded a MCOA B ehavioral Health Grant
by Maureen Tuggey
Massachusetts Councils on Aging ( M C OA ) awa rd e
o n e o f t wo E l d e r M e n t a l H e a l t h Outreach Team (EMHOT) Grants
fo r f i s c a l ye a
help meet the needs of older adults w
b
residing in Berkshire County.
The pro g ram be g an October 1, 2019, with the goal of providing flexible, person-centered, shor tter m interventions to older adults who are at risk of self-ne glect and m ay b
by
o g r a p hy, f r a c t u r e d r e l a t i o n s h i p s w i t h f a m i l y a n d friends or by the person’s choice A unique aspect of the prog ram is the ability for a clinician to meet in a setting of the older adult’s choice, including his or her own home. Given the rural nature of our county and the transportation
home behavioral health suppor
addition to traditional counseling, the clinician can help individuals access goods and services such
application, etc , to help alleviate stress and reduce anxiety.
judgmental relationship with the
re f e r r a l s a n d i s re s p o n s i bl e fo r
d e v e l o p i n g a n d s u p e r v i s i n g
e n t h o m e o r o f f i c e
v i s i t s, p h o n e c a l l s a n d m e e t i n g
w i t h o t h e r o r g a n i z a t i o n s a n d
a d d i t i o n a l c o l l a b o r a t ive e f f o r t s to work towards a solution At a m u t u a l ly a g re e d u p o n p o i n t o f the engagement, the clinician will assist the older adult secure longterm counseling services with local providers such as the Brien Center and Clinical Support Options.
The Berkshire County EMHOT
i n c l u d e s E l d e r S e r v i c e s o f
B e rk s h i re C o u n t y ’ s B e h av i o r a l
H e a l t h C l i n i c i a n , Wi l l T u r n e r, L I C S W, a n d J i l l L e b a r, L M H C , E M H O T C l i n i c i a n W i l l h a s m o re t h a n 3 0 - ye a r s ’ e x p e r i e n c e treating older adults in a variety
o f s e t t i n g s i n c l u d i n g ; s k i l l e d nursing facilities, hospital based p s yc h i a t r i c u n i t s , c o m m u n i t y
b e h a v i o r a l h e a l t h a g e n c i e s
a n d p r iva t e p r a c t i c e H e i s t h e
c o n t a c t p e r s o n f o r p r o g r a m
t h e cl i n i c a l c o m p o n e n t s o f t h e
p r o g r a m . J i l l L e b a r a s s u m e d
h e r r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s a s t h e
E M H O T c l i n i c i a n i n O c t o b e r
L i ke Wi l l , J i l l h a s a we a l t h o f
b e h av i o r a l h e a l t h e x p e r i e n c e
a n d c l i n i c a l d e p t h t h a t i s a n
a s s e t t o t h i s p r o g r a m S h e n o t
o n l y h a s e x p e r i e n c e w o rk i n g
with individuals with behavioral health needs in both residential
a n d c o m m u n i t y s e t t i n g s ; s h e
w a s e m p l o y e d b y S o m e r v i l l e
C a m b r i d g e E l d e r S e r v i c e s f o r
n e a rly a d e c a d e a s a P ro t e c t ive
S e r v i c e s C a s e Wo r k e r a n d a Coordinator in their Alzheimer’s Family Suppor t Pro g ram.
In addition to the interventions described above, Will and Jill are collaborating with local Councils on Aging to of fer on-site suppor t
g ro u p s t h ro u g h o u t t h e c o u n t y
T h e s e m o n t h l y g r o u p s w i l l b e
t a i l o r e d t o m e e t t h e n e e d s o f
the older adults in each area. In addition, there is an oppor tunity t o u t i l i z e s o c i a l wo rk s t u d e n t i n t e r n s a s a w ay e x p a n d t h e pro g ram’s capacity. It is impor tant to note there is no cost for the EMHOT pro g ram a n d o l d e r a d u l t s d o n o t n e e d t o b e a n e x i s t i n g c l i e n t o f E l d e r Services of Berkshire County to r e c e ive s e r v i c e s Re f e r r a l s c a n be made on behalf of Berkshire County residents, 60 years of age or older, who have a behavioral h e a l t h d i a g n o s i s o r e x h i b i t t h e sy m p t o m s o f o n e, a n
t m e n
h
r e f u s e d t r e a t m e n t D i a g n o s e s may include, but are not limited t o s u b s t a n c e u s e d i s o r d e r, d e p r e s s i o n d u e t o g r i e f , s o c i a l isolation, unresolved trauma and h o a r d i n g d i s o r d e r. To m a ke a refer ral for the EMHOT pro g ram, p l e a s e c o n t a c t W i l l T u r n e r, LICSW, at 413-499-0524 x 156. I n d i v i d u a l s r e q u i r i n g immediate crisis intervention are not appropriate for the EMHOT pro g ram and refer rals should be made to the Brien Center’s Crisis Team at 1-800-252-0227, 24 hours a day/7 days per week F
Massachusetts Executive Of fice
solely those of Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc.
Jill Lebar, LMHC, EMHOT Clinician And Behavioral Health Clinician Will Turner, LICSW, administer the new Elder Mental Health Outreach Team Grant .
Junior Ambassadors
Kaitlyn Mar tyny of Windsor is our Newest, Junior Ambassador
Project” Ms Bills encourages her students to research a local charity or cause and to develop an activity to help raise funds and awareness for their org anization.
K
wa
a
E
N
Fo
l y n , Elder Services seemed
a n a p p r o p r i a t e
o
m o r e a b o u t a s h e r mother, Darbie Koczela,
s e r v e s a s a C l i e n t
S e r v i c e s C o o r d i n a t o r at Elder Services. For the project she chose, Kaitlyn sold baked goods a n d h o m e m a d e wo o d e n c o a s t
Wheels Pro g ram Her Dad and brother helped make the coasters using the wood from a tree in their yard. Kaitlyn set up a table and display for two weeks at The Dalton United Methodist Church after Sunday morning services The suppor t of the community helped Kaitlyn raise $175.00 for the Meals on Wheels Pro g ram!
Kaitlyn is truly an ambassador not only for Elder Services but for others in need in her community She also volunteers at Dalton United Methodist Church’s food pantry where she stocks shelves and helps carry bags for elders who visit the pantry.
Memory Ca fe
Memory Cafes are a national movement be gun about 10 years ago in New Mexico and now spread throughout the country They provide a time for p e o p l e w i t h d e m e n t i a a n d t h e i r c a re g ive r s t o have an hour of pleasure to gether, experiencing creative, interactive fun and then to meet and socialize with others in their community who share a similar life experience. T hey are safe, free, and accessible to people of all skill levels,while being genuinely interesting.
Sponsored by Melbour ne Place and held in the Garage Space of the Colonial Theater, they are interactive, free pro g rams with a variety of activities.
Here’s the upcoming schedule:
Tuesday January 14 Drumming with Otha Day
Tuesday February 11 Music and Singing with Andy Kelly
Tuesday March 10 Singing with Doug Schmolze
Tuesday April 14 Dance with Berkshire Pulse
Tuesday May 12 Fun with Ro ger the Jester
Tuesday June 9 Chair Dance with Sandy Newman
A l l p ro g r a m s a re f ro m 2 : 0 0 - 3 : 0 0 w i t h t i m e fo r s o c i a l i z i n g a n d refreshments at the end
PHS Culinary Class
The Culinary De par tment class at Pittsfield High School recently helped serve the holiday meal at the Ralph F roio Senior Center in Pittsfield The guests and students both enjoyed the day as they shared stories, smiles and a meal Student chef Savannah Gervais excitedly stated she had a made a few new friends and the seniors seemed to share that sentiment. When asked how the students felt about the d a y, t h e
for everyone
Aaron Cassavant, Alex DeVaughn, and Colby Rooney.
Left to right: Aaron Cassavant, Colby Rooney, Mr. Eddy, Francesca Cimini, Savanah Gervais, Brandon Gervais, James Lucky, Ms. Clement, and Alex DeVaughn
Front to Back: Francesca Cimini, Brandon Gervais, Savanah Gervais,
By Laura Feakes, Infor mation & Referral Specialist, Elder Services
I f y o u h a v e b e e n h a v i n g
d i f f i c u l t y p ay i n g t o h e a t yo u r
h
eligible for fuel assistance. There are a few a g encies that may still have funds available: Berkshire Community Action C o u n c i l ( B CAC , w w w.
i n c o m e. T h i s h e a t i n g s e a s o n
t h e i n c o m e l i m i t fo r a 1 p e r s o n household is $37,600, for 2 persons
$ 4 8 , 8 5 5 N e w a p p l i c a t i o n s a r e
a c c e p t e d u n t i l A p r i l 3 0 . T h e y
h e l p w i t h d e l ive r abl e f u e l s u ch
a s o i l , wo o d , p e l l e t s, p ro p a n e &
3014 (Nor th County) or use their automated system 1-866-216-6200
S
electric, g as, and oil bills when,
energ y expenses and they aren’t
e l i g i b l e f o r s t a t e o r f e d e r a l
a s s i s t a n c e I n c o m e f o r e i t h e r
t h e p r i o r
f all between 60 – 80% percent of
assistance!
the state’s median income levels
( 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 : 1 p e r s o n h o u s e h o l d
$ 3 7 , 3 6 0 - $ 4 9 , 8 1 2 ; 2 p e r s o n
$ 4 8 , 8 5 5 - $ 6 5 , 1 4 0 ) T h e P i t t s f i e l d
Salvation Ar my also administers
t h e E m e r g e n c y F u e l F u n d o f
t h e P i t t s f i e l d A r e a C o u n c i l
o f C o n g r e g a t i o n s . T h i s f u n d
provides one-time g rants of 100 g allons of heating oil to eligible f amilies who have exhausted all
o t h e r f o r m s o f f u e l a s s i s t a n c e
d u r i n g t h e h e a t i n g s e a s o n
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t
e l i g i b i l i t y c r i t e r i a a n d t o ap p ly, call Pittsfield Cor ps 413-442-0624
( 2 9 8 We s t S t ) o r N o r t h A d a m s Cor ps 663-7987 (393 River St), or toll free 800-262-1320.
Ve t e r a n s ’ S e r v i c e s h a s a
p r o g r a m k n o w n a s C h 1 1 5 t h at p rov i d e s c a s h a n d m e d i c a l a s s i s t a n c e t o l o w - i n c o m e Massachusetts war time veterans and their families who are in need of immediate help, including help with fuel. To deter mine eligibility call the Veterans Services Of ficer i n yo u r a r e a :
- 1 5 8 0 ( S o u t
County), 662-3040 (North County),
(
visit www.massvetsadvisor.org or the online Massachusetts Veteran Benefit Calculator, MassVetBen org.
An impor tant reminder… M
electric and g as companies from s h
November 15th– March 15th if the service is used to heat your house. T h
protections for people in special situations such as senior (65 yrs or over) households, low-income families with infants, and people with serious illness who cannot a
Services’ Infor mation & Refer ral De par tment, 413-499-0524.
New online tool helps Mass. veterans determine if they qualify for financial aid
Currently airing on PC T V Channel 1301 Access Pitts eld
Broadcast schedule:
PC T V channel 1301
Mondays at 5 p m , Tuesdays at 3 p m , Thursdays at 11 a m & Saturday 11:30 a.m.
Or watch online, ON DEMAND on pitts eldtv.org.
Thank you to our friends at PCT V for all their help in making Berkshire Senior T V accessible to our communit y.
A 2017 audit of the Massachusetts De par tment of Veterans’ Services showed thousands of qualified veterans eligible for cash assistance may not be receiving benefits under the Chapter 115 benefits pro g ram (Ch. 115) T he Massachusetts le gislature had created Ch 115 benefits as another source of income for struggling veterans in need, providing aid for food, housing, clothing and medical care to veterans and their de pendents. Payments may be one-time or ongoing and can provide monthly benefits ranging from a few dollars a month to over a thousand dollars a month Some veterans may have assumed they weren’t eligible while others might feel overwhelmed by filling out paperwork. It’s also likely that many didn’t even know the benefits existed
To re m e dy i g n o r a n c e o f C h 1 1 5 , t h e s
Veterans Clinic at the Le g al Services Center of Harvard Law School recently launched an online tool, the Massachusetts Veteran Benefit C a l c u l a t o r ( M a s s Ve t B
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survivors assess their eligibility for financial assistance through the Ch 115 benefits pro g ram. The Calculator asks users a series of anonymous questions about income and expenses and then provides an estimate of how much they are likely to receive It also gives them the infor mation for their local Veterans’ Service Of ficer so they can apply
The online tool is not in itself an application, but can be a g reat way for veterans or survivors to get star ted on the application process. The Calculator only takes a few minutes to complete and can be used on a phone or tablet You can Download or email yourself a copy of your answers, as well as view and download a list of documents you should bring when you meet with your VSO It’s simple – so stop wondering if you are eligible and get star ted now by visiting MassVetBen org!
