FAQ: Aging

Q: Can I speak to someone about getting assistance with my heating bills?

A: The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides help paying heating bills to income eligible residents to pay heating bills.  If you received HEAP in the past year, you will automatically receive a HEAP application for the present year. Call the Department of Social Services at 334-5436 if you have additional questions.

Q: I just got my tax bill. Do I quality for any kind of discounts or exemptions?

A: Contact your local assessor’s office to find out if there are any programs that you might qualify for. 

Q: I’d like to move into senior housing. Do you have a listing?

A: Yes, call the office at (845) 340-3456 and Office for the Aging staff will mail you a Senior Citizen Housing Guide for Ulster County or come to our office at 1003 Development Court, in Kingston and pick one up.

Q: Could you tell me when the next AARP Defensive Driving class will be held?

A: Call AARP Defensive Driving at 1-888-227-7669 and leave your zip code and telephone number on the answering machine.  Someone will call you with the nearest class location/earliest date or visit the AARP website:  http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/transportation/driver_safety/?cmp=RDRCT-...

Q: Where can I get a handicapped parking permit for the City of Kingston?

A: To obtain Parking Permit for Person w/ Disabilities
FOR THE CITY OF KINGSTON ONLY Please Contact: 
Erin McDowell- Clerk
Kingston Police Dept.
845-943-5736    

Q: Do you have a phone number for Social Security?

A: Social Security main telephone is 1-800-772-1213. Social Security Portal Services at the Office for the Aging are Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by appointment only. The number is 1-877-405-5349, extension 22021. The Poughkeepsie Office is located at 332 Main Street. The number is 1-877-405-6747 and is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to Noon on Wednesdays. The Hudson Office is located at 747 Warren Street. The number is 1-877-828-1691 and is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to Noon on Wednesdays.  

Q: When will the Farmer’s Market coupons be available?

A: They are available each year starting about mid-to-late July for low income seniors 60 years old and older.  They can be picked up at the office Monday through Friday.  They are given out through September 30th and they must be used no later than November 15th.  They cannot be carried over to the following year.

Q: I’d like to make a contribution to the Office for the Aging. To whom should I write out my check?

A: The Office for the Aging is grateful for all donations.  Check should be made out to Ulster County and can be mailed or hand-delivered to the Office for the Aging at 1003 Development Court, Kingston, NY  12401.

Q: I just got a phone call (or a letter in the mail) about something that sounds too good to be true (or that asks for personal information). Do you think this is a scam?

A: This is a perfect question for the Ulster County Consumer Fraud Department, which can be reached at (845) 340-3260. 

Q: Does your office provide legal services for seniors?

A: Yes.  Call the office at (845) 340-3456 or Toll Free 1-877-914-3456 to schedule an appointment with a lawyer.  The lawyers are available to prepare Simple Wills, Living Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Health Care Proxies.  The lawyer can give advice on other topics, but does not go to court.  All contributions are voluntary and entirely at the discretion of the individual receiving the service.  The suggested contribution is $20-$100.   

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