Care & Share of East Lyme

(860)-739-8502

Care & Share of East Lyme provides food, financial and emergency support to individuals and families in East Lyme/Niantic and Salem CT. It operates a year round food pantry (including paper, household and cleaning products)makes bi-weekly bread deliveries and distributes seasonal food baskets to local residents. If you know of a veteran or anyone in need have them contact Care & Share at the number above. Monetary donations enable Care & Share to provide emergency assistance. 95% of monetary donations are used for Care & Share clients. Monetary donations can be mailed to Care & Share at:

website Care & Share Website

ENERGY ASSISTANCE FOR THE FALL/WINTER SEASON

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program has started for the upcoming heating season and the C.O.A. office will help the Senior and Disabled population of East Lyme complete their applications. Applications will be taken in the Commission On Aging office (860-739-5859). – call to receive your appointment date. Applications will also be taken in TVCCA’s New London office. Appointments are required there as well and you can obtain one by calling 860-425-6681 at any time.

There are income eligibility guidelines as well as a liquid assets test for households applying for this benefit.

The eligibility requirements for the Senior (over 60)/Disabled population are as follows:

1. If you live in a one-person household, your income level can be NO greater than $30,485.00. If you live in a two-person household, the household income level can be NO greater than $39,865.00.

2. If you are a renter, the first $7,000.00 in liquid assets, is disregarded. Any amount over that limit, when added to the annual gross income must be below the income guidelines.

3. If you are a homeowner, the first $10,000.00 in liquid assets, is disregarded. Any amount over that limit, when added to the annual gross income must be below the income guidelines.

The application process will take about 15 minutes. The following information is needed:

1. The most recent copy of income sources: copy of most recent monthly (quarterly, annual) check, or copy of an award letter, or copy of most recent bank statement showing a direct deposit. If you are employed, you must provide a copy of your four most recent consecutive weekly pay stubs.

2. Dividends, annuities, interest income (has to be more than $10/month). Copy of a statement for the most recently completed period.

3. You must provide proof of what you pay for rent. If you are a homeowner and have a mortgage, you must provide proof of your mortgage payment.

4. If you have a checking and/or savings account, bring in the most recent ENTIRE statement.

5. If natural gas or electricity heats the household, bring the most recent copy of the ENTIRE bill.

Please remember that all members of the household who receive income, must report their income.

SENIOR & DISABLED HOMEOWNERS’ TAX BENEFIT

The State of Connecticut offers a state run Elderly Tax Benefit known as the Circuit Breaker. This program is for eligible real estate taxpayers with the Town of East Lyme. In order to be eligible you must have reached the age of 65 prior to December 31, 2009. The benefit you are applying for will be for a credit on the taxes due on your primary residence in East Lyme.

Under the law, Social Security income MUST be declared and the program requires you to provide information regarding all income received during 2009. The new income limit, INCLUDING Social Security, is $39,500 for married couples and $32,300 for single persons.

The new Local Option Tax Credit Programs for elderly and totally disabled homeowners are available as well.  Proof of all income for 2009 is required in order to be eligible for these Local Tax Credit Programs.

Income guidelines for the Local Option Programs range form $0.00 to $39,500 regardless of marital status. Tax credit amount is based upon income and it ranges from $300.00 to $1000.00 additional off the tax bill.

An application must be completed between February 1st and May 14th, 2010. Please bring all proofs of income received in 2009, including the statement of yearly benefits from Social Security.

 

In Connecticut:

 

VFW Department Service Officer

 VFW Service Officer