Senior Connections

Farmingdale Public Library

Topic of the Month

CENSUS 2020: BENEFIT L.I.ers WITH FAIR SHARE OF FEDERAL FUNDS

(This is a follow-up Blog to Nov/Dec 2019 Blog "The 2020 Census At A Glance")

Through COMPLETE and ACCURATE count of population, L.I.ers will benefit by receiving Federal funding in the following areas: schools, roads, health clinics, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), emergency services, senior centers, public transportation and housing, and the appropriate number of seats in Congress.

HOW WILL US CENSUS BUREAU INVITE EVERYONE TO RESPOND?

Every household will have the option of responding online (preferred method), by mail, or by phone to cover anyone who is living and sleeping there most of the time as of April 1, 2020. 95% of households will receive their census invitation in the mail. 5% of households will receive their census invitation when a census taker drops it off. In these areas, the majority of households may not receive mail at their home's physical location, e.g. households that use PO boxes.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE MAIL

March 12 - 20:   An invitation to respond online to the 2020 Census (some households will also receive paper questionnaires).

March 16 - 24:   A reminder letter.

March 26 - April 3:   A reminder postcard.

April 8 - 16:   A reminder letter and paper questionnaire.

April 20 - 27:   A final reminder postcard before a follow-up in person (US Census Bureau)

HOW WILL FARMINGDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY ASSIST COMMUNITY WITH CENSUS?

*Up-to-date information posted on the Senior Connections Blog. Go to: fdaleseniorconnections.blogspot.com

*Visit Senior Connections on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 10am - 12noon

*Provide access to the online Census 2020 survey through a secure computer and internet connection.

*HELPLINE: Contact Reference Desk on 516-249-9090 Ext. 204 for census services available.

REMEMBER: Your census responses are SAFE & SECURE. Strict Federal Law requires individual information be kept confidential and responses be used only to produce demographic statistics.

SENIOR CONNECTIONS

FARMINGDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY

January/February 2020 Newsletter

Topic of the Month

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) OVERVIEW

 

SSI is a federal program administered by Social Security and pays monthly benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Blind or disabled children may also benefit from SSI. SSI benefits are not based on your prior work or a family member's prior work and is financed by general funds of the U.S. Treasury----personal income taxes, corporate and other taxes.

SSI recipients also can receive medical assistance (Medicaid) --to pay for hospital stays, doctor bills, prescription drugs, and other health care costs. They may also be eligible for food stamps (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-- SNAP).

To be eligible for SSI, you must reside in the United States or certain territories. You must not be absent from the country for a full calendar month or more, or for 30 consecutive days or more. You must be either a U.S. citizen or national, or in one of certain categories of qualified non-citizens.

The medical standards for disability are generally for individuals age 18 or older. For children from birth to attainment of age 18, there is a separate definition under SSI. The medical standard is based on the severity of the disability; financial need is not considered at this step in the eligibility process.

You can apply for SSI benefits by visiting the Apply Online for Disability Benefits website---www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-apply-ussi.htm to start the disability application process online---or

by calling 1-800-772-1213 and making an appointment to apply for SSI benefits. With an appointment, a Social Security representative will help you apply for benefits. You can have an appointment to apply by telephone or in person at local Social Security office. You will have to provide information and work with S.S. to obtain documents concerning eligibility including medical records for disability or blindness. S.S. will complete the application form based on information provided. S.S. will notify you in writing of any decision about your SSI eligibility. Each notice about your eligibility will explain your appeal rights. You may review laws, regulations and policy statements used in deciding your case at www.ssa.gov/ssi/ssi-laws-regs.htm and appeal, if warranted.

For further details visit "SSI Income and Asset Limits".

(Application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI):  Form SSA-8000-BK)

(Source: Social Security Administration)

Senior Connections

Farmingdale Public Library

November/December 2019 Newsletter

Topic of the Month

THE 2020 CENSUS AT A GLANCE

Counting Every Person in the Right Place Every Ten Years

 

The U.S. Census Bureau is the federal government's largest statistical agency. The Bureau is dedicated to providing current facts and figures about America's people, places and economy. Federal law requires the Bureau to keep your information confidential and use responses only to produce statistics. The Bureau cannot publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you. It will never share your information with immigration enforcement agencies, such as, ICE, law enforcement agencies, such as, FBI or police, or allow it to be used to determine your eligibility for government benefits.

The U.S. Constitution requires that each decade we take a count--or a Census--of America's population to provide vital information for you and your community:

--It provides how many representatives each state gets in Congress and is used to redraw district boundaries. Redistricting counts are sent to the states by March 31, 2021.

--Communities rely on census statistics to plan for a variety of resident needs including roads, schools, health care, emergency services and more.

--Businesses use census data to determine where to open places to shop.

 

Each year, the federal government distributes hundreds of billions of dollars to states and communities based on Census Bureau data. In 2020, the Bureau will implement new technology to make it easier than ever to respond to the Census. For the first time, you will be able to respond online, by mail, or by phone. The next Census will be conducted as of April 1, 2020.

(Source: United States Census Bureau. Visit: census.gov for more information)

Our Farmingdale Public Library, represented by Senior Connections, has joined the Senior Citizens Census 2020 Subcommittee and , in collaboration with other subcommittees at Health & Welfare Council of Long Island, are working to ensure  that every Long Islander knows about the Census and the importance of complete count.

Prior to April 2020, the library will provide further details in the newsletter, regarding assistance bring offered to the community on completing the Census.

Senior Connections

Farmingdale Public Library

September/October 2019 Newsletter

Topic of the Month

TOP 10 DUTIES OF AN EXECUTOR OF A "WILL"

Being chosen an executor is both an honor and an obligation. Before accepting, you should be sure you understand what are your responsibilities. Broadly speaking, you will be arranging for payment of estate debts, taxes, funeral expenses and other expenses and distributing the deceased person's property. Engaging an attorney is generally recommended to assure the executor properly complies with his or her duties. Ten specific duties are as follows:

1. Get copy of the "Will", understand it, determine who inherits the property and file it with local probate court

2. Notify banks, credit card companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, pension benefits, and government agencies, e.g. Social Security Administration, Veterans' Affairs, of decedent's death.

3. Decide what kind of probate is necessary. Because inheritance laws may facilitate the passing of certain properties without probate (such as property held jointly by husband and wife), probate isn't always necessary. Additionally, the value of the estate may allow it to pass through an expedited process. If probate is required, you need to file a petition with court to be appointed an executor. You will likely need an attorney's assistance to accomplish this.

4. Represent the estate in court. An executor may be required to appear in court on behalf of estate.

5. Set up bank account for incoming funds and pay any ongoing bills. If decedent is owed money, e.g incoming paychecks, this account can hold them. An executor should be on lookout for mortgages, utilities and similar bills that need to be paid throughout probate process.

6. File an inventory of estate's assets and debts with court

7. Maintain property until it can be distributed or sold and find all personal property in estate and protect it until distribution.

8. Pay estate's debt and taxes and file "income" tax returns from the first of current year until the date of decedent's death. If estate is large enough, there may be state and/or federal "estate" taxes to pay as well.

9. Distribute assets according to the wishes expressed in the "Will". If there is no "Will", state intestacy laws apply.

10. Dispose of other property if left after paying off estate's debts and distribution to heirs.

Since estates vary greatly in size and complexity, and executor's job may be easy or challenging to carry out and responsibilities may very well go beyond the 10 basic duties in the list. Consulting with an attorney is generally to assure that executor properly complies with his or her duties.

Go to legalzoom.com for related articles.

Senior Connections

Farmingdale Public Library

 

July/August 2019 Newsletter

Topic of the Month

 

UNDERSTANDING LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE

 

Know What is Covered and What is not Covered

Policies may cover nursing home care, home health care, assisted living, hospice care or adult day care, or some combination of these. Policy that covers multiple types of care will give you more flexibility in choosing care that is right for you.

 

Waiting Period

Most long-term care insurance policies have a waiting period before benefits begin to kick in. This waiting period can be between 0 and 90 days, or even longer. Longer waiting period can mean lower premiums. Some policies may have different waiting periods for home health care and nursing home care.

 

Daily Benefit

Daily benefit is the amount insurance pays per day toward long-term care expenses. purchasing the maximum daily benefit will assure you have the most coverage available. Lower daily benefit will mean a lower premium. Compare daily benefit levels.

 

Benefit Period

When you purchase a policy, you need to choose how long you want your coverage to last. In general, you do not need to purchase a lifetime policy if three to five years' worth of coverage should be enough according to a new study from the American Association of Long-Term Care Insurance. Unless you have a family history of a chronic illness, you aren't likely to need more coverage.

If you are purchasing insurance as part of a Medicaid planning strategy, however, you need to purchase at least enough insurance to cover the five-year look-back period. You can transfer assets to family member before you enter the nursing home, use the long-term coverage to wait out Medicaid's five-year look-back period, and then apply for Medicaid within limits to pay your nursing home costs.

 

Inflation Protection

As nursing home costs continue to rise, your daily benefit will cover less expenses. Most insurance policies offer inflation protection of  five percent a year. Inflation protection can significantly increase your premium. Inquire about two main types of inflation protection: compound or simple interest increases and evaluate cost-benefit results.

 

In conclusion, there are many factors to be considered in determining the best Long-Term Care Insurance that is right for you. For more comprehensive explanation, access internet @  "AARP - Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance".     

Senior Connections

Farmingdale Public Library

 

May/June 2019 Newsletter

Topic of the Month

Being Prepared for End of Life

 

Regardless of whether the death of a loved one is unexpected or anticipated, dealing with it is always difficult and usually catches family members unprepared. A little planning can go a long way in easing the stressful situations.

Plan Ahead

--Prepare a "Last Will & Testament". This documents intentions of  person for whom it was written and gives instructions for how you want your individual assets distributed to your heirs.

--A "Living Will" affords your loved ones peace of mind regarding your medical wishes and life support intentions.

--A "Health Care Proxy" designates a personal representative to make medical decisions if you are incapacitated.

--A "Durable Power of Attorney" authorizes personal representative to make financial decisions if you are incapacitated.

 

--Plan for financial welfare of your survivors, i.e. insurance policies, retirement plans, investments, trusts, etc.

--Express your preferences for funeral arrangements. Consider a "Pre-Plan".

--Choose and ask someone you trust to be your executor or personal representative. He or she should work closely with attorney, tax preparer, financial advisor and insurance agent to accomplish all necessary obligations.

 

How Does Death Affect Assets?

An estate is created at time of death.The estate consists of assets that were owned at time of death. The estate is responsible for paying all remaining debts of decedent, as well as any incurred to handle final affairs. The estate will exist until all bills are paid and remaining assets distributed.

 

 What Needs To Be Done?

After funeral arrangements are made and services conducted, affairs of estate need to be completed. This generally involves an attorney probating estate, reading the will and carrying out its directives. The executor or personal representative is responsible for the distribution of assets and filing final income tax returns. A professional tax preparer (CPA) can facilitate actions to be taken and required forms to be filed with IRS.

 

Being prepared for end of life is essential for fulfilling decedent's wishes and for family's peace of mind.

 

(Source: Information summarized & amended from National Association of Tax Professionals - NATP "Death & Taxes" publication available at library Reference Desk)    

Senior Connections

Farmingdale Public Library

March/April 2019 Newsletter

Topic of the Month

Learning About "SERVICE ANIMALS"

 

US Department of Justice provides regulations under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regarding "Service Animals"---only dogs are recognized as service animals. A dog is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Examples include:

--guiding a person who is blind

--alerting people who are deaf

--alerting and protecting a person with seizure

--calming person during anxiety attack

--and more

Generally, service dogs must be permitted to accompany the disabled in all areas where the public is allowed to go. Specific rules related to service dogs:

--when it is not obvious what service a dog provides, only two questions are allowed 1)is service dog 

  required because of a disability?, 2) what work or task has dog been trained to perform ?

--a disabled person cannot be asked to remove service dog from premises unless 1) dog is out of control, 2) dog is not housebroken

--and more

To obtain complete requirements and regulations regarding service dogs, visit www.ADA.gov and input "Service Animals" in Search ADA.gov bar, or visit Senior Connections in Outreach Services room at library for a copy of regulations.