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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Financial assistance available for Berkshire County elders
For people age 65 and older, help is available through public programs for low-income households. All of these programs have eligibility guidelines. The main areas of eligibility to qualify for assistance are citizenship status (a non-citizen must meet one of the exceptions), and limits on income and certain resources such as bank accounts.
Food Stamps can help your money go further. Gone are the days of tearing stamps out of booklets. To apply you complete an application providing required verification of income and bank accounts. On approval, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will issue you a card very similar to a credit or debit card and enter the amount of your benefit into an account every month. The cost of your groceries is subtracted from this account every time you use it at participating stores. If you qualify, you will be notified of the amount available to you. Applications are available at Advocacy for Access, the Department of Transitional Assistance, and Elder Services.
Fuel Assistance is available through several programs. Berkshire Community Action Council, Salvation Army (Good Neighbor Fund), Western Mass Electric Company, Center for Ecological Technology and Citizens Energy Oil Program (Joe 4Oil). (See related on page 8)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) If you are 65 or older and your income is $692.82 /mo. or less or $523.86 /mo. (each partner) if married, you may be eligible for an SSI monthly income benefit. SSI has other categories and income guidelines depending on housing arrangements such as shared expenses, household of another, or assisted living. You can call or visit your local Social Security office at 78 Center St, Pittsfield 413-499-2432; 37 Main St., North Adams: 413-664-7951; or call 1-800-772-1213 for help with the application. You will need your Social Security card or record of your Social Security number, your birth certificate or other proof of age, information about where you live, bank books, bank statements and recent payroll stubs. If you are approved to receive SSI benefits, you may also be eligible for MassHealth Insurance.
Prescription Drug discount plans are available through several resources which include Prescription Advantage, pharmaceutical companies, Medicare Discount Cards and MassHealth. You may call MassMedLine toll-free at 1-866-633-1617 for assistance with finding the best discounts on your prescriptions. For more information, call Elder Services at 413-499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242 and ask for the SHINE Coordinator, or call your local Council on Aging to make an appointment to meet with a SHINE Counselor. In Northern Berkshire County, call Ecu-Health Care at 413-663-8711.
Phone Bills – Link-up and Lifeline Assistance are programs that can reduce the cost of basic telephone service, including installation, if you meet the income guidelines. Lifeline Assistance is not to be confused with LifeLine Personal Emergency Response Systems.
You can apply for these discounts through your local phone company.
Senior housing options throughout the county are also available for those who qualify.
Local housing authorities have applications and information on housing availability. Berkshire Housing Services, 74 North Street, Pittsfield: 413-413-499-1630; Pittsfield Housing Authority, 65 Columbus Ave.: 413-443-5936; Adams Housing, 4 Columbia Street: 413-743-5924; North Adams Housing Authority, 150 Ashland Street: 413- 663-5379; Lee Housing, Marble Street: 413-243-3464; Stockbridge Housing, Pine Street: 413-298-4297.
If you are a homeowner, call your local Department of Community Development for information regarding grants and low interest loans for major home repairs. These offices are located at your local City or Town Hall.
This article is meant to offer resources that may be helpful to Berkshire County seniors living on fixed incomes. If you need further assistance, call Elder Services at 413-499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.
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