Compliments of
State Representative
Anita Astorino Kulik
45th Legislative District

DISTRICT OFFICE:
Coraopolis Office:
1350 5th Ave.
Coraopolis, PA 15108
(412) 264-4260
Fax: (412) 269-2767
https://www.pahouse.com/Kulik

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGING
The prime source for information on services and programs that benefit older adults in Pennsylvania is the Department of Aging. This department operates 52 agencies serving all 67 counties in the state.

Here's a sample of what the department can do for you:

• Telephone Reassurance - someone will call you every day to ask about your needs and to bring you up to date on community events.
• Transportation - rides can be provided to your doctor's office or to a social service agency.

The department also can help you with employment, placement and casework services, information on senior centers and clubs in your area, adult day care centers, and much more. For more information, contact your local agency.

Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging
2100 Wharton St., 2nd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Senior Line: (412) 350-5460
Toll-Free: 1-800-344-4319
Tel: (412) 350-4234
TDD/TTY: (412) 350-2727

PA Department of Aging
Forum Place, 555 Walnut St.
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1919
(717) 783-1550

A HANDY GUIDE TO SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAMS

Property Tax / Rent Rebate
If you are:

• 65 or older; a widow or widower 50 or older; or 18 or older and permanently disabled; and
• A homeowner and have a total income not exceeding $35,000 annually; or
• A renter and have a total income not exceeding $15,000 annually,
• you may be eligible for a property tax or rent rebate of up to $650, or even more if additional requirements are met.

NOTE: Claimants can deduct half of any Social Security or Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits from their income when determining eligibility.

Prescription Assistance
If you are:

• 65 or older, and
• have an individual income from all sources of up to $14,500 or, if married, a total income from all sources of up to $17,700, you may be eligible for the state's low-cost prescription plan. You pay only the first $6 ($9 for brand-name drugs) of a prescription's cost with the state Lottery Fund paying the remainder.

A second tier covers seniors who are single with an income of up to $23,500 and seniors who are married with incomes up to $31,500. To receive benefits under this tier, seniors must pay a monthly premium - averaging $37 per individual - and a copayment of $8 for generic drugs and $15 for brand-name drugs.

Reduced Automobile Registrations
If you are:

• Retired; and
• have a total income not exceeding $19,200 annually, you may qualify to register your passenger vehicle or light truck for a reduced annual fee of $10 instead of the usual registration fee.

Energy Assistance
If you own your own home or rent a residence and meet income requirements, you may be eligible for aid in paying heating bills through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

If you qualify, payments will be made directly to the utility for credit to your account or, if your heat is included in your rent, to the head of your household. Income limits and funding availability are determined annually. Check with your county assistance office for up-to-date information.

Hunting and Fishing Licenses
If you are:

• 65 or older, you are eligible for reduced hunting and fishing license fees. Senior fees are $13.70 yearly for a hunting license and $51.70 for a lifetime hunting license; $10.70 annually for a fishing license and $51.70 for a lifetime fishing license. A three-year senior fishing license is $31.70 and a five year license is $51.70.

Dog Licenses
In most counties, senior citizens may purchase dog licenses for reduced fees, paying lower fees for spayed or neutered dogs than for productive dogs. Lifetime licenses are available for a one-time fee. To qualify for a lifetime dog license, the dog must be microchipped or tattooed with a number on the right hind leg, upper part of inner thigh. The tattooist's fee is additional. Contact your county courthouse for current local fees.

Transportation Services
People 65 or older can take advantage of free transit service on local established routes for buses, trollies and rapid transit lines with appropriate identification. For more information contact:

Free Transit Program for Senior Citizens
Bureau of Public Transportation
400 North St., 6th Floor, P.O. Box 3151
Harrisburg, PA 17105-3151
Phone: (717) 783-8025

Area agencies on aging also provide transportation for older people who have special needs, or live in areas where regular mass transit services are not available. You can use this service for rides to senior centers, medical appointments and social agencies.

Voting
If you are unable to go to your local polling place to vote because of illness or disability, you can vote by absentee ballot. Call Representative Anita Astorino Kulik's office at 412-264-4260 for details.