Elderly Services - FAQ
Q: How old do you have to be to participate in activities at the Senior Center?
A: 55 years of age and older.
Q: What activities are offered at the Senior Center?
A: Programming at the Miller Senior Center focuses on educational, geneology, income tax, recreational and social offerings. Activities include computer classes, bridge classes, aerobics, line dancing, tai chi, needlework, crafts, bingo, oil painting, billiards, card playing, a monthly movie, etc. Speakers and entertainment are also available on a scheduled basis throughout the year. A monthly newsletter details all the activities and is available at the Senior Center and also on-line.
Q: What are the hours of the senior center?
A: The senior center is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Q: Where is the Miller Senior Center located/ directions?
A: The Miller Senior Center is located at 2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden 06518. The senior center is located in the same building as the Miller Library. The entrance to the senior center is in the rear of the building. Click Directions to see directions to Miller.
Q: When is movie day?
A: Movie day is the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. in Thornton Wilder Hall of the Miller Complex.
Q: Are meals served at the senior center? Where do I find the menu?
A: Yes, the Senior Community Café serves meals Monday – Friday at noon in the Social Hall of the Miller Senior Center. The menu is available at the senior center or on-line. The requested donation per meal is $2.00. Reservations have to be made at least one day in advance before noon.
Q: When is the blood pressure screening?
A: Blood pressure screening is the 3rd Wednesday and 1st Friday of each month at the senior center from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. This is a walk-in clinic and does not require an appointment.
Q: When are the 55 Alive Defensive Driving Classes?
A: The 55 Alive Defensive Driving Classes are held approximately nine times each year at the Miller Senior Center. The 8-hour course is taught in two, four-hour sessions spanning two days. The cost is $10.00 per person. Call the senior center for the times and dates of the next classes or see the newsletter on-line.
Q: What is a Gold Key Card and how do I get one?
A: Gold Key Card holders are allowed a reduced rate admission to most school system sporting events, concerts and theater productions. Also, participants are entitled to registration in the Adult Education courses at a senior rate.
Gold Key Cards are available to Hamden residents 62 years of age and older. To apply for a card, come into the Miller Senior Center with proof of age and residency. No membership will be taken over the telephone. The card will be mailed to you. Gold Key Cards are also available at the Board of Education Office, 60 Putnam Avenue.
Q: Where do I go for income tax assistance?
A: Income tax appointments are scheduled for elderly Hamden residents at the Miller Senior Center from February through the end of the filing period in April each year. Assistance is provided by appointment only. This service is sponsored by AARP with volunteers trained by the Internal Revenue Service. Income tax assistance is provided free of charge. To schedule an appointment, call the Miller Senior Center at 287-2547.
Q: Are there Adult Day Care centers in Hamden?
A: Yes, Hamden has two adult day care centers; Partnerships Center for Adult Daycare, Inc., located at 3 Industrial Circle 06517, Telephone: 248-8854 and Clelian Adult Day Care Center, 261 Benham Street 06514, Telephone: 288-4151.
Q: How do I find out about computer classes for senior citizens?
A: Computer classes are offered in the computer-learning lab at the Miller Senior Center. Courses include: computer basics, intermediate level classes, word processing and the Internet. Contact the Miller Senior Center for the class schedule. Volunteer instructors and coaches are always needed.
Q: What is the Elderly Outreach Office and where is it located?
A: The Elderly Outreach Office is located in the Miller Senior Center. The Outreach Office provides information, referral and social services assistance to elderly town residents. Services include assistance with Renter’s Rebate Program, the Fuel/Energy Assistance Program, Agency Referrals, Housing Referrals, Homebound Visits, Telephone Reassurance, ConnPACE, Emergency Assessment and Referrals, etc. The telephone number is: 287-2691.
Q: When do I apply for Fuel Assistance?
A: The fuel assistance program runs from Nov. 1 to March 31 each year. The Outreach Office begins scheduling appointments mid-October for oil heating customers.
Q: I heat with a utility; can I still apply for fuel assistance?
A: Yes. Clients who heat with electricity or gas can apply for the Fuel Assistance Program beginning in December. You must bring your current utility heating bill when applying. Households with heat included in their rent can apply for assistance Jan. 1st
Q: What is the income Requirements?
A: Income guidelines differ with household size. You can call INFO-LINE at 211 for specific guidelines. INFO-LINE will also determine if you are eligible. Please note – there is also an asset guideline - $7500.00 for renters - $10,000 for homeowners.
Q: What income documentation do I need to bring when I apply?
A: You will need proof of your monthly income for all household members. (Copy of your Soc.Sec. check or bank statement if direct deposit, copy of your pension check, interest on any/all bank accounts, CD’s, IRA’s, checking acct. statement and savings books, etc.) More specific information will be given when scheduling an appointment.
Q: What is the Renter’s Rebate Program?
A: State law provides a reimbursement program for Connecticut renters who are elderly or totally disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits. Persons renting an apartment or room, or living in cooperative housing or a mobile home may be eligible for this program. Renters' rebates can be up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single persons. The renters' rebate amount is based on a graduated income scale and the amount of rent and utility payments (excluding telephone and cable) made in the year prior to the calendar year in which the renter applies.
Q: When do I apply for Renter's Rebate Program?
A: The Renters Rebate Program runs from May 15 through September 15.
Q: What are the income guidelines?
A: These guidelines change every year.
Q: What documentation do I need to bring when I apply?
A: End of the year statements for all income from the prior year. Social Security Form 1099 is required, cancelled checks from January – December (prior year) for your rent, and cancelled checks or a payment history for all utility payments (UI, Gas, Water) for the prior year and income tax return, if filed.
Q: What is ConnPace?
A: ConnPace is the Connecticut Prescription Drug Assistance Program. Applications are available at the Outreach Office or by calling 1-800-423-5026. ConnPace eligible participants pay only $16.25 per prescription along with the $30.00 application fee.
Q: What are the income guidelines?
A: Change annually.
Q: What documentation do I need when I apply?
A: Proof on the prior years income (Social Security 1099, Pension 1099, interest and dividend statements, Income Tax if filed, etc.).
Q: How can I apply for Title 19 (State medical assistance) or other state programs?
A: You can call the Department of Social Services at 974-8000 to obtain an application. This office can assist you in filling out the application. You will need documentation of all income, 1 each utility bills, medical bills, insurance payments, medicare card, etc.
Q: How can I arrange a ride on the Hamden Elderly Services Mini-bus?
A: You must call 288-2885 one week in advance to schedule your appointment. The mini bus can bring you to doctor’s appointments, errands, shopping, and to the senior center.
Q: Is there any elderly housing in the Town of Hamden for low-income households?
A: The Hamden Housing Authority manages three elderly and one congregate (assisted) housing complexes. Centerville Village (51 Worth Ave.), Hamden Village (Clifford and Treadwell Streets), Mt. Carmel Elderly and Congregate (33 Worth Ave.). Applications can be obtained by calling 248-9036.
Davenport/Dunbar Elderly Housing is located at 125/135 Putnam Avenue. Applications can be obtained by calling 248-1445.
Q: What medigap policies are available to me?
A: The "Choices" Program run from the Agency on Aging has a list of all medigap policies available to you. You can reach them by calling 1-800-994-9422.