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Elderly Services

Show All Answers

1. How old do you have to be to participate in activities at the Senior Center?

60 years of age and older.

2. What activities are offered at the Senior Center?

Programming at the Miller Senior Center focuses on educational, geneology, income tax, recreational and social offerings. Activities include:

• Aerobics
• Billiards
• Bingo
• Card playing Arts/Crafts (day classes)
• Computer and iPad classes
• Crafts
• Knitting/Crochet
• Sitercise
• Tai chi
• Yoga

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 online.

3. What are the hours of the senior center?

The senior center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on holidays.

4. Where is the Miller Senior Center located?

The Miller Senior Center is located at:
2901 Dixwell Avenue
Hamden, CT 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. View the Directions page to see directions to the senior center.

5. Are meals served at the senior center? Where do I find the menu?

Yes, the Senior Community Café serves meals Monday through Friday starting at 11:30 a.m. in the Social Hall of the Miller Senior Center. The menu is available at the senior center or online. The requested donation per meal is $3. Meals are served to seniors (60 years and older) Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. A Form 5 is required and can be obtained from the center staff. Individuals need to be from the catchment area to participate. Reservations have to be made at least one day in advance before noon. Call 203-287-0057 to learn more.

6. When does the Wellness Clinic occur?

The Wellness Clinic is every Wednesday from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. This is a walk-in clinic and does not require an appointment.

7. When are the Safe Driving classes?

AARP Safe Driving classes are held on specific Fridays from 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Payment for the class is by check made out to AARP. Please contact Elderly Services 203-287-2547 to check for classes or contact AARP directly.

Age for attendees at the Senior Center is 60 years and older. Some classes may be offered to ages 55 years and older. Please contact the center for more information.

8. What is a Gold Key Card and how do I get one?

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.

How to Obtain

Gold Key Cards are available to Hamden residents 62 years of age and older. The card will be mailed to you. Gold Key Cards are also available at the Board of Education Office, located at:
60 Putnam Avenue
Hamden, CT 06517

Please call 203-407-2203 for more information.

9. Where do I go for income tax assistance?

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 203-287-2547.

10. Are there Adult Day Care centers in Hamden?

Yes, Hamden has two adult day care centers:

1. Clelian Adult Day Care Center
   • 261 Benham Street
     Hamden 06514
   • Phone: 203-288-4151
2. Partnerships Center for Adult Daycare, Incorporated
   • 3 Industrial Circle
     Hamden CT, 06517
   • Phone: 203-248-8854

11. How do I find out about computer classes for senior citizens?

Computer classes are offered in the computer-learning lab at the Miller Senior Center. Courses include:

• Computer Basics
• Intermediate Level Classes
• Internet
• iPad
• Word Processing

Contact the Miller Senior Center at 203-287-2547 for the class schedule. Computer lab is open to Hamden Seniors by reservations only.   Please contact the center at (203) 287-2547 to reserve your time. Volunteer instructors and coaches are always needed.

12. What is the Elderly Outreach Office and where is it located?

The Outreach Office provides information, referral and social services assistance to elderly town residents. Services include:

• Agency Referrals
• Assistance with Renter’s Rebate Program
• Emergency Assessment and Referrals
• Fuel/Energy Assistance Program
• Homebound Visits
• Housing Referrals

Location

The Elderly Outreach Office is located in the Miller Senior Center at:
2901 Dixwell Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518

The telephone number is 203-287-2691.

13. When do I apply for Fuel Assistance?

The fuel assistance program runs from October 1 to March 15 each year. The Outreach Office begins scheduling appointments October for oil heating customers.

14. I heat with a utility; can I still apply for fuel assistance?

Yes. Clients who heat with electricity or gas can apply for the Fuel Assistance Program. You must bring your current utility heating bill when applying.

15. What are the income requirements?

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 are also asset guidelines.

16. What income documentation do I need to bring when I apply?

You will need proof of your monthly income for all household members. This can include things such as:

• Certificate of Deposits
• Checking account statement
• Copy of your pension check
• Copy of your Social Security check or bank statement if direct deposit
• Individual Retirement Arrangements
• Interest on any/all bank accounts
• Savings books

More specific information will be given when scheduling an appointment.

17. What is the Renter’s Rebate Program?

State law provides a reimbursement program for Connecticut renters who are elderly or permanently 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. 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.

18. When do I apply for Renter's Rebate Program?

The Renters Rebate Program runs from May 15 through September 15. Please contact Elderly Outreach regarding the list of documentation required to process your rent rebate and to determine your eligibility.  

19. What are the income guidelines?

These guidelines change every year.

20. What documentation do I need to bring when I apply?

Required documentation includes:

• Cancelled checks from January through December (prior year) for your rent
• Cancelled checks or a payment history for all utility payments (United Illuminating, Gas, Water) for the prior year and income tax return, if filed
• End of the year statements for all income from the prior year
• Social Security Form 1099

21. How can I apply for Title 19 (state medical assistance) or other state programs?

You can call the Department of Social Services at 203-974-8000 to obtain an application. This office can assist you in filling out the application.

You will need:

• Documentation of all income
• Insurance payments
• Medical bills
• Medicare card
• Utility bills

22. How can I arrange a ride on the Hamden Elderly Services Mini-bus?

You must call 203-288-2885 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. Transportation is for a small fee.

23. Is there any elderly housing in the Town of Hamden for low-income households?

The Hamden Housing Authority manages three elderly and one congregate (assisted) housing complexes.

Elderly Housing Complexes

• Centerville Village
  • 51 Worth Avenue
    Hamden, CT 06518
• Hamden Village
  • Clifford and Treadwell Streets
    Hamden, CT 06517
• Mt. Carmel Elderly and Congregate
  • 33 Worth Avenue
    Hamden, CT 06518

Applications can be obtained by calling 203-248-9036.

Congregate Housing Complex

Davenport/Dunbar Elderly Housing is located at:
125-135 Putnam Avenue
Hamden, CT 06517

Applications can be obtained by calling 203-248-1445.

24. What medigap policies are available to me?

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 203-785-8533.