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| Colorado Gerontological Society and Senior Answers and Services | |
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| Denver,
CO. Older adults with limited income may be entitled to government benefits which can significantly raise their standard of living. A few of the benefits include property tax or rent rebates, telephone assistance, and utility assistance. Colorado Sales Tax Refund Applicants for the Colorado Sales Tax Refund must be full year Colorado residents aged 18 or older, or residents under the age of 18 who must file a tax return for other reasons. Nursing home and assisted living residents may apply. Residents who did not file a 2005 Colorado Tax Return must provide proof of 2005 residency either by Colorado driver's license or with copies of the first and last month's 2005 utility bill. Applicants filing the Colorado 2006 Individual Income Tax Return must apply by April 15, 2006 to receive the Sales Tax Refund. No extensions are granted. For forms, amount of the refund eligibility guidelines or to file your return for the State of Colorado Tabor Refund for more information. Property Tax/Rent Rebates Colorado residents over age 65 or disabled, who have paid rent or property tax in 2005, may be eligible to receive up to $792 if their individual annual income is less than $11,000 ($14,700 for a couple). To apply for a rebate of rent or property tax paid in 2005, claimants must submit their date of birth, income figures and record of rent or property tax payments and heating bills on Form 104 PTC prior to December 31, 2007 . Persons who did not apply for the 2004 rebate have until December 31, 2006 to do so. To get copies of the forms or file your return go to Telephone Assistance Individuals whose monthly income is $628 per month or less, who have less than $2000 in resources, and currently receive Old Age Pension, are eligible for Lifeline and Link-Up America Service. Under the Lifeline program, the individual receives a $15.65 per month discount on their monthly telephone bill. Under Link-Up America, the program will pay for one-half of the line-connection charge of the telephone installation fees for individuals. To apply for these services, contact Qwest at 1-800-782-0721. Upon verification with the county Department of Social Services, the individual will receive a monthly credit on their phone bill. Utility Assistance The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps low income households with their winter heating costs. LEAP pays a portion of the home heating costs and is not intended to pay the entire costs of home heating. Applicants must pay home heating costs to a utility company, fuel dealer or as part of the rent, and income of less than $1,478 per month for a single person ($1,978 for a couple). Established to assist low income Colorado residents with winter heating costs, the LEAP program is supported by area utility customers and utility companies throughout the state. To receive benefits, you must complete the LEAP application form and submit it to your local LEAP office or your county department of social services. Applications are accepted between November 1, 2005 through April 30, 2006. If the individual has a shutoff notice or service has been disconnected, contact the county Department of Social Services for assistance. For more information see LEAP. Completed forms should be sent to the county LEAP Offices. For a list of offices and their addresses click here. Individuals who are eligible for LEAP, may receive free weatherization and furnace services through the Colorado Office of Energy Conservation. For more information, call 1-866-432-8435 Window/Furnace Replacement For window replacement or furnace repair contact your local LEAP office for CIP (Crisis Intervention Program).Applications are available at county LEAP offices. For information contact LEAP. To apply for these benefits, contact your local county Department of Social Services or call Senior Answers and Services at 303-333-3482 for assistance. |
