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Are there programs that can help me pay for my rent or utilities? |
| There are several programs that can assist those with low incomes and
limited resources. KCEOC's HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) is available to those
whose energy bills are at least 5% of their total monthly income. Applications can be
obtained by calling (661) 336-5203. |
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| PG&E and Southern California Edison administer the CARE (California Alternate Rates)
Program, providing a 20% discount on utilities to income qualified households. For
information call PG&E at 1 (800) 743-5000 or Southern California Edison at 1 (800) 447-6620,
or visit their web sites at: |
Pacific Gas and Electric - www.pge.com (opens new window)
Southern California Edison - www.sce.com (opens new window)
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Currently, there is a program to assist with paying rent. The Helpline's On Track, On
Line Homeless Program can assist with deposits or first month's rent for displaced,
homeless persons who have a source of low income already in place. |
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For more information call: (661) 335-5200. |
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Local charitable organizations that might also be able to help: |
Catholic Social Services - (661) 281-2151
Salvation Army/REACH - (661) 837-4243
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Can you help me understand a letter I received from another agency?
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| We attempt to provide assistance whenever possible to help seniors or
disabled adults with letters they receive from public agencies such as Social Security,
Medi-Cal, Medicare and other government offices. However, we cannot provide assistance
with personal, business, or legal matters or documents. Our staff is not trained in
consumer or legal matters and cannot offer advice or counsel in these areas.
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I'm always out of groceries by the end of the month, are there any
programs that can help me get food?
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| There are several food banks and distribution sites in Kern County that
can assist low-income individuals, families, or seniors when in need. Please call us for
more information about emergency food referrals and monthly food distribution sites
through out Kern County.
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Do you sell fishing licenses for seniors?
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| We do provide applications and preparation assistance for disabled
adults, disabled seniors, or low income seniors to obtain special reduced fee or free
fishing licenses. The individual then mails these forms, along with any fees, to the
California Fish and Game Department for processing.
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How can I sign up for Meals on Wheels? How much does it cost?
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| Meals on Wheels is part of the senior nutrition program. Home delivered
meals are available to seniors age 60 and older who are home-bound and unable to get out
to one of the senior centers in their area for lunch. A doctor's prescription is required.
Call us for the number of the home delivered meals provider nearest you; or we can make
the referral for you, if you wish. |
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The senior nutrition program in Kern County includes congregate dining as well as home
delivered meals for senior citizens age 60 and above. As part of the congregate dining
program, a nutritious lunch is served Monday through Friday at senior centers in many
areas of the County. Call us for the number of the senior center near you.
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When are you providing Income Tax help? Do I need an appointment?
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| Our agency is one of many VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites
partnering with the State Franchise Tax Board to assist seniors with preparing simple tax
returns. Assistance in 2002 is provided from the first week of February until April 12th.
Appointments are required and can be made by calling our local or 800 number. There is no
fee for this service.
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What can you tell me about the Homeowners/Renters Assistance program? Can
you help me fill out the form?
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| The State Franchise Tax Board offers a rebate program for disabled or
blind adults, and seniors 62 or older. Both Homeowners and Renters can apply for the
annual rebates. The program does have an annual income limit to qualify, which changes
annually. The program runs from July 1 through October 31 each year, although claims may
be filed through June 30 of the following year. Our office can assist with preparing the
forms, if assistance is needed. |
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To have the current year's forms mailed to you, or for additional information, you may
call the Franchise Tax Board at: 1 (800) 852-5711. You can also access the Franchise Tax
Board's website to order forms or file your claim on line at:
www.ftb.ca.gov. (opens new window)
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I need low cost legal advice. Can you recommend someone?
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| The Kern County Seniors Law Center can offer free legal advice,
counseling, and judicial representation in a variety of areas such as Medi-Cal, Social
Security and SSI benefits, consumer issues, elder abuse, and housing concerns as well as
community education and awareness. They do not prepare legal documents or assist with
probate planning however. For more information call (661) 323-7881. You may also call
their office collect if you are outside the greater Bakersfield area.
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To be eligible for services of the Seniors Law Center, the individual must reside in
Kern County and be 60 years of age or older. There is no income test to determine
eligibility; however the Seniors Law Center is required to ensure that preference is
given to those seniors in greatest economic and/or social need. |
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Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance Inc. - www.gbla.org/ez.php?Page=3226 (opens new window)
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What transportation programs are available for seniors/disabled in Bakersfield/Kern County?
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| Transportation options in Bakersfield area |
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| If you live outside of Bakersfield there may be other options. Please give us a call and we will help you locate the transportation
that is available in your area. |
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I can't afford to pay my property tax. Can anyone help me?
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| We can assist you in filling out Property Tax Postponement Forms,
which can postpone your property taxes until you can better afford them. Visit our
office or contact the State Controller's office at 1 (800) 952-5661.
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I need some repairs made to my house. Is there a program for this?
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| The Community Development Programs make grants and low cost loans to
qualified homeowners. Bakersfield city residents may call Bakersfield City Community
Development at (661) 326-3765; County residents may call Kern County Community
Development at (661) 862-5050; and those living in the rural areas should call the Rural
Development program at (661) 336-0967.
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My parent(s) are no longer able to live safely in their own home.
How can I find the right place for them?
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| By talking with our program assistants you will find there are a
variety of options available to your parents, ranging from in-home to out-of-home care.
Many decisions must be made at this time and our trained staff are here to help. Give us
a call.
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How do I go about getting someone to come into the home to provide care
for a loved one?
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| There is a range of in-home care services available to Kern County
seniors, ranging from publicly funded programs to private agencies. |
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Your loved one may qualify for the In Home Supportive Services Program if certain
requirements are met. Call (661) 868-1003 for more information. |
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In addition, we have a listing of various homemaker services, which are businesses that
provide in home care. Some of the agencies are non-profit, with services charged on a
sliding fee scale. Call us and we'll send you our homemaker list, or come in and pick
up a copy.
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Is there a program that will make handicapped modifications to my
house/rental unit/mobile home?
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| The programs that provide grants and loans for home repairs are the
same programs that provide grants to qualified individuals to make homes handicap
accessible. Bakersfield city residents may call Bakersfield City Community Development
at (661) 326-3764; County residents may call Kern County Community Development at
(661) 862-5050. Your insurance company may help as well.
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How can I qualify for SSI/Medi-Cal?
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| Contact the Social Security Administration to apply for SSI. The
telephone number is 1 (800) 772-1213. Their web address is
www.ssa.gov |
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The Department of Human Services is where you apply for Medi-Cal. The telephone number
for Bakersfield is (661) 631-6807. There are also several regional offices. You may
call us for the telephone numbers.
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