Senior Information and Referral Program

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The California Department of Aging administers Information and Referral services funded by the federal Older Americans Act and State general fund dollars through a network of 33 Area Agencies on Aging and their service providers.

The Senior Information and Referral Program helps seniors and their families identify and access programs and services to meet their specific needs. The Senior Information and Referral Program provides the following:

Information about, and referrals to, programs and services such as meals on wheels, home-maker and home health-services, transportation, and legal services
Assistance in filling out various types of forms
Free and reduced-fee fishing licenses
Community Resource and service listings
Utility rebate assistance and information
Farmers Market Coupons (When Available)

The Information and Referral Program welcomes contributions. Please see contact information for location.

Information and Referral services will not be denied for failure to make contributions. What does this mean?

Please see Aging Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) for information on services available in Kern County.

Contact Information

Address:
Kern County Aging and Adult Services
5357 Truxtun Ave. (just east of Mohawk)
Bakersfield, CA 93309
ATTN: Senior Information and Referral Program
Map/Directions

Phone: (661) 868-1000
Toll Free: (800) 510-2020
Fax: (661) 868-0922
Email: aginginfo@kerncounty.com

Program Director:

Colleen Philley: (661) 868-1094

Program Support Supervisor:

Lupe Garcia: (661) 868-1067

FAQs

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.

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 websites at:
- Pacific Gas and Electric
- Southern California Edison
Local charitable organizations that might also be able to help:
- Catholic Social Services: (661) 281-2151
- Salvation Army/REACH: (661) 837-4243
Can you help me understand a letter I received from another agency?

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.
I'm always out of groceries by the end of the month, are there any programs that can help me get food?

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 throughout Kern County.
Do you sell fishing licenses for seniors?

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.
How can I sign up for Meals on Wheels? How much does it cost?

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 nutrition sites 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. More information.

The senior nutrition program in Kern County includes congregate dining for senior citizens age 60 and above. As part of the congregate dining program, a nutritious lunch is served Monday through Friday at senior nutrition sites in many areas of the County. Call us for the number of the senior nutrition site near you. List of Senior Nutrition Sites.
What can you tell me about the Homeowners/Renters Assistance program? Can you help me fill out the form?

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.

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 online.
I need low-cost legal advice. Can you recommend someone?

The Kern County Seniors Law Center area of Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Inc., 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 or visit their website.

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.
What transportation programs are available for seniors/disabled in Bakersfield/Kern County?

Transportation options in Bakersfield area.

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.
I can't afford to pay my property tax. Can anyone help me?

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.
I need some repairs made to my house. Is there a program for this?

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.
My parent(s) are no longer able to live safely in their own home. How can I find the right place for them?

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.
How do I go about getting someone to come into the home to provide care for a loved one?

There is a range of in-home care services available to Kern County seniors, ranging from publicly funded programs to private agencies.

Your loved one may qualify for the In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program if certain requirements are met. Call (661) 868-1000 or visit the IHSS Program page for more information.

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.
Is there a program that will make handicapped modifications to my house/rental unit/mobile home?

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.
How can I qualify for SSI/Medi-Cal?

Contact the Social Security Administration to apply for SSI. The telephone number is 1 (800) 772-1213. Their website.

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. More information.

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