Aging and Disability Resource Center

The ADRC Program assists person 60 years or older, and persons with disabilities.

ADRC’s purpose is to empower individuals to consider all options available, make informed decisions, and access community based long term services & supports that help them meet their personal goals for independence.

Services Provided by the ADRC Program Application Assistance

Applying for Services & Benefits
Assisting with completion of applications on behalf of consumers to address housing, financial and/or health needs, or other support services needed in the community.

Benefits Counseling
Providing information to help an individual understanding the benefits to which the person may be entitled to or eligible for.

Options Counseling
Helping individuals make informed choices about long-term and supports in the context of the individual’s preferences, strengths, needed services, values, and individual circumstances.

Case Consultation
Collaborating with consumers, and their caregivers if appropriate, to obtain necessary information, guidance and assistance from other community professionals or providers that assist people with securing long-term-care services, other support services and/or on-going benefits counseling.

Short-term Support
NCAAA ADRC assistance provided lasts no more than three months.

Bilingual Dementia Friends
Inform family and friend about the challenges that this distinctive cognitive disease brings to a household.

For more information, please contact Angelina Roldan, Community Choices Counselor/ADRC at (860)724-6443 x241 or angelina.roldan@ncaaact.org

At Risk Registry

Caregiver and Respite Resources

Caregivers often find the task of caring for another person to be overwhelming. The challenges of caregiving can even lead to the development of stress-related illnesses. An occasional break from caregiving can enable a weary caregiver to regroup both physically and emotionally. Respite care is a short-term option designed to provide this break.

The National Family Caregiver Support Program 

• Is the person you are caring for over the age of 60, OR
• An adult child age 18-59 with disabilities?
• Is the person you are caring for in need of assistance with at least two (2) Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, transferring/walking?

Supplemental Services are designed to supplement and assist caregivers with services and/or supplies that are not covered by insurance. Supplemental Services help improve the quality of life for the care recipient and therefore alleviate strain on the caregiver. Decisions regarding the appropriate supplemental services are based on needs as assessed.

Covered items may include:

• Incontinence Supplies
• Emergency Response Systems (ERS)
• Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
• In-home modifications

The CT Statewide Respite Care Program
Need help? We will help you determine which respite care program is right for you.

Caregiver Services Eligibility Requirements

Caregiver Services Respite Application

Caregiver Services Respite Application Addendum (required with application)

The CT Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)
A long-term in-home care assistance program you may want to look into. For more information please visit…

https://www.ascendami.com/CTHomeCareForElders/default/

Caring Connections
Medical model program meets a stringent set of standards provided by the Connecticut Association of Adult Day Centers and the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services. Clients love our special designed facility, caring staff, fun social activities, and healthy food. Caregivers, which sometimes need a break from caring for their loved ones, entrust us to provide a safe, caring environment for their loved ones. Prices are very affordable, with several clients paying as little as $0 out-of-pocket. A typical day at the Caring Connection might include:

Free pick-up at home by a handicapped-accessible van; Nursing services, including medication administration and wound care; Participation in group recreation; Nutritious meals; and Free transportation home. Contact them at (860) 547-0251 for more information or to schedule a tour.

Juniper Home Adult Family Caregiving
Do you or someone you know currently live with someone who may have issues with mobility, transportation, bathing, eating and more? Are you their primary caretaker? If so, you may qualify for compensation as a result of the care you already provide.

Client must be 65+ and currently receiving benefits under Title 19 (Medicaid). The client must be enrolled into CT Homecare Program for Elders and the client must reside in the same dwelling as the direct caregiver.

Contact Juniper Homecare at (860) 523-1418 for eligibility questions. 

ARE YOU SEEKING CARE ON YOUR OWN OR RESERACHING OTHER OPTIONS? 
Know the difference between CT Home Companion Agencies and CT Home Health Care:  

Community Resources

UR Community Cares 
A network of volunteers providing services to older and disabled adults to try to improve their quality of life. People in need of help put in requests for help, volunteers help to address people’s social needs by being companions and going into their homes to teach them technology and improve health across communities by bringing them to medical appointments or picking up necessities from the pharmacy. For more information on how to put in a request or become a volunteer please contact them at (860) 730-4929 or visit them online at https://urcommunitycares.org/

Dementia Resources

24/7 Helpline
800.272.3900 — free and confidential
Dial 711 to connect with a TRS operator.
Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline anytime to receive reliable information, advice and support. Trained and knowledgeable staff are ready to listen and can help you with referrals to local community programs and services; dementia-related education; crisis assistance; and emotional support. Care consultations are provided by master’s-level clinicians. We can also provide you help in your preferred language using our interpreter service.

Memory Care Center
Team is comprised of specialists that include medical professionals from neurology, geriatric psychiatry, clinical social work and neuropsychology. The Memory Care Center supports the needs of patients and care partners by listening carefully, then identifying resources to help with the many and sometimes unexpected manifestations of cognitive and memory disorders. They are available for continued care after diagnosis. They advocate for patients’ interests and their chief focus is on the needs of the patient and the care partner. These needs can be medical, educational, psychosocial, financial, personal care and other. They can be reached at (860)-545-7550.

Alzheimer’s Association Program and Support
Offering local resources, support programs, educational programs, early-stage social engagement programs, online tools, safety and much more.
https://www.alz.org/help-support/i-have-alz/programs-support

The Center for Healthy Aging – Dementia Care Support Program Assessment & Resource Coordination
Center for Healthy Aging Program offers free resources and assessment center at locations across Connecticut. Contact 1.877.424.4641 for more information and to schedule and assessment. Below their helpful Dementia Resource Guide can be downloaded. https://hhcseniorservices.org/services/center-for-healthy-aging/services/dementia-care-support

The Center can provide you or your loved one with a free assessment by healthcare professionals in any of our Centers or in the comfort of your home.
The assessments should be performed before an injury or illness occurs. Planning can help to prevent accidents while making the home more comfortable. After the assessment, our Resource Coordinators will not only refer you to the services best suited to your needs, but may also assist with implementation. They have extensive knowledge regarding the costs, quality and availability of community resources. We can connect you to necessary services including:

• Meals and grocery programs
• Housing concerns & home safety options
• Transportation
• Medication support
• Elder law attorneys
• Caregiver support & respite options
• In-home services & assistance
• Assisted living
• Adult day care centers
• Skilled nursing facilities (including wait-lists/long-term care options)
• Rehabilitation
• Education about fall prevention and other safety precautions
• Geriatric care management
• Dementia care support
• Care funding options (including clarification on eligibility for Veteran’s benefits and the CT Homecare Program)
• Certified CHOICES Counselors available to help guide you through the Medicare options

We also put seniors in touch with the appropriate professionals through our concierge services. Senior-friendly, compassionate specialists can provide pet sitting, in-home hair-styling, snow removal, assistance with paperwork, minor repairs, and much more. Call 1.877.424.4641 for more information.

Bring Me Back Home

What is the Bring Me Back Home Program?

Bring Me Back Home (BMBH) is a new registry for Connecticut residents which allows law enforcement access to information to assist in the recovery of missing or wandering persons. The provided information and photo, accessible through the COLLECT criminal justice and safety system, helps first responders and families reunite with individuals living with cognitive challenges, such as Dementia or Autism. This information is confidential and secure and can only be accessed by law enforcement personnel in an emergency.

How does Bring Me Back Home work?

A family member or guardian registers their person with cognitive challenges through the link, or in person, at your nearest police department. This information is now part of the statewide Bring Me Back Home registry. Law enforcement officers will have access to the confidential and secure information and respond appropriately. When the person wanders or is missing, individuals should call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY, and indicate that they are registered with the Bring Me Back Home program.

Who is eligible?

All members of the community whose cognitive challenges may lead to confusion and disorientation, and who are at risk of wandering or getting lost. 

How can we register?

You can sign your loved one up for BMBH by clicking the registration link below.

Register or Login to Bring Me Back Home

Why is this important?

Wandering can be dangerous and life threatening. If not found within 24 hours, there is a much higher probability individuals may suffer serious injury or death.

For example, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6 in 10 people living with dementia will wander. Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia, can cause people to lose their ability to recognize familiar places and faces. This can happen at any stage of the disease and at any time of the day or night, this risk weighs heavily on caregivers and family.

Questions about dementia and wandering? The Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter offers a 24/7 Helpline providing information and resources for all affected. 1 (800) 272-3900 or visit our websites alz.org/ct and alz.org/safety

Technical Support

For issues logging in or any other questions regarding the Bring Me Back Home service, please send an email to bringmebackhomesupport@ct.gov. You will receive a response within 1 – 2 business days.

Financial Resources

 Elderly Property Tax Relief
If you are 65 years old or older, or if you are on Social Security Disability, you can apply for a reduction in your property tax assessment. You may also be entitled to additional reductions if you are legally blind or a veteran. You must have income under certain limits. State law provides a property tax credit program for Connecticut homeowners who are elderly or totally disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits. Property tax credit can be up to $1,250 for married couples and $1,000 for single people. Credits are based on a graduated income scale.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

• Recipient or spouse must be 65 years of age or older, or be 50 years of age or older and the surviving spouse of a homeowner who at the time his death had qualified and was entitled to tax relief provided such spouse was domiciled with such homeowner at the time of his death.
• Or 18 years of age or older and permanently and totally disabled and receiving benefits under a federal, state, or local retirement program that contains requirements comparable to those of the Social Security Administration.
• Must meet residency of at least 6 months and one day for the program year requirement.
• Grants are based upon income, there is no asset limit.
• Apply between February 1 – May 15 at town assessor’s office.

Please call the Assessor’s Office at 860-285-1817 for more information.

Renter’s Rebate
If you rent an apartment or home in Windsor, you may qualify for a rebate on the amount of rent that you pay.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

• Must be 65 years or older, or receive Social Security Disability if you are under the age of 65 years.
• Proof of annual household income, rent and utility receipts for the entire year, and proof of disability if applicable.
• Applications are taken between April 1st and September 30th.

For questions, please refer to our Renter’s Rebate Section https://townofwindsorct.com/social-services/renters-rebate/ or contact one of our caseworkers at (860) 285-1839.

Food Programs

Groceries to Go Program
The Groceries to Go program is a supplemental grocery program funded in part by the Older Americans Act through the North Central Area Agency on Aging, Windsor Social Services, and the Windsor Food and Bank.

This program is for qualifying Windsor seniors over the age of 60. For more information or to sign up, please call Social Services at 860-285-1839

October Kitchen
Meal delivery program that specializes in a variety of special diets. Menus change monthly and food is delivered flash frozen to your door. For more information contact them at (860)533-0588 or visit them online at https://octoberkitchen.com/faq.php.

Moms Meals
Meal Delivery service that works with Medicaid, Advantage Plans and Self pay options. Designed by professional chefs and registered dietitians. Offers meals tailored to support nutrition needed for common health conditions. Updated offerings seasonally, featuring classic comfort foods along with contemporary and regional favorites. Contact 1-877-508-6667 or visit their menus at https://www.momsmeals.com/.

Juniper Meals on Wheels
Juniper delivers hundreds of meals daily in the Greater Hartford area. These meals are delivered Monday (for Monday/Tuesday), Wednesday (Weds/Thurs.), and Friday (Fri, Sat. Sun) from 7am- 1pm. Lunch, dinner, and delivery is only $11 per day. A single meal (lunch or dinner) costs 8.50. Clients can choose to receive meals as little as once to as many as seven times per week. Clients will receive a monthly invoice and can make payment with check through the mail. Clients can also be referred through state agencies such as DSS and CCCI, contact your social worker or care manager to discuss eligibility. Please contact them at (860) 640-0072.

The Elderly Nutrition Program
Serves a hot lunch for seniors 60 years and older, Monday through Friday at 11:45 am. Reservations should be made by calling 860-285-1843 by noon the day before. A donation of $2.50 is requested. Guests under 60 are asked to donate $4.50.

CRT Delivery Meals for Homebound Seniors

• Home-bound seniors (age 60 and over) may be eligible to receive healthy lunches delivered to their door. Volunteers and staff deliver the meals directly to homes. After referrals are placed, hot lunches will be delivered between 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Special diets and textures are available, as well as the option of cold dinners and double meals, as needed. A $3.00 donation per meal is suggested to help cover costs. However, no one is denied a meal if unable to pay.
• To Apply, participants must: Be 60 years of age or older, be unable to eat at a community meal site, be assessed by staff as medically homebound
• Referrals are accepted from doctors, hospitals, VNAs, and town social service departments. An interview and/or home visit is required to assess the need.
• To start the process, contact a Program Manager at (860) 560-5848 or a staff member at Windsor Social Services can assist you with completing the application.

Health Resources

Connecticut’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) 

• The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program works to improve the quality of life and care of Connecticut citizens residing in nursing homes, residential care homes, assisted living communities, and other long-term care facilities. The LTCOP responds to and investigates complaints, and all actions are performed on behalf of and at the direction of the resident. The program can also offer information about resident rights and long-term care communities.
• (860-424-5200 | 866-388-1888 toll-free)

Office of the Healthcare Advocate (OHA) 

• The OHA helps consumers in making informed decisions when selecting a health plan; assists consumers to resolve problems with their health insurance plans; tracks trends of issues/problems; and advocates with industry, the public, and other stakeholders.
• (866-466-4446 toll-free)

Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) 

• CHCPE provides medical and non-medical support services for people 65 and over to help with basic daily living activities in order to avoid institutionalization. Services include visiting nurses, companions, home health aides, chore assistance, respite and adult day care, home-delivered meals, transportation, emergency response systems, and other services necessary to support independent living.
• Contact 800-445-5394 toll-free, option number 4
• A referral can also be made through their online portal found here https://www.ascendami.com/CTHomeCareForElders/default/

Connecticut Community Care (CCC) 

• CCC works with individuals and family members to identify choices and provides services to help people of all ages, abilities, and incomes to live at home, safely, and independently.
• (866-845-2224 toll-free)

Money Follows the Person Program (MFP) 

• MFP is a Medicaid program that helps move people from nursing homes, back to home- and community-based settings. Connecticut’s Department of Social Services has transition services to assist people based on their individual needs.
• 888-992-8637 toll-free)

Connecticut Probate Courts: Conservators 

• Connecticut’s probate courts appoint conservators to oversee the finances and/or personal care of adults who are unable to manage their own affairs. The website outlines the duties and responsibilities of a conservator.
• 860-231-2442

Protective Services for the Elderly (PSE) 

• PSE provides education about and investigates allegations of abuse and neglect of people aged 60 and over. Areas of concern include financial exploitation and physical, sexual, emotional, and verbal abuse

• In order for this system to function, someone must first identify and refer elders who might be in need of protection. Anyone can (and should) report elder maltreatment. Many categories of human service, medical, law enforcement and other professions are required by state law to cause a report to be made.
• To make a report, call Protective Services for the Elderly at the Department of Social Services during business hours at the toll-free line: 1-888-385-4225. After business hours or on weekends or state holidays, please call Infoline at 2-1-1. If you are calling from outside Connecticut, call Infoline 24/7 at 1-800-203-1234.
• Please follow this link to access the PSE Web-Based Training for members of the general public

Home Modification Resources

Occupational Therapist (OT) can advise on personal living and safety needs now and in the future.

Visit the 2-1-1 website to find a local one.

https://www.211ct.org/search?terms=Occupational%20Therapy&page=1&location=Connecticut%2C%20United%20States&taxonomy_code=2994&service_area=connecticut&area_sort=truee

Connecticut Tech Act Project’s Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP) |
Provides Connecticut residents access to devices and services they need to remain active and engage wih their communities. Qualifying individuals receive a low-interest loan to purchase the devices and related services they need.

An individual with a disability, parent, guardian, family member or legal representative of the person with the disability or an older adult who has been a Connecticut resident for at least 1 year and has a disability that affects a major life activity.

The Connecticut Tech Act Project is available to offer assistance or clarification throughout the application process. For assistance, or to check on the status of your application, contact (860) 424-4881, toll-free in CT at (800) 537-2549 or send an email through their website.

AccesSolutions program
Home modifications make it possible to remain in, and move throughout, one’s home as needs change. The Corporation for Independent Living (CIL) provides affordable, accessible housing modifications to those in need through the AccesSolutions program.

Grant amounts generally range from $5,000 to $70,000 and are secured by a lien against the home. We assist the homeowner through the project design and contractor selection process and oversee the renovation, making payments to the contractor as necessary. To apply, complete an Access Solutions Application Form online at https://www.cil.org/accessibility-improvements#waiting.

For further questions, contact CIL at 860-563-6011.

In-home Support Resources

Community First Choice
Community First Choice (CFC) is a federal initiative offered to active Medicaid members as part of the Affordable Care Act. This program allows individuals to receive support and services in their homes. These services can include—but are not limited to—help to prepare meals and do household chores, and assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, transferring, etc.). Educational services are available to help you increase your independence, and learn how to manage your in-home staff. 

Upon approval, you will be met by a Connecticut Community Care team of qualified nurses and social workers who will help to determine the right combination of care:

An application can be completed online at https://ctmfp.com/. Our caseworkers can also assist you with completing an application for this program. Please contact us at (860) 285-1839.

Connecticut Home Care Program
I want to avoid going into a nursing home and receive care at home in my own community. If this sounds like you, we can help. As one of four state access agencies, we help more than 15,000 people who meet the age, financial and functional requirements of CHCP to remain living at home while receiving necessary services, instead of being placed in a nursing facility. Apply by calling 1-800-445-5394 CHCPE helps eligible clients continue living at home instead of going to a nursing home. Applicants must be 65 years of age or older, be a CT resident, meet the program’s financial eligibility criteria and need assistance with critical needs such as bathing, dressing, eating, taking medications, toileting, etc. 

The Connecticut Home Care Program (CHCP) is a state-sponsored program for older individuals and those with disabilities who are over the age of 65, a Connecticut residents, and may be at risk for nursing home placement. Upon approval by the State Department of Social Services, you will be met by a team of Connecticut Community Care experienced nurse and social service care managers who will conduct an in-depth evaluation of an individual’s current situation including health, function, cognition and emotional status, living environment, financial situation, and available support system. A personalized care plan is created by the individual, the family and the care manager that addresses the current and long-term care goals of that person taking into consideration personal or cultural preferences.

Referrals are accepted by telephone by calling 1-800-445-5394 (toll-free) or 860-424-4904 locally in the Hartford area. Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders CHCPE

CT Home Care Program for Disabled Adults (CHCPDA)
Pilot Program offers a package of home-based services to a maximum of 50 persons, age 18 – 64, diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition including but not limited to Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Creutzfeldt-Jakob or Pick’s Disease, who are not eligible for other programs, who need case management and other supportive services. Services may include: care management services, adult day health services, chore services, companion services, home delivered meals, homemaker services, assisted living services or personal care attendant services. Referrals are accepted by telephone by calling 1-800-445-5394 (toll-free) or 860-424-4904 locally in the Hartford area.

Who is eligible?
Persons age 18-64 who but for their age would qualify for Category 2 services under the CT Home Care Program for Elders.

Persons whose primary diagnosis is a degenerative neurological condition including but not limited to Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Pick’s and Creutzfeldt-Jakob. Must meet Nursing Facility Level of Care.

Insurance

Medicare Savings Program

• The State of Connecticut offers financial assistance to eligible Medicare enrollees through our ‘Medicare Savings Programs.’ These programs may help pay Medicare Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. 
• If you qualify for one of the three Medicare Savings Programs (depending on your income), DSS will pay your Medicare Part B premium each month. In addition, some enrollees will be covered for Medicare deductibles and co-insurance. Our Medicare Savings Programs are funded by Medicaid.

Eligibility
There are three levels within MSP. Your gross income or combined gross income with your spouse determines which category you qualify for. The new monthly income limit, effective March 1, 2022, are:

All three levels of MSP pay for the Medicare Part B premium (for premium information please visit Part B costs | Medicare), and all three levels enroll you into a program that helps pay for Medicare’s prescription benefits, called the Low Income Subsidy (or “Extra Help”). The differences between the three levels of MSP are explained in the answer to the next question.

All three levels also automatically enroll you into the Low Income Subsidy (LIS), also called “Extra Help”. The LIS or “Extra Help” pays the full cost of a Medicare Part D (prescription coverage) benchmark plan, or a portion of a non-benchmark plan, yearly deductibles and co-insurance, or co-pays. This coverage remains the same even if you reach the coverage gap. The LIS also allows you to change your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plans outside of the open enrollment period. For more information about the LIS, go to www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-Medicare (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

The QMB is the only level that acts like a Medicare Supplemental or Medigap plan. It will cover the costs of the deductibles or co-pays of Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B up to the Medicaid approved rate. It will also pay the premium for Medicare Part A for qualified adults 65 years of age or older when they are not eligible for premium free Medicare due to work earnings. You are protected by federal law from being “balanced billed” or billed for services after Medicare Part A and B pays its portion of the bill, if a provider agrees to treat you, whether or not the provider is a Medicaid provider.

Legal Resources

Elder Justice Hotline
Have you been the victim of a fraud? Received a message demanding immediate payment and aren’t sure if it’s legitimate? Have you or your loved one been the victim of abuse or neglect? Do you need help accessing benefits or assistance? If so, contact the Elder Justice Hotline at 1-860-808-5555 and our staff can connect you to agencies who are available to help.The Elder Justice Hotline can successfully connect consumers to the right agency to lodge a complaint, get more information, or get connected to the resources they need. The hotline will be staffed by the Attorney General’s Office Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. If you are calling after hours, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Statewide Legal Services
SLS empowers low-income people in Connecticut to obtain justice by providing tools to address their civil legal needs. They can be reached at (860) 344-0380.

Greater Hartford Legal Aid
Lawyers provide core essential representation on legal problems related to people’s ability to meet their basic human needs, community education and empowerment to help people better help themselves and advocacy to improve systems that underlie our clients’ problems and the barriers to their success. They can be reached at (860) 541-5000.

Medicare

How to sign up for Medicare
When you’re ready, contact Social Security to sign up:

• Apply online (at Social Security) – This is the easiest and fastest way to sign up and get any financial help you may need. You’ll need to create your secure my Social Security account to sign up for Medicare or apply for Social Security benefits online.
• Call 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.
• Contact your local social security office. Our assigned office is located at 960 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT 06106. They are open 9am – 4pm M-F.
• If you or your spouse worked for a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.

Nursing Homes

https://theconsumervoice.org/uploads/files/long-term-care-recipient/consumer-guide-to-choosing-a-nursing-home-final.pdf

Senior Employment

Seniors Job Bank (SJB)
Connects people over 50 looking for part-time and temporary work with businesses, organizations and households seeking workers. By doing so, SJB contributes to the physical, emotional and financial well-being of its service providers as well as to the general economic advancement of West Hartford and the surrounding communities. For more information, please contact them at (860) 521-3210 or visit them online at https://seniorsjobbankct.org/

Senior Community Service Employment Program (Easter Seals)
Local part-time employment for low income (55 yrs. and older).

• Phone: (888) 673-3443
• ct.easterseals.com

Social Resources

AARP FRIENDLY VOICE -Connecting People to People

Sometimes, just hearing a friendly voice on the other end of the line can help in challenging times. Trained AARP Friendly Voice volunteers will provide a call to say hello. Request a call:

• Call us directly at 1-888-281-0145 and leave us your information and we will call you back.
• For Spanish speaking contact 1-888-497-4108.

Social Security

New Online Tool to Get Started Applying For SSI

Individuals have a new way to let SSA know they want to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) using an online tool that was just released by the Social Security Administration. Applicants and individuals assisting applicants can now use this online tool to request an appointment to apply for SSI benefits. The request establishes a protective filing date that will be used as the application date, so long as the individual submits an SSI application within 60 days. Establishing a protective filing date is important because the protective filing date is used to determine when an individual can start receiving SSI benefits.

An individual only needs to provide basic information to make the online request. After the individual submits the request, the Social Security Administration will schedule an appointment to apply for benefits by phone and send a notification of the appointment within 7-14 business days. An individual can also indicate a “priority life circumstance,” such as homelessness, a terminal illness, or recent release from incarceration, that will prompt an SSA employee to attempt to contact the applicant by phone within three business days, to apply for SSI at that time or schedule an appointment to apply.

Transportation Resources

CT ADA Paratransit
If you have a disability that prevents you from using the public transit bus service in Connecticut, you may be eligible for ADA Paratransit service. ADA Paratransit is a shared ride, advanced reservation, origin-to-destination service for persons with disabilities who are unable to use the public bus service because of their disability. An online application can be found here https://www.ctada.com/ctada_form.asp

Dial-a-ride
Windsor Senior Transportation provides time specific transportation to Windsor’s Dial-A-Ride patrons (adults 60 and over and those receiving Social Security Disability benefits). In town transportation is provided within Windsor and Out of Town transportation is provided to Bloomfield, East Hartford, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Newington, West Hartford and Windsor Locks. (with wheelchair accessible buses).

Dial-A-Ride may be used by any Windsor resident (proof of residency is required) who is aged 60 or older or any person 18 years or older who is receiving Social Security Disability benefits and/or has a disability in accordance with the (ADA) American’s with Disabilities Act of 1990 (proof of disability must be submitted by your physician, complete with physician signature, telephone number and license number). Residents wishing to use the service must complete an enrollment form and submit doctor’s certification if needed prior to riding. Once processed, passengers will be registered with the service.

For more information, please contact them at (860) 285-1996 or visit them online at https://townofwindsorct.com/senior-services/senior-transportation/getting-started/

Encompass
On-demand ambulatory and accessible transportation for senior and individuals with disabilities. Eligible persons can use this service to travel anywhere, anytime, 24/7, 365 without restrictions. M7 and the Greater Hartford Transit District have partnered to expand transportation options that are currently not available; this program is low cost, provides unlimited boundaries and is user-friendly. Passengers must be approved through an eligibility process managed by the Greater Hartford Transit District (GHTD). Eligible applicant must be at least 60 years young or have a disability. Once approved, M7 will create your personal online account to manage expenses and view your travel history. For more information please contact them at (860)444-4444 or visit them online at https://encompass.m7ride.com/

Nutmeg Senior Rides
The mission of Nutmeg Senior Rides is to improve the quality of life for people 50 and older and adults with visual impairments by providing members affordable, door-through-door, personal transportation. Rides to work are available as well as any other purpose and service are 365 days a year. To schedule a ride contact them at (860) 758-7833.