SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAMS FOR PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS

 

LEGAL ADVICE BY TELEPHONE

1-800-262-5297

If you are:

• 60 years of age or older;

• and have legal questions or are experiencing legal problems;

you may be eligible for free legal advice by telephone or be referred to attorneys who have agreed to provide legal services to older persons at a reduced fee.

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MEDICARE OVERCHARGE BAN

1-800-822-2113

Department of State Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs

     The state legislature has enacted a law to save you money on your doctor bills. The law requires health care practitioners to accept as full payment the amount Medicare allows as the "reasonable charge" for visits to the doctor and for medical services rendered. The customary 20 percent co-payment must still be paid by the Medicare patient or by the patient's private Medigap insurance.

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MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION

1-800-932-4600

If you are:

• retired and have a total income from all sources not exceeding $19,200;

you may be eligible for a reduction in the cost of your motor vehicle registration from $36 to $10.

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STATE INCOME TAX EXEMPTIONS

     You do not have to pay state income taxes on Social Security payments, railroad retirement, pension benefits (including veterans benefits) and Supplemental Security Income.

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TAX BREAK FOR HOMESELLERS

     All homeowners who sell their primary residences qualify for a special state income tax break. The seller does not have to pay state income tax on up to $100,000 of the net gain resulting from the sale. Contact your local Revenue Department Office or Area Agency on Aging for more information.

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TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS

If you are:

• 65 years of age or older

• and have a Medicare card, senior citizen transit identification card, or other proof of age;

  you may be eligible for free transit services on SEPTA routes for bus, trolley, & rapid transit lines during weekends, holidays, and off-peak hours on weekdays, (off-peak hours are those other than 7 to 8 a.m. or 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays).

  Additionally, you may be eligible for reduced rates, ($1 or free with PACE card) on railroad services during off-peak hours (those other than ones arriving at 7 to 8 a.m. or departing at 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.). For more information, call SEPTA at 215-580-7800.

• You may be eligible for discount bridge tickets to New Jersey.

  For more information, call the Delaware River Port Authority at 856-968-2251.

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UTILITY SERVICE TERMINATION

1-800-692-7380

     If you have a problem regarding the termination of utility services-contact the Public Utility Commission. The Commission will attempt to negotiate whatever service problems older consumers may have with their utilities.

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WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM

     A state program will help you weatherize your house by caulking, weatherstripping, insulating, & installing storm windows. If you meet certain income standards, services are available at no charge to both homeowners and renters (with permission of the landlord).

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Philadelphia Corporation of Aging
642 North Broad Street · Philadelphia, PA 19130
Telephone: (215) 765-9000

     The Philadelphia Corporation of Aging functions under the guidance and partial funding of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. You may call them for information regarding transportation, health care, homemaker services, meals, employment, legal aid and other programs for the elderly.

     For additional information on city services, programs, and discounts, call the Senior Helpline at 765-9040; Senior Helpline (Hearing Impaired) at 765-9041.

For more information, go to their web site at www.pcaphl.org.

HOTLINES

Call the numbers below for information about these services:

Alzheimer's Disease	215-568-6430
Consumer Protection Hotline	1-800-441-2555
Energy Assistance	1-800-692-7462
Medicare	1-800-234-5772
Philadelphia Geriatric Center	215-456-2900
Resources for Human Development-Senior Outreach Service	215-642-2688
Social Security	1-800-772-1213
Veterans Benefits	215-438-5225