AIS News Update

By Denise Nelesen, County’s Aging & Independence Services

Time To Enter The Senior Olympics

Join hundreds of other older adult athletes for the Senior Olympics to be held Sept. 9 through 25 at various sports venues. There are 20 different categories of events from the traditional sports seen at the Athens games, such as swimming and track and field, to the more unusual such as billiards and ballroom dancing. There are individual, pair and team events. About half of the competitors are younger than 60 and half are older. Men still outnumber women, but women are catching up.

The early bird registration deadline for this year’s Senior Olympics is Wednesday, Aug. 24; cost is $35 regardless of the number of sports entered. After this date, the cost goes up to $50, with a final entry deadline of Sept. 1. For more information about the Senior Olympics, call (619) 226-1324, or check the Web site: www.sdseniorgames.org.

Assistance for Homeowners, Renters

The filing period for the Homeowner and Renter Assistance programs administered by the State Franchise Tax Board (FTB) runs through Oct. 15.

The homeowner assistance program allows a once-a-year payment to qualified persons based on part of the property taxes paid on their homes. A “home” is not just a house, but a condo or mobile home. Eligible homeowners may receive up to 139 percent of the property taxes paid in 2004 on the first $34,000 of the full value of the home.

To qualify, you must be at least age 62 or blind or disabled as of Dec. 31, 2004, and have a maximum total household income of $39,699 or less. You also must have lived in the home that you owned as of Dec. 31, 2004, and be a U.S. citizen, designated alien or qualified alien when the claim is filed. Only one homeowner from each household is entitled to the assistance each year. Married couples living in the same home can only file one claim.

For seniors and disabled persons who don’t own a home, the Renters Assistance program provides payments up to $347.50 each year for eligible persons.

Applicants must be 62, or blind or disabled as of Dec. 31 of last year and pay at least $50 in monthly rent. They must live in a qualified rented residence and be a U.S. citizen, designated alien or qualified alien when the claim is filed. The amount reimbursed from the State Franchise Tax Board depends on income. Persons with the top eligible household income of $39,699 would receive the lowest level of assistance, $15 for the year. Married couples are considered to be one renter and can file only one claim. But each unmarried qualified renter can file his/her own claim.

Apply through the State Franchise Tax Board by downloading claim forms from www.ftb.ca.gov. You can also order by phone: (800) 868-4171. Processing may take up to 15 weeks from the date you mail your completed claim. You can use that phone number or Web site to locate local sites with volunteers who can help you fill out your claim.

More Funding For Transportation

Last November, San Diego County voters approved an extension of TransNet, the half-cent tax for transportation projects and services. The extension, which goes into effect in July 2008, includes additional funding for transportation services for seniors. One of the TransNet programs will be a mini-grant program to support specialized senior transportation services in local jurisdictions.

The mini-grant program will yield about $1 million a year when the program begins in 2008. Over the next several months, SANDAG will be developing a process and criteria for allocating this funding. The general intent will be to use the mini-grants to supplement resources already provided in various localities. The number of mini-grants that will be available and the maximum level of funding for any one grant has not been determined. Grantees will be required to bring a secure financial and resource commitment to their programs to ensure ongoing success.

If you have questions about the mini-grant program or any of the existing senior transportation programs, contact

Lydia Callis of SANDAG at (619) 699-7330.