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Schenectady County offering heating cost rebates to seniors
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
By Michael Lamendola (Contact)
Gazette Reporter

SCHENECTADY — Schenectady County is offering rebates of up to $100 to help senior citizens defray the cost of heating their homes, officials announced today.
Through the county’s Home Energy Fuel Tax Rebate Program, senior citizens ages 60 and older and who have incomes within certain thresholds can apply for the rebate.
The one-time rebate applies to the county’s portion of sales taxes paid on heating costs over a 12-month period. Copies of fuel bills are necessary to obtain the rebate.
Seniors must apply for the rebate through the county’s Department of Senior and Long Term Care Services. The county has simplified the rebate form to encourage more seniors to participate, said Cathryn Bern-Smith, manager of long term care services. Applications must be received by May 15.
To qualify for the rebate, senior citizens should not be receiving other public assistance for their home energy costs, should be directly responsible for paying their heating bills and should have incomes that do not exceed $35,000 for individuals and $40,000 for two or more people.
The county Legislature established the rebate program in 2005. In 2007, the county issued $38,605 in rebates, county officials said.
For more information, call 382-8481, ext. 1010.

Although I don't think that 'up to $100's' will make a dent in these heating bills, it IS better than nothing. However, are they just going to go by income only? I only say this, cause there are a lot of seniors out there with tons of money just sitting in the bank. Money they will never touch. (they come from the depression era)