Senior Services
SENIORS – ASSISTANCE AND OUTREACH
Fiscal Officer John A. Donofrio wants to help you learn about issues that are critical to older Americans. This site offers information involving consumer issues, education on savings and real estate tax deductions and provide assistance on various programs available to persons age 50 and older who have made the world a better place with their contributions.
Learn about programs, services and resources that assist senior homeowners
Homestead Exemption
Available to homeowners who are 65 years or older or are permanently and totally disabled under the age of 65. Under the new program every senior citizen or permanently and totally disabled homeowner will receive an exemption of $25,000 on the market value of their home from property taxes, regardless of their income.
Real Estate Discount Program
This is a prepayment program that provides Summit County citizens with a method to budget their semi-annual tax payments. Taxpayers are able to share in the interest revenues generated from early payments in the form of a discount credit, which reduces their semi-annual tax bill. Real estate taxes must be current to participate in the program. There are two enrollment cycles, July 1 through August 15 for the first half tax collection and January 1 through February 15 for the second half tax collection.
AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)
The AARP is an organization for people 50 and older. They provide advice, resources, and information on issues regarding financial planning, travel, health, taxes and voter registration, including identification requirements and absentee voting forms. Visit their website at www.aarp.org/states/oh or call 1-866-389-5653
Reverse Mortgages
Many older Americans are turning to “reverse” mortgages. They allow older homeowners to convert part of the equity in their homes into cash without having to sell their homes or take on additional monthly bills. To qualify for a reverse mortgage you must be 62 and live in your home. The proceeds of a reverse mortgage are generally tax-free, and many reverse mortgages have no income restrictions. However, interest on reverse mortgages is not deductible on income tax returns until the loan is paid off in part or whole.
Reverse mortgage loan advances are not taxable, and generally do not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits. You retain the deed to your home and do not have to make monthly repayments. The loan must be repaid when the last surviving borrower dies, sells the home, or no longer lives in the home as their principal residence. The older you are, the more valuable your home, and the less you owe on it, the more money you can get.
If you are considering a reverse mortgage, shop around to compare your options. Learn as much as you can about reverse mortgages before you talk to a counselor or lender because a reverse mortgage may not be right for you. It will also help you ask more informed questions, which could lead to a better deal.
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For more information, visit the following websites:
- www.aarp.org/revmort/list
- www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hecm/rmtopten.cfm
- www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/credit.shtm - Choose Mortgages & Your Home
Community Legal Aid
Community Legal Aid Services, Inc. is a non-profit law firm serving the legal needs of low income and senior Ohioans in Columbiana, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, and Wayne Counties. The Summit County office is located in downtown Akron at 50 S. Main Street, Suite 800. Help Line Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am till 4 pm for new clients. Call 1-800-998-9454 or visit their website at www.communitylegalaid.org
Ohio Department of Aging
The Ohio Department of Aging works hard to help seniors improve and promote quality of life. This is accomplished by providing services, information and support to help older Ohioans live active, healthy and independent lives. Get more information about the Golden Buckeye Card, Ohio’s Best Rx, Taking Charge Personal Profile and more by visiting their website at www.state.oh.us/age/index.htm
You can also call 1-800-266-4346 – TTY: 614-466-6191
