CDTA half-fare ID cardholders are entitled to ride for half-fare on CDTA’s fixed route service. The half-fare ID cards are issued for $3.00 at the CDTA Sales Office – 85 Watervliet Avenue, Albany NY 12206 – Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. For more information call (518) 437-6875 x 3  or visit here.

To obtain the card you must be 65 and over. You will need to show an ID and/ or Medicare card. If you are disabled you must be certified. Show your SSI or SSD award letter, medical determination or letter from a certifying agency see list of agencies.

The STAR is Special Transit Available by Request; is a Para-transit service offering transportation alternatives to people whom at certain times cannot use, or have substantial limits using, the CDTA fixed-route bus system because of a disability or impairment.  For more information call CDTA at (518) 437-6875 or visit here.

If your father is able to drive, a local Congregate Dining program would provide him with a nutritious hot meal and a chance to socialize with other seniors. See the Congregate Dining page for a list of sites, or call us at (518) 447-7177 for more information.

If he is homebound and not able to get out of the house without assistance, the Home Delivered Meals program may be able to provide him with hot and nutritious meals. You or your father will need to call the Albany County Department of Health for an assessment for this service at (518) 447-4600. A registered nurse will follow up with a home visit.

To be eligible for Medicaid her monthly income must be $700 or less with $4,200 or less in resources. She could be eligible even if she owns a home, a car and or other personal property. Click here to learn more about the Medicaid program.

Albany County residents can request an application by calling (518) 447-7458. A person may eligible for a Medicaid Spend down if their income is over the limit. If their monthly medical bills lower their income to eligibility amount, any excess medical bills could then be covered by Medicaid.

Food stamp monthly income eligibility varies depending on expenses (rent, bills, medicals, etc). The resources limit is $3,000. For more information call Legal Aid at (518) 462-6765, ext. 327, or to request an application: call (518) 447-7403.

HEAP (Heating Energy Assistance Program) can help you with a $200 credit for your heating bill if you are income eligible ($1,764 per month for single).

To apply call CHOICES at (518) 756-8650.

He could take a driving safety class with AARP, or AAA; call us at (518) 447-7177 for contact numbers.

Another option is hiring an Occupational Therapist who is also a Certified Driving Rehab Specialist (CDRS) to perform an evaluation of the senior's driving ability, knowledge of rules of the road and a driving and perception/reaction assessment. For a list of CDRS call us at (518) 447-7177.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Older Drivers page has some good advice.

The New York State Office for the Aging’s website has an online handbook and downloadable guide: "When You Are Concerned: A handbook for families, friends and caregivers worried about the safety of an aging driver."

Yes, to apply for Social Security call 1 (800) 772-1213, or apply online at www.ssa.gov. To sign up in person, go to the Social Security Administration office, located at 1 Clinton Ave, Albany, (518) 431-4233. You can apply for Medicare part B, at the same time. Medicare B will cost $93.50 (in 2007) and can be deducted from your check. Before you sign up for a Medicare Part D drug plan, you should find out which plans cover your medications. The Medicare "plan finder" is available here. The Albany County Department for Aging offers Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance. Call us at (518) 447-7177 for more information.

Seniors (62+) can terminate their lease to enter an adult care facility, nursing home, low income or other senior housing facility. Their landlord must be in receipt of the copy of pending admission. The termination date is effective no earlier than 30 days after the date on which the rental payment is due. For more info about the law, call (518) 474-5481 or 1 (800) 771-7755.  

The New York State Department of Health regulates funeral homes and they offer a downloadable guide, “Consumers Guide to Arranging a Funeral.”

The NYS Funeral Directors Association’s website helps consumers locate local funeral homes and can help answer a variety of questions.

A free brochure: A Consumer’s Guide to Preplanning a Funeral, may be requested through the website.

Low income seniors can spend-down for SSI/Medicaid eligibility to make the prepaid IRREVOCABLE funeral arrangements of their choice before assets are used up for medical care and before their assets are reduced to SSI/Medicaid eligibility levels.

The New York State Social Services Department provides benefits through the counties for deceased residents who are indigent and whose families cannot pay for their funerals. You will need to find a funeral home that will work with social services clients. The funeral director will call social services to find out if the deceased is eligible for an indigent burial. If the social services cannot determine eligibility, then a family member or a friend of the deceased will need go to 162 Washington Ave., Albany and fill out an application. If approved, social services will pay the funeral home directly. Benefits are not a supplement to enhance a private service and burial. Non-responsible family or friends may supplement an indigent burial up to $750 but they cannot be reimbursed for any expenses. Questions can be addressed to Albany County’s accounting division at (518) 447-5558.