Rent and Fuel Assistance

The Sullivan Senior Center is not just a place for recreation. The senior community looks to the Center for help with processing their assistance applications. Energy Assistance, Renters Rebate, Medicare Part D, Medicare Savings Program, Income Tax Assistance and Title XIX. Appropriate referrals are made to social service agencies, such as Protective Services for the Elderly, Legal Services, Financial Counseling, Housing, the Center for Medicare Advocacy, Home Care and Health Services and the Community Health and Wellness Center of Greater Torrington.  Notary services are available.

Renters Tax Relief Program

Renters receive direct grants from the State of Connecticut on the assumption that part of their rent goes to cover their landlord’s property tax. The filing period is between May 15 and September 15 every year at the Sullivan Senior Center, 88 East Albert Street, Monday thru Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. by appointment. Call 860-489-2211.

Grants are given to qualifying people who are 65 years of age and over and for people who are totally disabled under the Social Security Disability Act. Renters must have resided in the State for at least one year. Certain government aid or subsidizes, such as monthly cash supplement, a one time cash supplement or clothing allowance will disqualify a person from the program.    

The following documents are required at the time of application:

Proof of annual income including:

• Income tax return, if filed
• All 1099 Forms for Social Security, Pension, Interest, Dividends
• W-2 for Wages
• Utility Company Receipts, Rent Receipts or Canceled Checks

Fuel Assistance Program

This program is designed to help people pay for their winter home heating costs, if they qualify, by directly paying the oil company or utility company  for the amount of money awarded to their household. If heat is included in a person’s rent, the renter must be paying more than 30% of their income for their monthly rent to qualify.  

Applications are taken for senior citizens from October 1 through March 15 (thru April 15 for Utility Fuel Assistance) Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. by appointment. Call 860-489-2211.

General guidelines are below, however, more information along with answers to frequently asked questions can be found by visiting the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services website.

2023-2024 Household income guidelines for senior citizens:

Assets must be accompanied with current bank statements.

The following documents must be submitted to verify eligibility:

Proof of all current income including:

• Social Security, Pension, Rental Income, Alimony, Interest
• Last 4 weeks of pay stubs, if employed
• Last 4 weeks of unemployment
• Copy of most recent electric or gas bill if this is the method of heating your home
• Proof of age
• Rent receipt                                                       
• Name of your deliverable fuel dealer

All Income Documents Must Be Current.