Legal services for older adults; housing rights

Whether you’re childless or a family elder with generations of descendants, regardless of income and net worth, we all have legal needs as we age. You’d like to have as much control of your health care and resources as possible, and to have your wishes met if you become too sick to communicate them yourself.

That’s why the Office of the Aging offers legal services to Dutchess County residents over age 60.

There’s no financial eligibility requirement for the program, although its target clients are older adults who could not otherwise afford legal assistance.

We gratefully accept donations to continue the program’s operations; but services are never refused due to an individual’s inability or disinclination to pay.

OFA contracts with private attorney Paul I. Weinberger, for this service. When it comes to legal advice and representation, his focus is generally on immediate threats to income, shelter, patients’ rights and health matters, including advance directives.

Clients are assisted in areas such as Medicaid and Medicare eligibility and termination, consumer issues, and property rights. Help is also available for evictions, access to public assistance and Social Security, and access to SSI. Preparation of simple wills is also available.

For legal services not covered under OFA’s contract, referrals to other local providers are available. To find out more, visit www.dutchessny.gov/ofalegal.

OFA legal services are available by appointment only on Fridays. To arrange for a meeting, contact OFA during business hours at 845-486-2555 or ofa@dutchessny.gov.

Knowing your housing rights

Under New York state law, landlords may not discriminate based on age. They may not refuse to rent an apartment or refuse to renew a lease on the basis of age. Those who believe they have been a victim of age discrimination in housing may file a complaint with the New York State Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Bureau. The Attorney General’s Poughkeepsie regional office can be reached at 845-485-3900.

Additionally, the Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights is available at 845-486-2836 or dchumanrights@dutchessny.gov.

Older adults are given certain protections with respect to terminating apartment or other residential leases providing they are moving into certain specialized types of housing. This law applies if the senior is relocating to an adult care facility, a residential health care facility (nursing home), low income housing, or senior housing. It protects anyone age 62 or older, or anyone who will reach that age during the term of the lease agreement. It also covers the spouse of such persons, provided the two are living together.

Golden Living is prepared by the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, Todd N. Tancredi, director. Email him at ofa@dutchessny.gov.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Copake’s PICKLEMANIA tournament scores 2nd year

Sixty-four pickleball players from the the Tri-state region competed in an all-day tournament in Copake on Sunday, June 1.

Photo by John Coston

COPAKE — After a day of heavy rain that forced the cancellation of the second annual Copake PICKLEMANIA pickleball tournament, the games were back on Sunday, June 1, at Copake Memorial Park.


Keep ReadingShow less
Burial ground Mass at St. Patrick’s

Mass celebrating Feast of the Ascension was held May 29 at St. Patrick’s Church.

Photo By Christine Bates

MILLERTON — The sun broke through on a cloudy evening at 5:30 and a bagpiper played for a Mass celebrating the Feast of the Ascension in the graveyard of closed St. Patrick’s Church in Millerton on May 29.

The cars of about 50 former parishioners and town residents were parked on the side streets and lot across from the church. Some were clever enough to bring their own folding chairs.

Keep ReadingShow less
School budgets pass amid strong turnout in May 20 polling

With robust voter turnout throughout the region, proposed 2025-26 education budgets passed handily, along with their additional propositions, in the polling held on Tuesday, May 20.

Webutuck Central School District

By a margin of 173 to 103, voters approved the 2025-26 budget totaling $28,665,850, an increase of 5.96% over the current year. After expected revenues are factored in, the amount to be raised by local taxes is $19,403,307, a 5.27% increase over the current year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Amenia gathers at Fountain Square

A traditional Memorial Day observance to honor the fallen was held Fountain Square on Monday, May 26. The ceremony included an Honor Guard from the Wassaic Fire Company standing by the Veterans’ Memorial Wall.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — The community gathered at Fountain Square under sunny skies on Monday, May 26, for a Memorial Day ceremony to honor the fallen who bravely served their country. Remembrances, tributes, prayers and music combined to create the fitting annual tribute.

An Honor Guard from VFW Post #5444 of Dover Plains presented the colors at the start of the ceremony that began promptly at 11 a.m. with a welcome from VFW Commander Nick Woodard to the more than 100 who had gathered.

Keep ReadingShow less