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

Blues and bloodlines: The Devon Allman Project at Infinity Hall Norfolk

Devon Allman

Venla Shalin

On Friday, Aug. 15, The Devon Allman Project will play Infinity Hall in Norfolk. As the son of the legendary musician Gregg Allman, Devon carries on the family tradition while stepping out on his own.

“We’re honored to keep the tradition alive,” said Allman. “But I don’t play my records and try to compare them to records from 50 years ago. I try to write songs that mean something to me, and hopefully they’ll resonate with other people.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Construction on Main Street disrupts traffic, shuts down water

Fire hydrant replacements in the village disrupted water service for businesses on Main Street.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — Construction on Main Street last week disrupted traffic as crews worked to replace an outdated fire hydrant next to Oakhurst Diner.

The scheduled maintenance, which continued into this week, was part of a 2019 grant awarded by the New York State Department of Health under the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act. Since then, the village has been upgrading undersized, damaged and outdated hydrants. A total of 25 hydrants have been replaced.

Keep ReadingShow less
Moviehouse grant totals $150,000 for capital projects

The Millerton Moviehouse was granted $150,000 for HVAC repairs. Moviehouse owner David Maltby said the repairs were needed as the HVAC system in the building is 40 years old.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton Moviehouse announced last week that it received a $150,000 grant from State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D-41). Moviehouse Chair Chelsea Altman and Co-Chair David Maltby accepted the check alongside town supervisor Chris Kennan and Senator Hinchey.

The funds will be allocated toward HVAC repairs that were completed in April, a crucial part of ongoing capital projects necessary for maintaining the historic 120-year-old building.

Keep ReadingShow less
Truitt to challenge Aymar-Blair for Comptroller seat

Republican County Comptroller candidate Will Truitt currently serves as the chair of the Dutchess County Legislature.

Photo provided

Republican Will Truitt of Hyde Park is facing off against Democrat Dan Aymar-Blair for the county comptroller seat in the Nov. 4 election.

Truitt currently serves as the chair of the Dutchess County Legislature and has served as Hyde Park and Pleasant Valley’s representative in the legislating body for the past ten years.

Keep ReadingShow less