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.