Residents can now apply for renters rebates

WINSTED — Renters rebate application packets will be accepted at the Winsted Senior Center starting April 1.

If you paid rent in Winsted in 2020 and are age 65 or older and receive Social Security benefits or are under the age 65 and receive Social Security disability benefits, you may be eligible, according to a statement.

If you answered yes to either and your income for 2020 was $37,600 or less for a single person or $45,800 or less for a married couple, you may be eligible for a Renters Rebate from the state of Connecticut, according to the statement.

While the Senior Center is not open because of COVID-19, staff is accepting documents for the program by mail or by dropping in their lockbox at the center building at the Chestnut Street entrance, starting April 1. Residents must provide all the proper documents and provide a name and phone number on the outside of the envelope. Be sure the Social Security number and birthdate is on the benefit statement.

The center provided the following guidelines: All documents must be in an envelope, or the Senior Center will not process your application.

The renter must have resided in Connecticut for any one year prior to filing application.

The renter, or spouse if living together, must have been 65 years of age by Dec. 1, 2020; or be 50 years of age or older and the surviving spouse of a renter, who at the time of his death qualified and was entitled to tax relief.

Renters 18 and older who are receiving Social Security disability or disability benefits are also eligible.

Documents needed: Rent payment for entire year; ask your landlord for a letter stating your name, address, and payment record for 2020. Electric/gas/water/fuel payment record for entire year. Call Eversource at 800-286-2000 and ask for letter stating payment record for 2020. Call your heating supplier and ask for payment record for 2020. Social Security benefit statement for 2020 (Form SSA 1099). Write your phone number and birthdate on the social security statement.

Also required: Bank interest statement and dividends for 2020 (Form 1099S). Pension statement for 2020 (1099S). Copy of 2020 Federal Income Tax Return (1040), if filed.

Note: Renters must apply for a rebate in the town you now live in, if you rented in 2020 in another Connecticut town. If you rented for less than 1 year, the rebate is prorated for the time that you rented.

Call 860-379-4252 ext. 1 with any questions.