Office for Aging and Disabilities Resource Center / Washington County ADRC/ Home of NY Connects

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Mission / Vision- Office for Aging

The Washington County Office for Aging is committed to Service, Education and Advocacy to meet the needs of Washington County's older adults.

To be the entry point for information and access to a comprehensive system of consumer based services for older adults and their families, with particular attention to the socially, physically and economically isolated, such that they can retain their dignity and remain successfully independent in their homes and communities.

The New York State Office for Aging has designated Washington County Office for  Aging and Disabilities Resource Center as the official area agency on aging under the Federal Older Americans Act.  Funding for services is made possible through federal and state grants, as well as, the Washington County Board of Supervisors.

 

Notice of Public Hearing - October 19, 2023

Public Hearing Document and Abstract of Services 2023

2023 Public Hearing Notice

Washington County Office for Aging Has a NEW Transportation Option.

Transportation2

Washington County has a new partnership with GOGO Technologies DBA GOGO Grandparents to provide transportation to Washington County residence 60 and over. This transportation can be accessed during non-traditional hours and can be for transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, social events, pharmacy, banks, and much more. To get more information on this new service contact our office at (518) 746-2420. 

In the Event of a 9-1-1 Outage 

  
911 Outage

WASHINGTON CO HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 2023


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Inspector General Warns of Newest Imposter Scam Tactic

Social Security Administration Logo

Gail S. Ennis, the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA), is advising the public about the latest development involving Social Security-related scams that use fraudulent SSA letterhead to feign legitimacy and gain trust to target individuals for money or personal information.

Scammers are using U.S. mail delivery to send fraudulent letters, advising the recipient to call a toll-free number to activate an increase in SSA benefits, such as a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The letters appear to be from an SSA official and are designed to look like real SSA letterhead; however, they are not from SSA. 

Inspector General Ennis is reminding the public that the COLA is automatic for all SSA beneficiaries and does not require activation. Beneficiaries can view their COLA notice online through their personal my Social Security account at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/

Inspector General Ennis previously warned about scammers using the real names of SSA and OIG officials—many of which are publicly available on the Internet. Common tactics include scammers citing “badge numbers” of law enforcement officers, sending emails with attachments containing real personal information about a fake “investigation,” or phishing for personal information by texting links to click on and “learn more” about a Social Security-related problem. 

Recognizing the signs of a scam can help you avoid falling victim to one. It’s a scam if someone:

  • Threatens to suspend your Social Security number
  • Warns of arrest or legal action
  • Demands immediate payment
  • Requires payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, Internet currency, or by mailing cash
  • Pressures you for personal information (date of birth, SSN or bank account number)
  • Requests secrecy
  • Threatens to seize your bank account
  • Promises to increase your Social Security benefit
  • Tries to gain your trust by providing fake “documentation” or false “evidence”
  • Makes demands and threats, or requests immediate action.

“Social Security will never threaten, scare, or pressure you to take an immediate action,” Inspector General Ennis said. “If you receive a suspicious call, text message, email, or letter hang up immediately or ignore the message. Visit ssa.gov and contact SSA directly if you have ongoing business to resolve.” 

Inspector General Ennis also advises that if you owe money to Social Security, SSA will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights. SSA will also send a letter to notify beneficiaries about the COLA; however, it is automatic and does not require activation. 

Visit our website https://oig.ssa.gov to report Social Security-related scams. Our scam awareness page provides more information about scams and past alerts. Follow SSA OIG on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information. Please share this information with your friends and family to help protect them from Social Security-related scams. 

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected Social Security fraud to the OIG at https://oig.ssa.gov.

Public Service Announcement Social Security Scam

Agencies Rally to Battle Financial Exploitation

Through Washington County NY Connects, the Washington County Office for Aging’s Adult Services Unit received a referral about suspected financial exploitation of an elderly woman by her caregivers.  It was alleged that the caregivers were stealing the elderly woman’s Social Security benefit, $17,000 cash, and had opened several credit cards in her name. Inaddition it was alleged that the caregivers were neglecting her basic needs,isolating her from others, and being emotionally abusive towards her.  

 

The investigation required  a team of professionals to get this woman justice, but it was Case Worker Heather Jett’s determination and drive that made sure everyone received the right information needed to hold the perpetrators accountable, and to  assist the woman in receiving $17,000 in victim compensation from the NYS Office of Victim Services.

With Barbara’s consent, we are able to share her story with you: