TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Hernando Today

How Can Couple Qualify For Low-Income Apartment?

ADVERTISEMENT

ADON TAFT Life to the Fullest

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 2, 2008

Q Friends who used to live here moved out of state to be with family because neither could work and had little income for two years. Their doctor is recommending they return here for health reasons.

The man, 60 years of age, is trying to get disability. She is 64 and already is on it. Their present actual income is only $465 a month. However, he has assurance of steadily earning at least $400 to $600 a month.

Our church is trying to gather furniture for them by the time they arrive in mid-September. How do they apply and qualify for low-income apartments? They have no pets.

Thank you for your suggestions.

S., Spring Hill

A This may be a difficult situation. The Hernando County Housing Authority is not taking any new applications at this time. They just now are trying to find openings for those who applied in 2004.

You might try the Brooksville Housing Authority at 796-6547. They may have places in the elderly housing facility on Martin Luther King Boulevard.

Other possibilities may be the low income housing in Greenbriar Villas, 1550 Greenbriar Circle, phone 799-8854, or Norbourne Estates, 600 Darby Lane, phone 754-8860. Both offer some rental assistance.

For possible income assistance or other housing suggestions, you could contact Children and Family Services, 661 S. Broad St., phone 1-866-762-2237 or the Mid-Florida Community Service, at 820 Kennedy Blvd., in Kennedy Park, phone 796-1425.

Q My son, who is in his 30s and lives in another state, is trying to live on disability benefits from Social Security. I'd like to give him some financial help.

Can I just give him money? What kind of taxes would I have to pay?

M.M., Ridge Manor

A You don't give enough information for a firm answer.

You and your husband (assuming you are married) may each give your son up to $12,000 a year without any tax consequences to yourselves or to your son.

However, the amount you give may impact the amount your son receives in disability payments. It depends on whether your son is receiving regular Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income payments because his regular income is low. If it is the latter, it may depend on which state in which he lives. In either case, limits on additional income may lead to reduction in the amount of disability payments.

Additionally, it depends on whether or not the gifts are regular or irregular, whether they are given for educational purposes or to pay medical expenses beyond what Medicare or Medicaid pay or certain other expenses which are not counted as income when evaluating your son's eligibility.

It is best to consult your accountant or an attorney who specializes in disability issues to be certain of the best way to assist your son.

Adon Taft is a resident of Brooksville. If you have questions about any issues connected with aging, except medical conditions, please write to Life to the Fullest, Hernando Today, 15299 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, Fla. 34613, or send e-mail to adontaft@ya

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT