Pro Seniors, a nonprofit offering legal help for seniors across [Ohio] helped Bingham Johnson apply for tax relief.
“She connected with one of our attorneys who assisted her with that process, and we were able to get her tax value reduced, and got her into the tax program that helps her pay that tax bill every month,” said Miriam Sheline, Managing Attorney for Pro Seniors.
Pro Seniors offers various options for elderly homeowners struggling with legal issues and taxes:
- Access to benefits such as veterans benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, food assistance, and subsidized housing
- Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, enrollment, changes, termination, and appeals;
Medicaid estate recovery - Consumer debt due to health care costs
- Rental housing, including issues related to rent, eviction, security deposits, utilities, and conditions of property
- Home ownership, including issues related to foreclosure, predatory lending, and reverse mortgages;
- Consumer protection from fraud and financial exploitation;
- Planning for the costs of long-term services and supports; and,
Advance directives and supportive decision-making.
When we received the tip for help, I also contacted Hamilton County Auditor Jessica Miranda, who is currently on tour educating seniors about resources and the Homestead Exemption Program.
On Tuesday, August 5, Miranda will be at the City of Reading regular council meeting.
Miranda said applications dropped by more than 68%.
“That’s why we need our state lawmakers to step in, and if they truly were serious and truly cared about providing targeted property tax relief. This is where they would have started the homestead exemption. It’s the one thing that can keep seniors in their homes, and keep their property tax bills to a place where they can afford it,” said Miranda.
According to experts, the need for these resources will only grow in the coming years.
“There’s no question the senior population is increasing, so these issues are going to be more and more critical as time goes by,” said Sheline.
For Bingham Johnson, Pro Seniors assistance was life-changing.
“Thank God that I met Ms. Campbell,” said Bingham Johnson. “Because she really helped me.”
Take Action:
If you believe that change is needed, you can contact your state elected officials to ask them to support property tax reform. Find your elected representatives here.
Email Address: dejah.gross@wcpo.com
