Senior Services
Margert is a
HUD-approved housing counseling agency that provides assistance to persons
who want to rent, buy or already own a home, and who seek to be responsible
renters, buyers and
owners.
Home Equity Conversion
Mortgage (HECM)
Reverse
Mortgages are becoming popular in America. The U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) created one of the first. HUD's
Reverse Mortgage is a federally-insured private loan, and it's a
safe plan that can give older Americans greater financial security.
The
HECM FHA insured reverse mortgage can be used by senior
homeowners age 62 and older to convert the equity in their home
into monthly streams of income and/or a line of credit to be
repaid when they no longer occupy the home. The loan, commonly
known as HECM, is funded by a lending institution such as a
mortgage lender, bank, credit union or savings and loan
association. To assist the homeowner in making an informed
decision of whether this program meets their needs, they are
required to receive consumer education and counseling by a
HUD-approved
HECM counselor.
(Please Note:
Direct HECM counseling is NOT currently available through Margert, but we can
provide a high quality referral.)
HECM
counselors will discuss program eligibility requirements,
financial implications and alternatives to obtaining a HECM and
provisions for the mortgage becoming due and payable. Upon the
completion of HECM counseling, the homeowner should be able to
make an independent, informed decision of whether this product
will meet their needs. You can also use this handy
Reverse
Mortgage Calculator to help you see if you qualify.
Are you a senior homeowner who wants to remain
in your home, but are concerned that you do not have adequate
income to maintain your independence? If so, please follow the
link below for important information concerning reverse equity
mortgages.
Reverse Mortgages for Seniors (HECM)
Download, read and print the new National Council On Aging’s
(NCOA) 28-page booklet on home equity and reverse mortgages:
Use Your Home to Stay at Home, A
Guide for Older Homeowners Who Need Help Now.
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Legal Services for the
Elderly in Queens: (718) 286 -1500
St. Johns University School of Law
Elder Law Clinic:
(718) 990-6689 (Individuals 60 yrs. and
over)
Senior Citizen Homeowners' Property Tax Exemption (SCHE) top^
Home Energy Assistance
Program (HEAP)
HEAP is a federally funded program that assists
eligible households with grants to pay their energy heating costs.
The program consists of two major components; regular and
emergency benefits. If households receive a HEAP benefit, the benefit does not
have to be paid back. Emergency benefits are offered in addition to the regular
HEAP benefits.
HRA/DSS administers the program in New York City.
HEAP grants are $40 to $440 a year.
Margert provides a neighborhood office location
for HRA/HEAP in Far Rockaway, Queens. Applications are taken from 9:00 AM
- 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Please contact
718-471-3702 for further
information.
If you have already applied for HEAP and want to check the status of your
application, please call 800-692-0557.
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City Council Aging
Discretionary Programs - 31st District
Margert's 31st District senior initiatives are funded by the New York City
Council through the NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA).
Our DFTA services are designed to promote positive and healthy aging for
hundreds of seniors and their families each year, through a district-wide system
of quality programming.
We believe healthy communities empower older people from diverse backgrounds
to choose and develop joyful, healthful and meaningful lives. We provide
services that include and engage older people and those who love them in an
interdependent community.
Services include recreation, socialization, transportation and education.
For more information, or to express your desire to participate in our senior
recreation and healthy aging programs and services, please email
Christina Sosa,
Program Coordinator.
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