Bill Payer Program

Basic Information

Address: NYC Dept. for the Aging Bill Payer Program 2 Lafayette St., 2nd fl. New York, NY 10007
Phone Number: 212-602-4195
Fax Number: 212-442-1376
Director: David Knapp

Action Shots

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Additional Information

Causes Served: low income seniors
Clearances Required: No
Background Check: Yes
Population Served: Low income seniors
Ages for Volunteer: 21+
Hours of Service: 2-4 hrs./month
Minimum Hours Required: 2-4/month; 1 year commitment
Days of Service: flexible
Mission Statement:

NYC Dept. of the Aging: To work for the empowerment, independence, dignity and quality of life of New York City's diverse older adults and for the support of their families through advocacy, education and the coordination and delivery of services.

Philosophy/Belief Statement:

Elders Aging in Place: Who’s Paying the Bills?
The Practical Value of a Bill Payer Program for Older New Yorkers

New York State’s population of adults over the age 65 is projected to jump from 13% to 20% by the year 2030. According to an AARP poll, over 80% of these seniors will prefer to “age in place” in their homes and communities. Policy-makers have long recognized that remaining at home is both desirable and cost-effective for all but the sickest. Older adults needing assistance with monthly Bill Paying are vulnerable to premature nursing home placement, fraud and financial abuse. Bill Paying is a cost-effective service that can enable them to age safely in place.

Program History:

Originally overseen nationally by AARP Foundation, in 2009 the Bill Payer Program was piloted by Council of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS) in New York City and transition over to DFTA in 2015. Caring volunteers are screened, trained and supervised to provide hands-on help with monthly bills. Client bank accounts are monitored monthly by a third party to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud.

Events:

N/A

Additional Information:

Volunteer Bill Payers have been making a difference for their NYC neighbors since 2007. In just a few hours a month, on your own schedule, you can assist someone who needs help with monthly bill paying to remain at home. Coaching, supervision and protection through NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) safeguards are all provided.
The process to become a Bill Payer Volunteer involves the following steps:

1. Completion of an application. It is a fillable PDF file so you can fill it out; save it under another name and email the completed form back to me (or fax or send regular mail). Please request an application at: volunteerbpp@aging.nyc.gov

2. Being Fingerprinted

3. Passing background check and receiving approval to be a volunteer with our program

4. Completion of an interview with the Volunteer Coordinator

Tags: seniors