News From Nebraska

AARP in Your State

September 2009

Low-cost security — On Sept. 1, the cost of protecting oneself from identity theft dropped dramatically in Nebraska. Amendments to the state's security freeze law, advocated by AARP, have slashed the fees Nebraskans must pay to each of three credit-reporting agencies to place a freeze on their credit reports. The fees dropped from $15 to $3 per agency, reducing the total cost from $45 to $9.

Since 2007, residents have been able to freeze their credit reports, thereby prohibiting the agencies from releasing their financial records to banks, car dealerships, department stores or other creditors without the consumer's consent, which is indicated through use of a secret personal identification number, or PIN. The new law also eliminates expiration of a security freeze after seven years.

For more information, visit the Identity Theft Action Council of Nebraska at www.idtheftne.org.

July-August 2009

Brrrr, it's (going to be) cold — It's warm now, but because winter will come soon enough, AARP Nebraska wants members to know that more residents are now eligible for the state's free winter home weatherization services, thanks to $41.6 million in federal economic stimulus funds.

The extra funding means that assistance per household has jumped from $2,500 to $6,500 and income limits have increased to $10,830 for one person and $14,570 for a couple. "We concentrate on making sure each house has enough wall and attic insulation and that the furnace and water heater are working safely," says Pete Davis, director of weatherization and state energy programs for the Nebraska Energy Office.

For more information, visit www.neo.ne.gov or call Davis at 402-471-3347.

May 2009

Property tax break — Homeowners living on fixed incomes may qualify for full or partial property tax relief through the Nebraska Homestead Exemption program. Individuals age 65 or older with annual income up to $31,301 and couples including a spouse in that age bracket and with income up to $36,801 can apply for the exemption. Homeowners with disabilities qualify at the same income levels. State residents with higher incomes may be eligible because medical expenses are deductible. The maximum home value is set at $95,000 or 200 percent of the county's average home value, whichever is greater.

The deadline to apply for the exemption is June 30. For more information, visit the Nebraska Department of Revenue at www.revenue.state.ne.us/homestead.htm. Or contact your county assessor's office to find out if you qualify.

April 2009

Get the scoop — AARP Nebraska encourages members to call a new hotline for the latest on its efforts to improve quality of life for older Nebraskans. The 24-hour service offers prerecorded messages about advocacy on such issues as lowering property taxes, loosening eligibility requirements for homestead exemptions and boosting funding for services that can help state residents remain in their own homes as they age. The hotline also alerts members to opportunities to get involved in activities at the state Capitol.

The messages change every two weeks or as needed during the legislative session. To discuss issues raised in the 10-minute briefings, contact Mark Intermill, AARP associate state director for advocacy, at mintermill@aarp.org or 1-866-389-5651 toll-free. Call the hotline at 1-866-955-6297 toll-free.