Q: In the past years, the state has offered a Homeowner and Renter Assistance Program. So far this year I haven't read anything about it being available and wonder if it is one of the programs being eliminated because of budget cuts. Do you know if the program is going to be available this year and, if so, when and where?

A: I am very glad to report that the program you are asking about is alive and well and is being offered again this year.

The Renters and Homeowners Assistance Program is jointly sponsored by the State Controller's Office and State Franchise Tax Board and is designed to assist certain low-income citizens through cash rebates.

The application period runs from July through October, and the application process can be completed at most senior centers free of charge. Some centers require appoint- ments to have the forms completed while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis — so call your local senior center to see if it is providing this service and when and if you need to make a reservation.

The basic eligibility requirements are that as of Dec. 31, 2007, the applicants be blind, disabled or 62 or older and that they lived in their own home or qualified rented residence in California.

The total household income, including Social Security benefits, must not exceed $44,096.

If applying for renter's assistance the applicant must have paid at least $50 or more per month on that residence.

Applicants must also be U.S. citizens or qualified aliens.

Applicants should take their latest income tax returns or income sources, including the SSA-1099 provided by Social Security.

If applying for renter assistance the applicant will be asked for rent receipts and landlord's name and address.

Those applying for homeowner assistance will need to provide a copy of their last county property tax bill.

For proof of age, all applicants should provide either a driver's license, a birth certificate, a baptism certificate, a passport or an acceptance letter from Social Security.

If for some reason you were eligible yet did not file for this rebate last year you can still do so by filing before the end of June.

Q: My elderly aunt lives out of state and is not in the best of health. I would like to assist her in getting the services she needs but don't know what is available in her community. Do you know of any way to get this type of information?

A: Many families who have faced the situation you describe have found the help they needed through the Eldercare Locator.

The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide directory assistance service designed to help seniors and their caregivers locate needed local support resources. The service links the caller with the information and referral networks of state and local Area Agencies on Aging.

When you call the Eldercare Locator, you will talk to a trained professional who has access to an extensive list of information and referral services that lend support to seniors.

You can get information on how to locate a wide variety of services such as meals, home care, transportation, housing alternatives, home repair, recreation, social activities, legal assistance and other community services that will meet your needs.

The locator will be able to provide organizations' names and telephone numbers so you may contact them directly.

The Eldercare Locator is available Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time. The toll free number is 800-677-1116.

Be prepared to provide the county and city name or the ZIP code for the senior you are assisting. Also give a brief description of the problem you are trying to resolve.

— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; or call 495-6250. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.