Tax relief applications accepted
The assessor’s office is accepting applications by appointment for tax relief programs for elderly and disabled homeowners.
West Haven residents can apply for the programs, based on their 2024 taxable and untaxable incomes, weekdays from through May 15 in the assessor’s office on the first floor of City Hall, 355 Main St. For an appointment, call 203-937-3515. No walk-ins.
The state offers a tax reduction benefit depending on income and marital status through the circuit breaker program. To qualify, the applicant or spouse must be 65 or older by Dec. 31, 2024, or permanently and totally disabled as defined by Social Security.
Income limits, including Social Security, are $55,100 for married applicants and $45,200 for a single applicant. Those eligible for the program must reapply every two years.
To qualify for the West Haven tax freeze program, the applicant must be age 70 by Dec. 31, 2024, and have lived in the city for at least 20 consecutive years with nobody under age 25 living in the home. The program will freeze the city portion of the resident’s taxes only for the upcoming year.
Income limits, excluding Social Security, are $50,000 for married applicants and $35,000 for a single applicant. Those eligible for the program must reapply annually.
The assessor’s office is also accepting applications until Oct. 1 for additional veterans exemptions. The maximum income is $55,100 for married applicants and $45,200 for a single applicant.
For veterans who are 100% service connected, income limits are $24,000 for married applicants and $21,000 for a single applicant. Social Security and veterans disability payments do not count for 100% disabled veterans only. All other ratings must include veterans disability payments and Social Security.
Energy assistance apps now taken
The city is accepting applications for the federally funded Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.
Appointments for all heating sources can be made by calling 203-937-3572.
Applications will be processed via phone by appointment Monday through Thursday. No walk-ins will be accepted.
Applicants who have difficulty speaking English are asked to have a translator.
Eligibility for assistance is based on the income of an applicant’s household. To qualify, applicants must provide pay stubs, including monthly Social Security benefits and pension incomes, for all household members 18 and older.
Applicants must also provide SNAP benefits, Social Security numbers and birthdates for all household members, as well as current utility bills for the household.
Assessment appeals deadline March 20
The Board of Assessment Appeals will hear appeals of real estate and personal property assessments on the 2024 grand list by appointment during April.
The board will also hear appeals of motor vehicle assessments on the 2023 supplemental motor vehicle grand list that received a tax bill due Jan. 1.
Any property owner who wants to appeal an assessment must submit a written application to the board.
The assessor’s office must receive the completed form on or before March 20.
Download an application at htt ps://www.cityofwesthaven.com/DocumentCenter/View/7056/Board-of-AssessmentAppeals-Application-PDF.
Applications are also available in the assessor’s office on the first floor of City Hall, 355 Main St., or by calling the office at (203) 937-3515.
Probus Club sponsors shoe drive
The Greater New Haven Probus Club is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser through March 11. The shoes will be donated to community members in need. Anyone can take part by donating gently worn, used or new shoes and sending them to: gnhavenprobus@gmail.com.