The Bishop Gray Retirement Foundation provides financial resources to enable those of us who have been exceptionally blessed with plenty to help provide for the physical, emotional and religious needs of the individuals it serves.

Financial Assistance Program Guidelines

Purpose

The Bishop Gray Retirement Foundation's mission is to provide financial assistance to elderly Episcopalians from the Southeast, Southwest, and Central Dioceses of Florida, who have faithfully served their parish or diocese, for reasonable housing and healthcare.  The funds are to be used only for those who can demonstrate a financial need.

 Applicant Requirements

To be eligible for the Bishop Gray Retirement Financial Assistance program an individual must:

• Be age 62 or older, or 100% disabled

• Be an Episcopalian in good standing with a history of involvement in the life of an Episcopal church in the Southeast, Southwest, or Central Diocese of Florida

• Have assets that total no more than $5,000 for one person, $10,000 for two people

• Have a referral from a clergy member of the individual’s parish describing the amount of involvement the individual has had in the parish or diocese

• Have an annual income of no more than $28,000 ($33,000 for two people)

In the event Medicaid eligibility for the Institutional Care Program (ICP) is established, financial support will no longer be necessary and will be discontinued.  If previously undisclosed assets are discovered during the Medicaid application process, all funds distributed must be refunded to the Bishop Gray Retirement Foundation.

We encourage applicants to consider requesting that their parish sponsor them by paying a monthly stipend of at least $100.00 to be used toward their incidental needs.

Asset Exclusions

Homestead Property:  Property is not counted as an asset if either the individual’s spouse or dependent relative are living in the home, or if the individual intends to return home.

 Right to Appeal

Any person who applies for or receives financial assistance may appeal any decision made on the application or any termination of benefits if he or she believes the action was incorrect or unfair.  The appeal must be made in writing and should be addressed to the Bishop Gray Retirement Foundation.

 Responsibility of Applicants and Recipients

Applicants must accurately report all income, resources, and other facts that could affect their eligibility for financial assistance.  Applicants and recipients must immediately report any changes in their situation that might affect their eligibility or the amount of the assistance.

 Confidentiality

The records of applicants and of those people receiving assistance will be kept confidential, except for the purpose of administering the program.

 Assisted Living Services

Assisted Living services consist of personal and individualized assistance given to residents who require it.  The services range from medication monitoring to assistance with dressing, bathing, laundry, transportation and housekeeping.  Funds for assisted living costs may be applied for when needed.

 Transfer of Assets

The transfer of an asset (for less than the fair market value) by the individual, spouse, or legal representative within 36 months of application may cause ineligibility.  The period of ineligibility will vary depending on the value of the transferred asset but cannot exceed 36 months.  The applicant/recipient may transfer his homestead to one of the following relatives:

• Spouse

• Blind or disabled child, to be used as his/her primary residence

• Sibling who has equity interest in the home and has resided there at least one year prior to the applicant’s admission

• Son or daughter who was residing in the home for at least two years immediately before application was made and who provided care that delayed the application process

The financial assistance recipient may transfer any resource to his/ her spouse or blind or disabled adult child.

 Annual Renewal

At the end of each calendar year, the financial assistance recipient must provide all updated financial information for the coming year in order to have his/her assistance renewed.  Grants are approved for a time period of one year only, and must be reviewed and renewed annually. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to discontinue assistance if it is determined that the individual no longer meets the requirements for eligibility.

 Where to Apply

To apply for financial assistance, please contact Ginger Van Valkenburgh, Executive Director, Bishop Gray Retirement Foundation, at the address found under "Contact ".