DFTA, SilverBills Partner to Help More Seniors Manage Bill Payments

NEW YORK (Feb. 7, 2019) - The New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) and fintech company SilverBills have partnered to expand DFTA's Bill Payer Program. This innovative partnership will help even more seniors quickly process bill payments and catch discrepancies or potential fraud through the use of real-time data.

Participants must be 60 or older, receive $60,000 or less in annual income, have a DFTA-affiliated case manager, and have a bank account with sufficient funds to cover their bills. A Bill Payer representative will visit eligible older adults, organize their bills, create a budget, and enroll them in the program, which can be tailored to personal preferences.

"I live by myself and am very independent, but when my vision began to deteriorate because of glaucoma, I became handicapped and could no longer read my bills," says Bill Payer Program client Sabine Von Rogalla. "They help me review and arrange the payment of my bills so that I have enough money until my next Social Security check arrives."

"Managing bills and budgeting becomes increasingly difficult for many seniors who are otherwise independent," says DFTA acting Commissioner Caryn Resnick. "This partnership will help more New Yorkers pay their bills on time without writing and mailing checks, helping avoid the termination of utilities and other disruptions."

"We're committed to helping older adults age safely and securely without having to be bothered with managing bill paying," says SilverBills founder and General Counsel Marci Lobel-Esrig. "We are excited to work together with the City in this unique partnership to relieve older New Yorkers from the stress and issues caused by having to manage their household bills."

Older adults interested in the bill-paying service and budgeting help can call 311 and ask for the "Bill Payer Program." (The Bill Payer Program does not provide funds to pay bills.)

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The New York City Department for the Aging works to eliminate ageism and ensure the dignity and quality of life of New York City's diverse 1.6 million older adults. DFTA also works to support caregivers through service, advocacy, and education. DFTA is the largest area agency on aging in the U.S.

Media contacts:
DFTA
Zenovia Earle
212-602-4152

Suzanne Myklebust
212-602-4153

SilverBills harnesses the power of technology to help older adults pay their bills. It receives, scrutinizes, and makes sure bills are paid correctly and on time, and seniors do not need to open envelopes, write checks or remember due dates. With SilverBills, seniors are able to remain independent at home. Email SilverBills or call 866-653-4427.