Understanding which government benefits are available can be daunting, but if you’re clued up about the ins and outs, it can make life a lot easier. To help make the most of it, these 18 benefits can be crucial in supporting everything from your finances to your health and well-being as you hit your golden years.
Medicare
A federal health insurance program for the elderly and people over the age of 65 is the Medicare program. This is a program offered by the U.S. government that covers things such as prescription drugs, hospital care, and most medical services. Something that can be of significant value when you get older and need a helping hand.
Medicaid
Different from Medicare, the government also provides Medicaid, which is for those seniors who are in low-income brackets. It also offers medical aid and health care coverage, along with long-term care, which differs from Medicare, which doesn’t.
Social Security Benefits
Once you retire, your monthly income may go out the window if you don’t plan. One of the many benefits the government does provide to those who are eligible is the social security benefit. Senior Services of America says it provides financial support from payroll taxes. It is based on historical data on your previous earnings; the amount is worked out and paid to you every month.
Veterans’ Benefits
Anything from healthcare to special loans for housing and compensation for disability is included in the veteran’s benefits. This is a benefit that is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and elderly veterans especially should look into how they can attain compensation for all these, including insurance, health care, and burial costs.
Senior Housing Assistance
Things such as residential care and assisted living can cost a lot of money if you don’t have financial support. This is why programs such as ‘Section 202’ exist. This program can provide senior citizens in low-income situations with financial support to help them find housing and care homes that are more affordable to them.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
For seniors who are over the age of 65, as well as those who are disabled or blind, the SSI can be hugely beneficial. It provides a monthly payout, especially to those who have a limited supply of income or finances to support themselves. The National Council on Aging lists the eligibility criteria for SSI, including being over 65, a U.S. citizen, living in either of the 50 states, and more.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The other government benefit that many may not be aware of is LIHEAP. This helps the elderly with their housing bills, such as heating and cooling energy costs or any repairs needed in the home, as well as emergency services when in crisis. According to Benefits.gov eligibility means being in a situation where you need financial assistance.
Nutrition Assistance Programs
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program are two very important benefits that the government also provides that help seniors with food assistance when they cannot afford it. Those over 60 years old can learn about these and apply for eligibility through their websites.
Legal Assistance for the Elderly
Many times, senior citizens may need legal assistance for cases that involve abuse, housing, and other aspects, and this is where the benefit of legal assistance for the elderly comes into play. There is a network or networks of legal services available that can help with long-term options and other initiatives.
Senior Tax Credits
If you are not sure if you qualify for elderly or disabled tax credits, the IRS website asks you to complete a form to find out. The Senior tax credits provided by the government are one of the most overlooked benefits for most seniors. Taking advantage of most available tax breaks can help support you in ways you never would have thought of before.
Free Public Transportation
Public transportation can become an expense for many, especially if they need it daily. With the inclusion of many communities offering either discounted or entirely free public transportation for their seniors, it takes the edge off going to medical checkups or visiting friends and family members.
Medicare Savings Programs
Different from the Medicare program itself, the MSP provides senior citizens with a federally funded program that helps them make payments for important things such as copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other offerings. One needs to qualify for these.
State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
When your prescription drugs are not covered by Medicare, the state pharmaceutical assistance programs help with this. They offer to help pay for things such as prescription drugs. The cover may vary depending on the state you live in.
Adult Day Care Services
Another sponsored program offered by the government is the supervision of adults during the day, especially for those who need health and social care. These adult day-care services provide various activities for senior citizens to pass their time and not be left alone while still receiving health care and support.
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
Some seniors are still willing to work in their golden years, and they have the option of joining the SCSEP, which helps in providing part-time jobs and various options of training to low-income seniors. Most people over the age of 55 can qualify for this benefit and get paid the minimum wage in most cases.
Elder Abuse Prevention Programs
An unfortunate occurrence in many states is the abuse of the elderly. The state has put measures into place, such as this Elder Abuse Program, that help to recognize, report, and rectify any cases where there has been any kind of abuse to prevent it from reoccurring. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says anything from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, to name a few things, is covered.
Benefits CheckUp
If you are unsure of which benefits you are eligible for or which ones the government can help you pay for, this is when this service can help. It is a free service provided by the National Council on Aging to help seniors find and qualify for all the above and other benefits.
Health Insurance Counseling
For those who want to make informed decisions regarding their health insurance, the state provides another free service known as the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides free counseling services to help you gain a better understanding of the available health insurance options.
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