Know How to Check Eligibility for Senior Programs

Are you unsure of how you can get help understanding your loved one’s eligibility for senior housing, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility, post-retirement employment and more? The National Council on Aging has numerous Benefits Enr

The Basics of Benefits Enrollment Centers

There are currently 69 benefits enrollment centers in 36 states. At these centers, seniors don’t just find help understanding eligibility for aid, but also can receive assistance correctly completing the application forms. This one-on-one assistance ensures that the right eligible seniors complete the application process, which can be confusing and complicated.

Benefit Programs

Unfortunately, many seniors assume ineligibility and don’t take the time to explore what could be available to them. Even if you think that your loved one’s income is too high, you should pay a visit to a benefits enrollment center. What benefit programs are available?

• Medication Assistance: These vital programs work through Medicare and prescription savings and discount cards. On average, the seniors who use medication assistance benefits get $4,000 of annual financial assistance.
• Income Assistance: This type of assistance program offers cash to cover basic living expenses including housing, food and clothing. Income assistance also covers Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and home-delivered meals.
• Lifeline and Link-Up: These senior programs work to help older adults age-in-place by lowering the cost of utilities and covering repair costs to keep homes safe and up to code.
• Tax Relief: Depending on the situation, your loved one could qualify for a credit for being elderly, disabled or a veteran. Tax relief can also come in the form of freezing the home valuation, property tax deferral or homestead exemptions.
• Other programs include ways to find post-retirement employment, reduced-cost public transportation, legal services, education programs and more.
• Economic Advice: From anywhere in the country, you can access the National Council on Aging website, which hosts seminars and displays information about national and regional programs. The advice on the site is very useful and covers everything from renting vs. home ownership to legal issues.
• Medicare Advice: The world of Medicare is confusing and constantly changing. The National Council on Aging also has an information portal for seniors to see coverage options, understand cost liability and get a roadmap of what to expect. Even better, all of the advice is written in plain English that is easy to understand.

Partner with Senior Care Lifestyles

At Senior Care Lifestyles, we specialize in facilitating the connection between seniors and the right in-home care, assisted living and senior living communities. We have assisted hundreds of families with finding effective and affordable solutions for loved ones. Get in touch today by calling 410-977-3718!