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Knowing what’s available is the key to a healthy and comfortable life as we grow older. If you are over 65 years of age or know of someone who is, several benefits can go a long way in making a big difference. From financial assistance to health care programs, these are some of the benefits that will provide a shoulder when it’s needed.
Social Security is probably the most essential benefit to seniors over age 65. This would give them financial security after retirement. Many rely on this as their only source of income. The concept of Social Security is simple: you work, pay into the system through taxes, and upon retirement, you receive monthly payments.
You will have had to work a minimum of ten years in jobs in which you paid Social Security. The payments are based on what you made over a lifetime. The more one has earned and paid in taxes, the higher the payments will be monthly. Many people choose to start having the collection done for Social Security at the age of 65. However, there are several who wait until 70 to receive higher payments. Waiting provides you with more money each month if you don’t necessarily need that money now.
Social Security is designed to cover such basic living expenses as food, rent, and utilities. It certainly does not cover everything. But it does provide a valuable safety net for the seniors. If one knows when and how to claim it, then it can make quite a difference. It will be in the form of financial security during one’s later years.
One of the primary benefits of Social Security is Medicare for the elderly. Health care becomes increasingly expensive with age setting in. Then Medicare relieves at least a part of that pressure.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that covers a portion of medical expenses. Most people become eligible for Medicare at the age of 65. The different parts of Medicare cover various health services, and you can choose which parts suit your needs.
Medicare saves thousands of dollars for seniors, as medical costs add up rather quickly. You may need hospital care, routine doctor visits, or prescription medications. Medicare pays for all. That’s why you can have the necessary health care with no fear that you will find huge medical bills.
SSI is the short form of Supplemental Security Income. This is an extra income that seniors with very low incomes can earn. The SSI program is a federal initiative. It provides financial assistance to eligible individuals to help with housing, food, and clothing costs.
Eligibility for SSI is based on your income and resources. If your income is very small or nonexistent, you may be entitled to monthly payments to help you pay for basic living expenses. The Supplemental Security Income provides a buffer that relieves some of the burden of those who may not have prepared for retirement or who struggle financially later in their lives. It is a lifeline for so many and creates the ability for one to more easily afford everyday items.
Housing can be one of the biggest challenges many seniors will face, especially those on a fixed income. Increased rent prices or property taxes may almost become impossible to continue paying. Thankfully, senior citizens can receive housing assistance. They can receive it through programs designed to support them.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has available programs. They could help a senior find an affordable place to live. Many of these programs reduce rent or even offer rental subsidies to make housing more affordable. HUD can also assist seniors with property tax relief or reduced utility bills. Seniors may also apply for Section 8 housing which provides rental assistance based on one’s income.
Having a safe and affordable place to live is important to seniors. These programs help ensure that housing costs don’t become a financial burden.
Medicare doesn’t cover everything. For seniors needing extra health care support, there’s Medicaid. The Medicaid program, on both the state and federal levels, picks up where medical costs aren’t paid by Medicare. More importantly, it covers those care services needed over the long term, such as stays in nursing homes or home health care.
Because Medicaid eligibility is based on income, the program is available for seniors with specific financial criteria. The service covers what Medicare cannot provide, including long-term care in nursing facilities. This could make a wide difference for seniors who must obtain more intensive health care yet cannot afford the high expenses on their own. Medicaid sees to it that seniors get the medical attention they need when Medicare falls short.
Good nutrition is important as older adults age. However, many older adults have limited resources to obtain healthy, affordable food. Fortunately, several nutrition programs can help provide older adults with the food they need.
Examples of such food programs include Meals on Wheels. This particular program brings hot meals right to the doors of seniors without requiring them to shop for ingredients or cook, which may be particularly important to many seniors with mobility problems or who live alone.
Another program that assists seniors in paying for groceries is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is more commonly referred to as SNAP. The food stamp program provides seniors with money to buy food from a grocery store, farmers’ market, or other places that accept SNAP benefits. This program ensures that seniors are not forced to choose between buying food and other essential purchases.
Most of the seniors also benefit from the local food banks that give free groceries to people in need of these groceries. These nutrition programs will help the seniors maintain healthy food for a healthy body, which is important for overall health and well-being.
At Inland Empire Senior Support Services, we know that every situation a senior finds him or herself in is unique. This is why we offer personalized support to help seniors work their way through all the programs and services available to them.
Our skilled staff works one-on-one with seniors as part of our case management services. This ensures access to benefits entitled to them, including housing assistance and healthcare services. We’ve set up our caregiver support services. They are to serve seniors needing help with daily tasks or chronic condition management.
We also offer psychological counseling in the Inland Empire to ensure the emotional stability of the elderly. From accessing transport services, meal program organization, and all other services that will ensure seniors live comfortably and with dignity. At Inland Empire Senior Support Services, we are here to help seniors connect to the benefits they deserve.
Conclusion
Secure your benefits today! Navigating the benefits system may appear difficult. But you don’t have to go at it alone. If you or a loved one is above the age of 65, now is a very good time to begin researching the resources available for a healthy and comfortable life. Be it financial assistance, health care, or housing aid, these programs exist to make life just a little easier as it gets older. Let Inland Empire Senior Support Services help you understand your options and secure the benefits you deserve.
Contact Inland Empire Senior Support Services today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you access your benefits.
A. You can begin getting Social Security as early as age 62. However, most people start at 65 years old. The longer you wait, the higher your monthly benefit.
A. The eligibility for SSI depends on income and assets. Contact either the Social Security Administration or Inland Empire Senior Support Services for help and consultation regarding eligibility.
A. You can have both Medicare and Medicaid, provided your income level allows you to. Medicaid helps pay for extra costs not covered by Medicare, such as long-term care or additional medical services.