US Senior Citizens May be Missing Out on $20 Billion in Benefits (pension, social security)

[NewToCA]

Interesting article about potential missed benefits for the elderly, might even be helpful for some folks participating in this forum:

"It is no secret that millions and millions of Americans are struggling right now, but help is just a phone call away," said Sandy Markwood, chief executive of n4a. "This campaign is about connecting those in need with the support that is right at their fingertips."

The $20 billion was based on estimates of the collective population eligible for benefits but were not receiving them, said Brandy Bauer, a spokeswoman for NCOA.

U.S. seniors missing out on $20 bln of benefits | Reuters


Those interested can learn more about potential benefits at these two sites:

- BenefitsCheckUp, listing over 2,000 private and public programs for lower income folks with Medicare

BenefitsCheckUp.org


- Eldercare Locator, provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging

Eldercare Locator

[brokensky]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

Interesting article about potential missed benefits for the elderly, might even be helpful for some folks participating in this forum:

"It is no secret that millions and millions of Americans are struggling right now, but help is just a phone call away," said Sandy Markwood, chief executive of n4a. "This campaign is about connecting those in need with the support that is right at their fingertips."

The $20 billion was based on estimates of the collective population eligible for benefits but were not receiving them, said Brandy Bauer, a spokeswoman for NCOA.

U.S. seniors missing out on $20 bln of benefits | Reuters


Those interested can learn more about potential benefits at these two sites:

- BenefitsCheckUp, listing over 2,000 private and public programs for lower income folks with Medicare

BenefitsCheckUp.org


- Eldercare Locator, provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging

Eldercare Locator

Although the premise is true . . . what the article doesn't relay is that many of the programs that are officially available are either out of funds or underfunded.

[gomexico]

Not all seniors are poor, destitute ... in need of one or another forms of public assistance. That should be clear to everyone. Yes, help those who are truly needy. But let's not encourage people to make claims that are unwarranted.

[Tek_Freek]

Originally Posted by gomexico

Not all seniors are poor, destitute ... in need of one or another forms of public assistance. That should be clear to everyone. Yes, help those who are truly needy. But let's not encourage people to make claims that are unwarranted.

Someone here is encouraging that?

[AZgarden]

I don't think anyone is encouraging that. Some of these programs are so complicated and bound up with reams of paperwork, that the average senior would give up trying to apply for them. Thus, whether funded or unfunded, the money doesn't go to the senior, cause the senior doesn't know how to get it.

[RMD3819]

Thanks for this. I found a program my mom might be eligble for.

[NewToCA]

Originally Posted by RMD3819

Thanks for this. I found a program my mom might be eligble for.

Good, that's why I provided the links, hopes it works out for her.

[Grandpa Pipes]

I bookmarked each site to study since all I have to live on is a small pension and some social security. I've tried for some state programs but I always make just a few bucks over the limits to get help.

Thanks for the links.........

[brokensky]

One of the best programs (when funding is available) is for winterizing your home. Anyone who can qualify should definitely take advantage of that as it can reduce heating (and cooling) costs.