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Old 04-22-2009, 11:33 PM
 
26 posts, read 66,004 times
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I know someone who is in their mid 50's single woman. She lives at 55+ senior apartment, barely making enough to cover her rent($725 lowest it can get in this town) and bills. Retiring isn't possible for her since she has no savings. Her only family is her two grown up kids but they're not able to take her in. My concern is her getting laid off from her current job, leaving her with no income. Is there any government programs that help out seniors in similliar situation as hers? Any information is much appreciated!
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Old 04-23-2009, 12:36 AM
 
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Check out this website:
Senior Citizens' Resources: USA.gov
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Old 04-23-2009, 06:38 AM
 
Location: DC Area, for now
3,517 posts, read 13,237,632 times
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The program is called Social Security.
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Old 04-23-2009, 07:10 AM
 
Location: Baltimore, MD
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Unfortunately she is too young to qualify for Social Security. If she is working full time, she will hopefully qualify for unemployment benefits, food stamps, and depending on your state, subsidized health insurance. I'm not clear whether she is currently receiving subsidized rent. If not, she should probably be looking into HUD's Section 8 program.

BTW, many retired women of 65+ years are poor and need to rely on family members for financial assistance. A $700 +/- social security check just does not cut it.
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Old 04-23-2009, 07:33 AM
 
Location: Iowa
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I guess I don't understand why the high rent? There are usually senior apartments where the rent paid is based on your income. The 700+ rent I wouldn't want to pay it and my social security will be a decent amount plus pension.
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Old 04-23-2009, 01:10 PM
 
26 posts, read 66,004 times
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I don't know where you're from susancruzs but where I live, $700 is cheap (in a not so nice neighborhood) and it's only possible because it is a senior apartment. I don't know much about senior apartments. I would love to find a place where the rent is based on her income. As for social security, don't think she put much if at all so not counting on that either. Thank you for your replies!
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Old 04-23-2009, 01:11 PM
 
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Oh, and btw she insists on living here to be closer to her son.
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Old 04-23-2009, 02:57 PM
 
Location: Knoxville, TN
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She should be able to find a place with rent based on income. Check HUD's site:
Senior Citizens - HUD
If she lost her job, she would probably qualify for SSI.
Social Security Online - Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
And she should definitely apply for food stamps.
FNS Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/ - broken link)
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Old 04-23-2009, 03:22 PM
 
31,672 posts, read 40,935,630 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RedViolin View Post
I don't know where you're from susancruzs but where I live, $700 is cheap (in a not so nice neighborhood) and it's only possible because it is a senior apartment. I don't know much about senior apartments. I would love to find a place where the rent is based on her income. As for social security, don't think she put much if at all so not counting on that either. Thank you for your replies!
You have hit the nail on the head regarding income and cost of living. If she lives in one of the more expensive areas of the country housing is very expensive and being poor much more a problem. Just like on the opposite end, 250K is rich in some areas and not so rich in others. The problem as presented is a very real one that is impacting Americans across the board and bringing family members back together under one roof.
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Old 04-23-2009, 04:11 PM
 
250 posts, read 736,004 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TuborgP View Post
You have hit the nail on the head regarding income and cost of living. If she lives in one of the more expensive areas of the country housing is very expensive and being poor much more a problem. Just like on the opposite end, 250K is rich in some areas and not so rich in others. The problem as presented is a very real one that is impacting Americans across the board and bringing family members back together under one roof.


I completely agree with you. Alas there are many older women, who for whatever reason, have only social security to fall back on in their later years. And not everyone has family to move in with either at this stage of life.

Also $700 would be considered a low rent in my area.
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