Everything You Need to Know about Senior Benefits and How to Claim Them
- Author: Kelly Cooke
- Posted: 2024-08-03
There are various types of benefits available to seniors, and the best way to find out what you're eligible for is to contact your local seniors' benefits office. They'll be able to tell you what benefits you can claim, and they'll also help you with the paperwork. The following are some of the most common benefits that seniors can claim:
Social Security Payments to Dependents
If you're a senior citizen receiving Social Security benefits, you may also be able to get payments for your dependent children. To qualify, your children must be under 18 (or 19 if they're still in high school). If you have a disabled child, there is no age limit. You'll need to fill out the Social Security Administration's Application form for Dependents Benefits to receive these payments. You get monthly payments for each eligible child that you have. Depending on your benefit amount, you receive it, but it can be up to half of your benefits. Remember that you continue with the program after divorce if your marriage lasts at least ten years.
Housing Benefits
There are several different housing benefits available to seniors. The most common is the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program, which provides seniors with safe and affordable housing. The units are usually one-bedroom apartments located in seniors-only buildings. To qualify, seniors must be at least 62 years old and have a low income. Another common housing benefit is the Section 202 Senior Preservation Rental Assistance program, which helps those who risk losing their homes due to rising rents. Qualifications remain the same.
Supplemental Security Income
It's available to seniors who have a low income and few resources. You must be at least 65 years old or blind with a limited income to qualify. The benefit can help seniors with their basic needs, including food, clothing, and shelter. On the other hand, the Older Americans Act provides seniors with a wide range of services, including home-delivered meals, transportation, and caregiver support.
Car and Home Modifications
Disabled veterans may be eligible for a grant to help pay for modifications. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers various benefits for seniors, including disability benefits, health care, and home loan guarantees. Seniors may also be eligible for the Home modification program, which provides grants to help them modify their homes. These modifications include wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and handrails.
Low-Interest Business Loans to Disaster-Stricken Seniors
Seniors affected by a disaster may be eligible for low-interest business loans. The Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans and disaster assistance. Seniors benefit from long-term loans to restock inventory or rebuild after a disaster. The loans have low-interest rates and flexible terms to help seniors get back on their feet.
Therapeutic Shoes from Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B provides therapeutic shoes to diabetic seniors. Doctors and other healthcare providers prescribe the medically necessary shoes. They are of special quality and fit, and the beneficiaries must replace them at least twice every year. If you're a senior with diabetes, nerve damage, ulcers, and other deformities consult a specialist in the locality for more advice. A Medicare-verified therapist prescribes the shoes and provides a Letter of Medical Necessity. However, you must meet the yearly deductible before Medicare Part B pays for the shoes. Part B also covers routine foot exams and X-rays if seniors have diabetes.
Burial Benefits for Seniors
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides burial benefits. Seniors may be eligible for a burial allowance, a grave marker, and a headstone. They choose the preferred cemetery or gravesite, and the government caters to their wishes. However, the government does not cover cremations, and private burials and seniors must arrange with a private company.
If you're a senior who needs help with any of the above areas, contact your local seniors' benefits office for the best advice and assistance. It's advisable to look for available offers for your senior citizen who might need help with their basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. Some don't have the necessary information on how to claim these benefits, missing out on the help they need. With the right information, seniors can get the help they need and live a better life.
