Finding Benefit Programs and Assistance for People Over Age 55
By Beverly DeVeny, IRA Technical Expert
Follow Me on Twitter: @BevIRAEdSlott
If you are over age 55 or are trying to find assistance for someone who is, you may not know what questions to ask or where to look for benefit assistance and programs. But there is help. I was recently reminded of this website, www.benefitscheckup.org. It is a one-stop destination that will give you a list of benefits for which you or someone you know may qualify. The following comes from their website:
BenefitsCheckUp is free service of the National Council on Aging (NCOA), a nonprofit service and advocacy organization in Washington, DC.
Many adults over 55 need help paying for prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other basic needs. There are over 2,000 federal, state and private benefits programs available to help. But many people don’t know these programs exist or how they can apply.
BenefitsCheckUp asks a series of questions to help identify benefits that could save you money and cover the costs of everyday expenses.
After answering the questions, you will get a report created just for you that describes the programs you may get help from. You can apply for many of the programs online or you can print an application form.
Here are the types of expenses you may get help with:
- Medications
- Food
- Utilities
- Legal
- Health care
- Housing
- In-home services
- Taxes
- Transportation
- Employment Training