Public Benefits

Programs

(It is important to note that final program eligibility determination can only be made by the agencies administering the program(s). We encourage you to contact the agencies with any questions you may have.)


1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

This program provides monthly cash assistance to people, age 65 or older, blind, or disabled, to ensure a minimum level of income. The benefit amount varies based on the applicant's living arrangements and income. For more information about this program call (800) 772-1213 or Click Here For SSA.

The Social Security Administration counts the date of a spoken or written request for benefits as the filing date of the application. This is important, since the date of the application will determine when benefits are effective. Unless you can submit a full application today, you should call SSA immediately (800) 772-1213 and say that you want to apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits.

For certain individuals who are not US Citizens, eligibility for this program is restricted. For further assistance for non-citizens, Click Here.


2. Veterans' Home Loans

The Veterans Administration offers home loan guarantees as protection against loan default. Loans may be issued directly to the veteran. Additionally, veterans with a service connected disability can obtain a grant to have their home specially adapted to their needs.

Applications for various veterans' programs are available online. For further assistance call the VA toll free number at (800) 827-1000 or visit the VA online by Clicking Here.


3. Veterans' Medical Care

This federal program assists veterans and designated dependents with medical benefits such as: hospital, nursing home, home health services, and inpatient or outpatient treatment. Other services include preventive and primary health care in any Veterans Administration (VA) health care center in the country, eye glasses, hearing aids, homelessness programs, dental benefits, prosthetic and orthotic devices, mental health programs, and rehabilitation services.

Applications for various veterans' programs are available online. For further assistance call the VA toll free number at (800) 733-8387 or Click Here to visit the VA online.


4. Food Stamp Program

This federal program is designed to increase the food purchasing power of low-income households. Food stamps can only be used to purchase food or plants and seeds to grow food. Food stamps cannot be used to buy non-food items such as pet foods or alcoholic beverages. Under certain circumstances, food stamps may be used to purchase food from nonprofit meal delivery services and communal dining facilities (such as senior centers).
Food stamps benefits are issued monthly through the Electronic Benefit Transfer system (EBT). Under EBT recipients receive a common benefit identification card to access benefits through a debit system. Recipients will not receive food stamp coupons. For more information about this program, call (800) 221-5689 or Click Here.

5. Weatherization Assistance Program

This federal program of the US Department of Energy is designed to promote energy conservation in low-income households. The program provides free home energy repairs and services that can lower energy bills for participants. Services include insulation of doors, windows, floors, walls, ducts, and water heaters as well as modification to furnaces and other heating devices.

For further assistance, please Click Here.

6. Senior Community Service Employment Program

This program provides low income individuals, 55 and over, with training and work experience leading to permanent employment. Participants are trained to serve in such positions as teachers, hospital and health aides, word processor operators, drivers, security operators, library aides, and more. The program is designed to bring together the talents of older workers and the unmet needs of communities. Participants in the program average 20 hours of work a week.

For further assistance, please Click Here.

7. Golden Age Passport (for persons age 62 and older)
(The Golden Age Passport is no longer available. The new permit is called the Interagency Senior Pass)

This is a lifetime entrance permit for individuals, 62 or older, to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges which charge entrance fees. It also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees for facilities and services. There is a one time processing charge.

For additional information, please Click Here.


DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions expressed on this blog are not an endorsement or recommendation for any medical treatment, product or course of action by One For The Aging. For medical, legal or other advice, please consult appropriate professionals of your choice.


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