If you’re an older adult who is feeling the pinch of today’s high prices, you may be eligible for benefits that can help. One of the easiest ways to find out if you qualify for assistance is to visit BenefitsCheckUp.org. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) created this free and confidential tool to connect people aged 50 and over, as well as those with disabilities and caregivers, to benefit programs that can save them money on health care, prescriptions, food, utilities, and more.
The website is easy to use, even for those with limited experience navigating the internet. Simply answer a few questions about your current situation and BenefitsCheckUp.org will provide a list of programs you may be eligible for, along with information on how to apply.
Programs and Services Available to Older Americans
Only four in ten eligible Americans are receiving the earned benefits they’ve worked so hard for—benefits that could make a huge difference in their lives. Millions of our nation’s seniors and people with disabilities are leaving money on the table, simply because they don’t know it exists or they don’t know how to apply. BenefitsCheckUp is changing all that. It is the nation’s most comprehensive online tool to connect older adults and people with disabilities to benefits. NCOA makes it easy to see if you may be eligible—and then help you find out where to apply online or how to get help from a benefits counselor.
In less than 15 minutes, you can answer a series of questions about your background, location, and health status—and get a personalized list of programs for which you might be eligible. Best of all, it’s free and confidential. No one will ever know you used BenefitsCheckUp unless you tell them. NCOA has information on more than 2,000 public and private benefits programs from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, including programs for utility assistance, housing, prescription drugs, food, health care, and much more. If you or someone you know could benefit from extra help, we urge you to give BenefitsCheckUp a try.
How to Get Help Paying for Food
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, is a federal program that provides assistance to low-income households so they can afford healthy food. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food items like fruits, vegetables, proteins, and dairy at participating grocery stores. In addition, SNAP can also be used to purchase seeds and plants so you can grow your own food. The program is designed to help families stretch their food budget and access nutritious meals.
If you are eligible for SNAP benefits, it is important to use them wisely so you can make the most of your budget. When shopping for food, choose items that are high in nutrients and free of added sugars and fats. You should also plan your meals in advance so you can make sure you are using your SNAP benefits in the most efficient way possible. By taking advantage of the SNAP program, you can access the nutrition you need to live a healthy life.
How to Help Paying for Health Care Expenses
The Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) and Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are two financial assistance programs that can help eligible people with Medicare afford their out-of-pocket health care expenses. The LIS provides direct financial assistance to help eligible beneficiaries pay for their Part D prescription drug costs. The MSPs provide additional financial assistance to help eligible beneficiaries pay for Medicare Part A and/or Part B premiums, as well as other cost-sharing expenses. Together, these programs can help make health care more affordable for those who need it the most.
If you think you may be eligible for either of these programs, aside from using the BenefitsCheckUp tool, you to contact your local Social Security office or visit www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare for more information.
How to Get Help Paying for Housing
A roof over your head is one of the most basic human needs. But for millions of Americans, finding affordable housing is a challenge. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there are only 37 affordable and available rental homes for every 100 extremely low-income households. This leaves many families struggling to make ends meet. The good news is that there are programs in place to help.
The Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing Programs provide assistance with housing costs for eligible families. These programs can help offset the cost of rent, making it more affordable for families to find a place to call home. If you or someone you know is struggling to find affordable housing, be sure to take advantage of these programs. They can make all the difference in the world.
How to Get Cash to Pay for Basic Needs
Income, or SSI, is a supplemental income program that provides cash assistance to people with low incomes and few resources. This program is different from Social Security, which is a retirement and disability program. SSI benefits are available to people of all ages, including children, the blind, and the disabled. In order to qualify for SSI benefits, applicants must have low incomes and few resources. The amount of benefits that an individual receives each month depends on his or her individual circumstances.
However, all SSI recipients receive enough money to cover their basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. For many people with disabilities, SSI benefits provide the only source of income. As a result, this program plays an essential role in ensuring that people with disabilities can live independently and avoid poverty.
How to Get Discounted Internet Services
Do you have internet access at home? If not, you’re not alone. In fact, according to the FCC, nearly one in four Americans do not have access to broadband internet. This lack of access can have a serious impact on families, especially when it comes to education and job opportunities. That’s why the Affordable Connectivity Program was created. This program provides discounted internet services to low-income families, making it easier for them to stay connected.
In addition, the program also offers free computer and internet training to help families get the most out of their connection. So if you or someone you know is struggling to afford internet service, be sure to check out the Affordable Connectivity Program. It could make all the difference.
How to Get Help Paying for Home Heating and Cooling
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP, is a Federally-funded program that provides assistance to low-income households in paying for home heating and cooling costs. If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, LIHEAP may be able to help. The program provides both grants and weatherization assistance to eligible households. Grants can be used to help pay energy bills, and weatherization assistance can help to make your home more energy efficient.
To find out if you are eligible for LIHEAP assistance, visit BenefitsCheckUp.com or you can contact your local community action agency or utility company.
Who Is the National Council on Aging?
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a trusted national leader working to improve the lives of older adults. NCOA is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. Their work touches the lives of more than 65 million people each year and they are a “go-to” resource for practical solutions that improve overall health and meet the changing needs of America’s growing aging population. NCOA’s mission is to improve the lives of older adults, provide them with information and resources, and advocate for their rights and interests. They serve as a powerful voice for older Americans—particularly those who are vulnerable and disenfranchised—and they work to ensure that they have the opportunity to age with dignity and purpose.
Final Thoughts
Millions of Americans are in the same boat, struggling to make ends meet. But there’s no need to delay – check out BenefitsCheckUp.org and see how much you could be saving. Don’t forget to read our other articles for seniors, which offer tips and advice on everything from healthcare to retirement planning.
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This article is intended for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice, guidance or counsel. It is provided without warranty of any kind.