Q: I hear that there are many federal and state programs designed to help seniors of limited means apply for extra help with prescription drug coverage, pay utility bills, groceries, health care and other needs. However, I don’t know where to go to find out about them. Is there some central source that might be able to help me?
A. Yes, indeed. The National Council on Aging just launched a new website to help seniors get the benefits they deserve, called “BenefitsCheckUp”. It is interactive, meaning that you respond to simple questions and the site will then guide you to available federal, state, local and private programs to help you with your needs. As of this writing, the site has helped over 2 ½ million seniors find more than $8.8 billion worth of available assistance. The website can be found at: http://benefitscheckup.org/
The site features a database of hundreds of programs ranging from financial help, home energy assistance, health care, prescription drug assistance, volunteer opportunities and more, all collected in one place for easy access. When you go online, you’re asked to complete a brief, confidential questionnaire about your (or your loved one’s) living situation, expenses, income and savings. Based on the answers given, the site generates a list of programs for which you appear to qualify, as well as a description of the programs and – most importantly – contact information when available. In the past, so much potential benefit available to seniors went unclaimed. The Council hopes that this interactive tool will help seniors claim the benefits to which they are entitled.
If you do not have access to a computer or the Internet, you might try seeking assistance at your local library, local senior center or even ask your grandchild for help. Sitting down with your grandchild, and allowing him or her to display their computer skills to help “grandma” can be a great bonding experience that both of you will long remember. It might also be an opportunity for you to share some of your own life’s wisdom.