Seniors are a privileged class in the United States, but it has not always been that way. During the Depression, desperate senior citizens created an awareness of the need for a retirement program. By 1938, that plan was in place so that seniors who could not work would not go hungry. Social Security retirement is the first resource for senior citizens, but there is additional financial help available.
Significance
Social Security provides numerous programs for seniors, not just retirement. If you have sufficient work history and are over age 62, you may receive retirement benefits. If you have been married for more than 10 years before divorce, you may claim retirement benefits based on your ex-spouse's entitlement, once he is of full retirement age. If your spouse is deceased, you may be entitled to survivor's benefits based on the deceased's work history. If you cannot qualify for benefits with these programs, Social Security has disability programs and Supplemental Security Insurance.
Types
Financial assistance may be direct or indirect. Direct financial assistance is providing funds to pay bills; indirect assistance is help for seniors so they do not have to pay certain expenses, like tax preparation and transit costs. Both types of assistance are in most states.
Direct Sources
Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) provides funds to needy seniors whether they have work history or not. It covers the basic needs of food and shelter for those who qualify with low income and resources. This financial help is money to pay for necessities and food.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federal operation to help pay high energy bills. LIHEAP provides bill-paying assistance, energy crisis help, and weatherization and energy-related repairs to low-income homes. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services operates this program that has branches in every state. Contact your state office for help.
Indirect Sources
The Meals on Wheels program provides meals for seniors delivered to the door. There are also state and local centers that provide meals for seniors. The Child and Adult Care Food Program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service provides nutritional meals to seniors. The federal government funds CACFP but the states operate the program.
Tax Help for seniors is available through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly, both programs operated by the federal government through the Internal Revenue Service. Low-income seniors can get tax help through these volunteers and the AARP Tax-Aide program.
Free or reduced-fee transit services for seniors is available in cities like Chicago, and maybe in your town. Colleges and universities throughout the United States offer free or reduced tuition and fees for seniors. Reduced-price meals or drinks are available in restaurants and some fast-food locations. Ask for a senior discount wherever you are.
Identification
Applicants over age 60 are usually included in these programs for seniors. Most programs are need-based assistance, and some are for seniors who are disabled or otherwise impaired. Seniors needing financial help can contact local and state programs for ideas, including the Council on Aging in your area.
Programs such as tax help are available for seniors making less than $49,000 a year, but the transit programs and restaurant meal discounts are usually not need-based. They make senior living a pleasure.
Tags: meals seniors, Social Security, work history, benefits based, federal government, financial help, help available
