Seniors may qualify for extra benefits

Charlotte Buck, 75, always lived within her limited means. It was never easy, but she and her family survived. The years flew by and when she landed in the hospital with severe asthma that left her virtually incapacitated, she knew she needed help.

“I started crying because I couldn’t even do my housework,” she said. “I had to sit in the chair to wash the floor.” She also worried about how to pay for the expensive medications she needed.

A social worker at the hospital recommended that Charlotte contact Eastern Agency on Aging.

“Gerry [Beaulieu, community service consultant at EAA] came to my house and helped me fill out the forms to get me benefits,” said Charlotte. “She is just wonderful and really knows how to get things done.”

Before getting added benefits, Charlotte lived solely on her Social Security. She often couldn’t make ends meet, she said.

“I would just have to cut way down on stuff, like medicine – you know, not take it as often,” she recalled.

“After visiting Charlotte, I realized, because of her income level, she was eligible for so much,” said Beaulieu. “The benefits she subsequently received have vastly improved her life.”

Charlotte now receives several benefits, including the Low-Cost Drug Card, heat assistance and SSI, Supplemental Security Income. She also signed up for Meals for Me.

“If it weren’t for Meals for Me, I wouldn’t be able to have a hot meal because it is just too hard to cook and I couldn’t afford the variety,” she said. “If I didn’t have them, I would just eat a sandwich or a cookie.”

Many elderly people face situations similar to Charlotte’s.

As the price of groceries rises, older people may find themselves eating less. This can lead to significant health problems and even depression.

If you are having trouble keeping the cupboards full, you may qualify for food stamps. This is a nutrition assistance program of Department of Human Services that is designed to help low-income individuals and families buy food.

Eligibility depends on the size of the household, living conditions and medical expenses. Monthly income guidelines are $1,149 for one and $1,547 for a couple. Assets cannot exceed $3,000. Meals for Me, the nutrition program of Eastern Agency on Aging, accepts food stamps.

There is a common misconception that a person or family that receives food stamps cannot own a home or, if they do, the government will take it. This is not true. The home and lot are not counted as a resource in the food stamp program. No one is required to sign away their home.

This is the time of year we all start thinking about heat. HEAP, the Home Energy Assistance Program, may be able to help with some of your heating bills. Filing dates are Oct. 1 through April 30.

To qualify, your monthly income cannot exceed $1,183 for one or $1,593 for a couple. Proof of income is required at the time you apply.

Penquis CAP and Washington Hancock Community Action process applications. Appointments must be made to complete an application.

SSI is administered by the Social Security Administration. This program provides extra monthly cash benefits to those 65 and older, or disabled individuals. To qualify for SSI, your monthly income cannot exceed $550 for one, with savings and assets totaling less than $2,000, or $816 per couple with savings and assets not exceeding $3,000. Certain assets, such as the home you reside in and usually one car, do not count.

“I have peace of mind now,” said Charlotte. “I don’t have to worry because I can pay my bills, and get a hot meal and buy my medicine. Every day is like a gold brick and I am grateful to be alive.”

“I can’t stress enough how important it is for someone to apply for benefits, even if they seem over income,” said Deb Chapman, director of outreach services at Eastern Agency on Aging. “The programs can have exceptions that may make a person eligible. There is no harm in trying, and they might just get that extra help.”

Charlotte referred to Eastern Agency on Aging as a clearinghouse for the elderly, and she is right. EAA will do whatever it can to get you the help you need.

Carol Higgins is director of communication at Eastern Agency on Aging. For more information on these programs, call Chuck or Marilyn at 941-2865 or check EAA’s Web site at www.eaaa.org.