‘Benefits check-up’ might help seniors

Eastern Agency on Aging is happy to be offering a “benefits check-up” program where seniors can contact us, answer a few questions and in a short amount of time be informed of all the benefits to which they may be entitled.

Take the Food Stamp program, for instance. Often thought of as a welfare program, in reality it is not at all. It’s a nutrition assistance program that was designed to help those with low-incomes afford healthy foods.

Food stamps have been misunderstood for years. Some seniors who qualify for the program are hindered by negative opinions of food stamps and consequently do not apply for this valuable assistance. But with the price of food rising, now is the time to check it out.

Good nutrition is essential to good health, and if you are low-income, food stamps may be just the right meal ticket. So it’s time to dispel some common misconceptions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has identified the following food stamp myths prevalent among elderly:

. “The food stamp program is a welfare program.” As discussed earlier, the food stamp program is not, nor has it ever been, a welfare program, but rather a nutrition assistance program. Just as heat assistance programs can help you stay warm in the winter, food stamps can help you eat healthfully.

. “Elderly people only receive $10 a month in food stamps benefits.” Not true. The actual amount can be several times higher than that depending on certain variables. Of course there are no guarantees, but the monthly amount can possibly top $100.

. “Elderly people cannot own, or be buying, a home.” Not true. You can own or buy a home and still get food stamps. Your car will probably not be considered an asset either, depending on its value.

. “Elderly people are only allowed $2,000 in resources.” Not true. The resources limit for seniors is $3,000 and again, your house and possibly your car will not be counted.

. “Food stamps are only for families with children.” Not true. Food stamps are for anyone who is low-income, including elderly.

. Here is a big one: “Other people need food stamps more than I do. If I get food stamps I’ll be taking away from others who have more of a need.” Again, this is not true. The food stamp program is an entitlement program, which means that everyone who applies and is found eligible will receive food stamps. It is not rationed and not first-come, first-served.

. “Elderly households who receive food stamps will not be able to receive Meals for Me.” Not true. Meals for Me gladly accepts food stamps.

Now, some of you may not realize that the food stamp program no longer issues actual stamps or vouchers. It is all high tech. People who participate in the food stamp program receive what appears to be a debit card, which looks just like a regular debit card.

It can be used like any other bank card when you buy groceries, so no one standing in line behind you at the supermarket is the wiser. And each month your benefit will automatically be added to your card on a certain date.

If you are interested in exploring the food stamp program, call Eastern Agency on Aging. We will assist you in completing the application and walk you through the process. You have nothing to lose and may just find yourself with a little extra money to help stock the cupboards.

This is but one of the benefits with which EAA can help you. Call us to get that benefits check-up.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, toll-free (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or visit www.eaaa.org.