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Social Security Help For Seniors

When Should I Take Social Security

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Neal Stern, CPA, and member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ National CPA Financial Literacy Commission, says, The best time to start collecting Social Security benefits is a personal decision, based on individual circumstances.

As you move toward retirement, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of how much Social Security you’ll receive based on the age when you initiate your claim. Before pulling the trigger on monthly Social Security benefits, Stern shares, If you can manage it, consider waiting to claim your benefits after reaching your full retirement age . Your monthly benefit will continue to increase as long as you delay collecting benefits, until age 70, said Stern. For example, your monthly payment can be as much as 32 percent more starting at age 70 than what you would have collected at age 66.

Did You Know: The Social Security Administration offers benefit calculators to estimate your monthly Social Security payment.

Senior Housing Assistance And Rental Help

Finding affordable housing can be a major challenge for older Americans. The Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a number of programs that provide rent help for seniors and are designed to help low-income people secure decent and safe housing.

It’s important to note that demand for government-assisted housing far outstrips supply. Wait lists of two to five years or more are not uncommon, so try to plan ahead as far as possible.

Medicaid Adults 65 And Older & People With Disabilities

The Medicaid program provides comprehensive medical coverage to seniors and people with permanent disabilities. People receiving SSI benefits automatically receive Medicaid. Seniors and people with disabilities who are receiving Social Security Retirement or Disability benefits and have income/resources that exceed the SSI limits may be eligible for Medicaid under the rules described in this section.

Note: People with disabilities who are waiting for a decision on eligibility for SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits may be eligible for Medicaid under the MAGI category.

Who Qualifies?

  • People who have a severe physical and/or mental disability that has lasted or will last longer than one year or will result in death and prevents any substantial gainful employment.
  • Must be a citizen or eligible immigrant. Eligible immigrants include refugees or persons granted asylum. Lawful Permanent Residents who entered the U.S. on/after 8/22/96 must be in status for at least 5 years. In addition, immigrants who were in lawful status in the U.S. before 8/22/96 and lived in RI at some time before 7/1/97 may be eligible for coverage.

Income and Resource Limits

How to Apply

You can apply on-line at healthyrhode.ri.gov. You can also request a paper application from a DHS office by calling: 1-855-697-4347 or by downloading the form from the EOHHS website at:

For more information on Medical Assistance see the EOHHS website.

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Can Social Security Pay For Assisted Living

Social Security is a major reliable source of income for seniors that can help pay for assisted living, but it will likely not be enough to cover the entire cost.

Social Security can pay a portion of the cost, but other financial resources may be needed to cover the remainder.

How do Social Security income and assisted living work together?

How Social Security benefits are used is completely up to the person receiving them.

Most often, the funds are deposited directly into their bank account and can be used for their needs, including costs incurred while living in an assisted living facility.

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Retirement is a big part of financial planning, and a growing number of professionals are available to advise seniors who are ready to step into the next phase of their lives. Requesting personalized guidance from an accountant, financial advisor or accredited Social Security consultant is preferable whenever possible. However, here are some strategies that have worked well for others.

Retirement is a big part of financial planning, and a growing number of professionals are available to advise seniors who are ready to step into the next phase of their lives. Requesting personalized guidance from an accountant, financial advisor or accredited Social Security consultant is preferable whenever possible. However, here are some strategies that have worked well for others.

Retirement Strategy

Takeaway

Age Split for Couples

If you and your spouse are eligible for Social Security, you can do a 62/66, 62/70, or 66/70 age split. The lower-earning partner claims benefits early, and the primary wage earner waits to receive the maximum amount.

This option can increase your total payments, but both spouses should be in good health for maximum returns.

Restricted Benefits

If your spouse earned more than you did, you may be able to claim a spouse’s insurance benefit or widow’s insurance benefit by filing a restricted application. This way, your own benefits can continue to grow.

Early Benefit for Survivors

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Dental Help For Seniors

Taking proper care of teeth and gums is a key part of staying healthy. Research has shown that poor oral health can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and pneumonia. Aging adults are increasingly prone to a range of dental problems, from dry mouth and root decay to tooth loss and oral cancer. Such issues can negatively affect seniors’ quality of life.

The good news is that dental help for low-income seniors is available. Most states provide emergency dental benefits through their Medicaid programs, and some even provide comprehensive coverage.

Your local Area Agency on Aging office, public health department, or state dental association may be able to point you toward free dental programs for seniors in your region. Dental schools with student clinics can be another good source of reduced-cost dental care.

Free or low-cost clinics can be found in many states. Some have income limit requirements, but many will accept patients of any income level, though you may be charged a fee relative to what you can afford. You can search for clinics in your area through NeedyMeds.

The Donated Dental Services program from the Dental Lifeline Network provides free help for seniors who can’t afford dental treatment and are ineligible for state assistance. The program has thousands of dentists across the country volunteering to help seniors with their oral care needs. You may qualify if you are over 65, disabled, or medically fragile.

How Long Will It Take To Apply For Social Security Benefits

Applying online by creating a my Social Security account is the fastest option. According to the SSA, the application will take between 10 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on your situation.

No need to stress about completing the application all in one sitting! If you need to gather additional information or simply take a break, your SSA application can be saved and retrieved when you’re ready.

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Can You Collect Social Security And Supplemental Security Income

It may be possible to collect SSI and Social Security benefits. Keep in mind, one of the qualifying factors for SSI is income. Any Social Security benefits you receive counts toward your income total.

Your best plan of action is to speak with a Social Security representative. Contact Social Security at 800-772-1213. If you have hearing loss, call TTY 800-325-0778.

Social Security Spousal Benefits

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A spouse who didn’t work long enough to earn Social Security benefits on his or her own record may qualify for benefits based on the earnings of the longer-working spouse, said Stern. The SSA states benefits for spouses can be as much as 50 percent of the worker’s Social Security benefit. This is based upon their spouse’s FRA. Keep in mind, there will be a decrease in spousal benefits should the working spouse claim Social Security before reaching their FRA.

These benefits can be claimed once the earning spouse files for retirement benefits. If the spouse who earned the benefits is able to delay collecting until full retirement age or later, this can result in a greater benefit for both spouses, said Stern. Social Security retirement can be claimed as early as age 62 however, the Social Security benefits will be reduced. Using the SSA’s Benefits for Spouses calculator can provide a rough estimate of qualifying benefits.

Even if both spouses have worked enough to be eligible for Social Security, it’s important to take time to assess the benefit breakdown. Stern shared, If both spouses have earned Social Security benefits on each of their own work records, it might pay for one spouse to begin collecting benefits before the other. A little homework, using estimates of your benefits that you can get from the Social Security Administration can help you find the best strategy for your situation.

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Richmond Hill Seniors Transportation Services

It can be difficult when your loved one can no longer drive themselves around. Whether its traveling to the store, a social event, or to a doctors appointment, finding safe and reliable transportation can be a hassle.

With Affinity Health, your loved ones dont have to miss out on any of the activities they adore. Well provide safe transport and enjoyable companionship at their favourite events, arts and cultural programs, social and charity functions, religious services, and more.

Our caregivers can also provide transportation to and from the hospital, doctors office, or treatment center, as well as services and support while there. In addition, we will help your loved one pack for visits and run errands on the way.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

The SNAP program, formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal government program to help needy persons of any age pay for food. To qualify for benefits, households must meet strict resource and income limits. However, households in which all members receive SSI or TANF benefits are automatically assumed to meet the asset and income requirements for SNAP eligibility, and no further eligibility analysis is necessary.

Households with members who are elderly or disabled are allowed to have up to $3,000 in countable assets, such as cash or money in savings, checking and investment accounts.

The value of the primary residence is excluded from countable assets, as is the value of pension and retirement accounts. The fair market value of a vehicle up to $4,650 is always excluded from countable assets by federal rules, however states have the option to exclude an even higher amount.

In addition to asset limits, recipients must also meet income limits. Households with an elderly or disabled member must have anet monthly income below a certain level in order to qualify for SNAP assistance.

The household’s net income is calculated by subtracting certain deductions from the gross monthly income. These deductions include:

– 20% of earned income

– Standard deduction of $147 for household sizes of 1-3, and $155 for a household of 4.

– Dependent care deduction when necessary to enable a family member to work, attend school, or receive training.

– Court-ordered child support payments.

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Lower Medicare Premiums Possible

Seniors, however, should get a break when it comes to their Medicare premiums. They had to contend with a 14.5% increase in Part B premiums for 2022, which raised the monthly payments for those in the lowest income bracket to $170.10, up from $148.50 last year. A key driver of the increase was a projected jump in spending due to a costly new drug for Alzheimers disease, Aduhelm.

However, since then, Aduhelms manufacturer has cut the price, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services limited coverage of the drug. The agency said it will factor the lower-than-forecast spending into the 2023 premium.

It expects the 2023 premium to be lower than this years premium, though the final determination will be made in the fall.

Additional Resources For Seniors

Social Security: What Every Senior Should Know

My office is a community resource, and we are here to do all that we can to help, including connecting Sacramento County residents with resources that may be able to assist them.

Many seniors are eligible for Medi-cal health coverage, which is California’s version of the federal Medicaid program. You can visit this website to learn more about it.

  • Local resources

Prescription Drug Drop Off Locations: If you can find old or expired drugs in your medicine cabinet, chances are a child, friend, or family member can stumble onto them just as easily. You could help save a life by safely disposing of these drugs.

Seniors looking for more information about a County or other local services may call 211. A service funded in part by Sacramento County, 211 Sacramento’s trained receptionists can help connect you to what you’re looking for, including more than 2,400 nonprofit and agency programs. Please note, however, that because 211 is a new dialing code it may not work with all phone systems, so you can also try dialing 498 1000 or 500-4931 if you have any trouble.

Transportation resources

  • Please call us at 635-0505 or visit How I Can Help if you need to get help right away or ask a question.

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Social Security: New Bill Could Give Seniors An Extra $2400 A Year

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The Social Security Expansion Act was introduced on June 9 by U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders , CBS News reported. Under terms of the bill, anyone who is a current Social Security recipient or who will turn 62 in 2023 would receive an extra $200 in each monthly check.

The bill is timely for a couple of reasons. First, it follows a Social Security Administration announcement earlier this month that Americans will stop receiving their full Social Security benefits in about 13 years without actions to bolster the program.

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It also comes during a period of historically high inflation that has a particularly big impact on seniors living on fixed incomes, many of whom rely solely on Social Security payments. This years Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment of 5.9% is based on inflation figures from 2021. But since then, inflation has pushed well above 8%, meaning Social Security recipients today are actually losing money.

The new bill aims to ease the financial strain by boosting each recipients monthly check. The average monthly Social Security check is about $1,658, meaning a $200 increase would represent a 12% boost.

Another change would be adding more funding by applying the Social Security payroll tax on all income above $250,000. Currently, earnings above $147,000 arent subject to the Social Security tax.

How To Get Housing For Seniors On Social Security In Florida

For getting housing for seniors on social security in Florida the person needs to qualify the eligibility. The person must fit into the income restrictions and check out their annual income.

The age requirement of the person must be above 62 and the median income of the person will determine whether you are approved or not for it. Your name must be enrolled in the Medicare part A and B. Through this, you can get apartments for seniors on social security.

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An Essential Directory Of Helpful Resources For Seniors

These websites can help older adults navigate the thousands of assistance options that are available:

Social Security Administration Programs

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Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs provide financial assistance to people with disabilities.

SSDI is for people younger than age 65 who are disabled according to the Social Security Administration’s definition. To qualify, you must be able to show that:

  • You worked in a job covered by Social Security
  • You are unable to work because of your medical condition
  • Your medical condition will last at least a year or is expected to result in death

Processing an SSDI application can take three to five months. However, Social Security has “compassionate allowances” to help people with certain serious medical conditions, such as early-onset Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia, get disability benefits more quickly.

SSI is another program that provides monthly payments to adults age 65 and older who have a disability. To qualify, your income and resources must be under certain limits.

To find out more about these programs, call 800-772-1213, TTY: 800-325-0778, or visit the Social Security Administration website.

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Apply For Food Benefits

Many seniors aren’t taking advantage of all the food assistance available to them, experts say.

A 2015 study found that less than half of eligible seniors participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

“For seniors, there tends to be a lot of misunderstanding about the program and a lot of stigma, and unfortunately that stands in the way of people seeking help,” said Josh Protas, vice president of MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger.

The extra money can go a long way for retirees on a fixed income: The maximum benefit a month for a household of one is $250. Grocery stores, online retailers and farmers markets accept the funds.

SNAP has rules around how much you can own in assets and earn in income to get the aid, and Social Security checks are factored in. Still, certain expenses, including your rent and child care costs, may be deducted, and experts say anyone who suspects they could qualify should apply.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture also has the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, under which certain low-income people over the age of 60 are eligible for a monthly food package, containing fruits, vegetables, cheeses and more.

Meanwhile, retirees covered by a Medicaid health plan benefit may be eligible for free food through Mom’s Meals. And some Medicare Advantage health plans offer meal benefits under the program for those recently discharged from a hospital or dealing with a chronic disease.

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