Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Federal Government Help For Seniors

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Finding A Free Car Through Grant Support

New financial support for Seniors announced by Canadian federal government May 12th, 2020

It is not an easy task to buy a car, especially if you are out of finance and might be a big challenge in that case, so it is better if you seek for federal grant support when options like car grants available to you. You can get an idea of how to seek financial assistance from several databases both private and non-profit organizations around the web.

Take Care Of Your Mental And Physical Health

This can be a challenging time for many reasons.

If you’ve stopped working because of COVID-19 and earn more than $5,000 annually, you’re eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. It pays $2,000 each month for up to 4 months. You can earn up to $1,000 each month while collecting the benefit, but this doesn’t count payments for:

  • Old Age Security
  • the Canada Pension Plan
  • the Guaranteed Income Supplement

Your public pensions don’t change your eligibility.

If you receive Canada Pension Plan Disability , you may be eligible for other provincial or territorial support, including COVID-19 emergency benefits.

Home Energy Assistance Program

The home energy assistance program is a federal program that provides a cash grant to eligible households to help pay a portion of home heating expenses.

Although this is a federal program, it is administered by the states, and each state is allowed to determine the amount of benefits that it will provide each eligible household, and each state can make its own eligibility rules, within very broad federal guidelines, regarding income and asset limits to qualify for HEAP assistance.

For information about the HEAP program in your state, contact yourState Office for the Aging

References:

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Downsizing Help For Seniors

Moving can be a stressful experience at any time, but when you’re an older adult who is moving into a smaller residence, it can be especially daunting. Many seniors haven’t moved in 40 or 50 years sorting through decades of accumulated possessions and deciding what to do with each and every item can be both a major challenge and an emotional ordeal.

Older adults and their families can get help with the process from downsizing experts known as senior move managers or senior relocation specialists. Services vary, but they typically include measuring the new space and developing a floor plan, sorting and organizing belongings, arranging for the sale or donation of unwanted items, scheduling movers, and unpacking in the new home. Some will help with downsizing the clutter in a home even if the senior isn’t actually moving.

Some of these service providers offer packages at a fixed price, but most charge by the hour. Fees range from $40 to $125 per hour depending on the specific services and the geographic location. Always ask for a written estimate and be sure you understand exactly what you are paying for.

The National Association of Senior Move Managers is a non-profit organization that requires its members to carry liability insurance and abide by a professional code of ethics. You can search for a NASMM member in your area and even get a list of questions to ask a possible service provider.

Similarities To The Flu

Federal Government urged to support Canadian seniors ...

Adults over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of flu-related complications. Getting your annual flu shot is the most effective way to help protect yourself and others against seasonal flu. The flu shot will help:

  • prevent the flu and flu-related complications
  • reduce stress on the health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic

You can also protect yourself and those around you from the flu and COVID-19 by following personal preventive practice.

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Private Grants To Have A Free Car

Your community church or civic center might have a program designed to assist your family with secure reliable transport. Private organizations locally for grants available to your family and you based on your situation. Private charities and associations catering to both their families and veterans may have grant programs offered.

Appeals To The Social Security Tribunal

Appeals of denial of OAS, CPP or EI go to the new Social Security Tribunal . In all cases the appellant must have requested a reconsideration from the respective Ministry involved as the first step to any appeal. The possible steps of an appeal are:

Another way to look at this is:

Tribunal members hear appeals in both General and Appeal Divisions by teleconference or videoconference facilities whenever possible. Participation in these virtual hearings, and electronic document filing and communications to and from the Tribunal will present a challenge to older adults . The website for the tribunal is here: Social Security Tribunal

Guide for SST Appeals

There are three guide books for making an appeal to the SST.

OAS/CPP Appeals

CLAS prepared this guide which explains how to challenge a decision about your CPP or OAS claim. It discusses reconsiderations and how to get a copy of your file, as well as information about appealing to the General Division and the Appeal Division. Finally it provides information about rescinding or amending a decision. You can find this CLAS guide here: Challenging OAS/CPP Decisions

EI Appeals
CPP Disability Appeals

The Disability Alliance BC has prepared guide for people representing themselves with a Canada Pension Plan Disability appeal to the SST. It is also useful for community workers who help people who are in this situation. The guide includes sections on:

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The 2021 Federal Budget Will Create Two Classes Of Seniors

In form, its a nice intention to help seniors out financially, but, in substance, people under 75 who are eligible for Old Age Security get absolutely nothing, says Gisèle Tassé-Goodman, President of Réseau FADOQ, in response to the unveiling of the new federal budget.

The Trudeau government has announced that seniors aged 75 and over will see their regular OAS payments increased by 10% in 2022. While Réseau FADOQ welcomes the fact that the Prime Minister is finally fulfilling his 2019 election commitment, it worries that this measure is not inclusive enough.

By introducing an Old Age Security increase that applies exclusively to people aged 75 and over, the government is creating two classes of seniors. To avoid this divide, our organization recommended that the 10% OAS increase be extended to everyone who is eligible for this benefit, starting at age 65, says Tassé-Goodman.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freelands first budget also calls for a one-time payment of $500 in August 2021 to OAS recipients aged 75 or older. The countrys largest seniors organization would have preferred to see this amount distributed differently.

Instead of a one-time payment of $500 in August, it would have been better to have the 10% bonus implemented in 2021, says Tassé-Goodman.

Home Repair Programs For Senior Citizens

Will $500 for Canadian seniors be enough to help them?

The federal governments Very Low-Income Housing Repair Program offers loans and grants to senior citizens. Low income seniors who need to make repairs to their homes can apply. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development manages the program. Veterans should check with the VA for help in identifying programs that might prove useful in maintaining a home.

Some states offer their own programs. Weatherization repairs, including upgrading heating and air conditioning systems, insulation, and windows, can help lower electric bills. Earthquake Brace and Bolt are examples of state programs that allow homeowners to upgrade a house structure so its better able to withstand an earthquake.

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Commodity Supplemental Food Program

The USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program differs from the Child and Adult Care Food Program in that it provides foods instead of meals. To be eligible, you must be at least 60 years old and qualify as low-income, according to guidelines in the state where you live. Program guidelines and application information are available on the CSFP website.

Who Can Apply For Free Car From Government

Government grants for cars

This offer sounds to be really very attractive to everyone desirous of buying a car but difficult for them to afford it. But, everyone cannot get a free car as there are certain requirements that are to be fulfilled by the client. The most prior requirement is the age which must be 18 yrs. as for desiring free car, it is important to have 18 yrs. of age. As we all know that driving license is not issued until one has the age of 18 yrs. Therefore, there is no benefit of giving car to kids. The low-income families can also apply for a free car from the government as they can receive various grants mostly in the form of subsidies or through direct monetary help. Similarly, veterans, disabled people, free cars for single mothers, poor schools, and orphanages for their transportation need can apply for a free car from the government. Only deserving candidates are eligible to get government grants and can claim for a free car from the government after completing paperwork formalities. Here we are adding a detailed information about who can get a free car from government through government free cars programs.

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How To Get A Delivery Of Free Car From Government

The procedure is to locate the source and apply for this Once your car Software is chosen, the authorities Representative in your area will visit you for affirmation and paperwork. After it based on the rules, they will take you to the closest car Dealer & there you receive your new car. In some instances they offer credit and check on your account too if you learn how to have a car donated from a dealership, you can purchase them and when the agent visits you for final verification it is possible to present your car title.

The Federal Government Announced New Measures To Assist Seniors During The Covid

How to Get Government Assistance for the Elderly
  • Industry Alerts

On May 12, 2020, the federal government announced additional measures to help Canadian seniors and provide them with greater financial security during the COVID-19 emergency.

These new measures include:

  • Providing $2.5 billion in additional financial support for a one-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security pension, with an additional $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement . This measure would give a total of $500 to individuals who are eligible to receive both the OAS and the GIS, to help cover increased costs caused by COVID-19.
  • Expanding the New Horizons for Seniors Program with an additional investment of $20 million to support organizations that offer community-based projects that reduce isolation, improve the quality of life for seniors, and help them maintain a social support network.
  • Temporarily extending GIS and Allowance payments if seniors 2019 income information has not been assessed. This will ensure that the most vulnerable seniors continue to receive their benefits when they need them the most. To avoid an interruption in benefits, seniors are encouraged to submit their 2019 income information as soon as possible and no later than October 1, 2020.

The additional funding is on top of other supports for seniors, including an increase in the GST credits for low-income seniors, and $350 million for charities that serve our most vulnerable, such as the United Way.

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Health Care Funding: Assistance For Provinces

Réseau FADOQ is also concerned that there is no increase in the Canada Health Transfer funding to the provinces in the new fiscal year.

Our organization does not understand the federal governments unwillingness to provide sufficient resources to the provinces for health care. Inadequate federal transfers hinder the expansion of access to care. And the pandemic has exposed the provinces enormous health needs, says Tassé-Goodman.

In briefs submitted since 2019 to the Office of the Minister of Finance of Canada, Réseau FADOQ has proposed that the Canada Health Transfer be indexed by 6% annually and that a variable be included in the calculation formula to take into account the aging population of the provinces and territories.

Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System Payments For Seniors

If youre a low-income senior, you may qualify for monthly Guaranteed Annual Income System payments.

Ontarios Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 announced a temporary top-up to payments made through the Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System . Beginning in April 2020 and ending in September 2020, monthly GAINS payment amounts are automatically doubled. This action provides additional and immediate financial support to low-income Ontario seniors who may need more help to cover essential expenses during the coronavirus outbreak. Learn more.

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Who Can Apply For Free Car From Government Program

Willing to Apply for Free Car from Government Program? have you read the instructions we have mention above about free cars. Any person who is 18 or above 18 and having a valid Car driving license issued by Transportation and road authority of USA Government can apply for the Free Government car Program. Especially Needy Single mothers, College Students Victims of domestic violence houses rescues & individuals who want a car, they can apply for a Free car.

Government Programs For Older People That You May Not Know About

government assistance for seniors

Pamela Rodriguez is a Certified Financial Planner®, Series 7 and 66 license holder, with 10 years of experience in Financial Planning and Retirement Planning. She is the founder and CEO of Fulfilled Finances LLC, the Social Security Presenter for AARP, and the Treasurer for the Financial Planning Association of NorCal.

When most people think about government help with retirement, they think about Social Security and Medicare. This isn’t necessarily surprising, since nine out of 10 retirees receive Social Security benefits, and virtually all retired Americans age 65 or older are enrolled in Medicare.

Other government programs are also available, but many older citizens do not participate for a variety of reasons, including lack of knowledge about available programs and the complexity of the application process. Read on to learn about what’s available, who qualifies, and how to obtain help along with information about how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted many of these programs.

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Complete The Application Package

Complete the Seniors Financial Assistance application:

Optional income forms are available to help you complete your application:

  • Income estimate form the use of this form is limited to the Alberta Seniors Benefit program. Complete this form if you have experienced a decrease in income compared to your most recent tax return and are applying to the program for the first time, or have previously applied but have never received benefits. For more information, see How Your Benefit is Determined First time exception section on the Alberta Seniors Benefit page.
  • Income information form complete this form if you have not filed your income tax return for the previous calendar year.

Optional forms are available to help you complete your application:

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.

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Learn About School Meal Programs

Children from qualified households with a low income can get healthy meals or milk.

  • Two programs provide free or reduced-price meals at school:

Your children may qualify if your household income is within the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines. These guidelines are based on federal poverty guidelines.

  • If your income is no more than 130 percent of the poverty level, they should qualify for free meals.

  • If your income is no more than 185 percent of the poverty level, they should qualify for reduced-price meals.

The summer food service program is open to all children and teens 18 and under at locations around the country. Find a site near you.

Benefits Programs For Seniors With Pets

Federal government must commit to ensuring no benefits ...

For seniors, owning a pet can provide a level of companionship that is essential to health and wellbeing. But owning a pet is costly, and some owners may find themselves worrying about how to get help with vet bills, pet food costs, and vaccinations. Thankfully, there are plenty of organizations that provide financial help for seniors with pets.

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