Help For Seniors In Florida
Florida is a very popular state among seniors and retired people with its warm weather, natural beauties, art exhibits, various museums, and nice parks. It is home to approximately six million people who are 60 years of age and above. It is ranked as the first state considering its 65+ residents. Even though the State of Florida does not receive state income tax considering Social Security benefits, and other retirement earnings, it can be expensive to live in this state. Also known as the Sunshine State, this state provides a broad range of programs and services for eligible seniors.
British Columbia Seniors Supplement Program
This is a monthly benefit paid to low-income seniors who are recipients of OAS/GIS, or who receive an Allowance. The amount received is based on how much you already get in federal benefits.
Currently, you could get up to a maximum of $99.30 , $220.50 , or $99.83 .
If you need more information regarding British Columbias Senior Supplement Program, contact them at 1-866-866-0800 or email at .
Social Security Payments To Dependents
How it works: After the passing of a family member, loved ones are not aware that they are entitled to certain funds from the Social Security Administration. This is known as survivor benefits, as they are made to the spouse if they are over 60, over the age of 50 if disabled, or if they are caring for minors under 16. Funds will also be given to children and stepchildren under 18. Some cases even allow stepchildren, grandchildren, or step grandchildren to receive the money. If a child is also disabled, they can receive social security benefits from that of a parent for as long as necessary.
What you get: Monthly payments of the social security money according to the deceaseds work history.
Beneficiaries: Spouses, children, and other dependents of the social security recipient.
Keep in mind: Even if you are divorced from the deceased social security recipient, you are not disqualified from receiving payments. As long as you were married for 10+ years and the benefits you received were less than yours, you are still eligible. If your ex-spouse still had not filed for benefits, then you would have to have to been divorced for at least 2 years.
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Travel And Transportation Discounts For Seniors
Seniors can benefit from these discounts when travelling by road , rail , or air.
BC Ferries: Seniors aged 65 and older in BC can travel for free on Monday to Thursday on select routes. You will need to show a valid ID and the discounts dont apply during statutory holidays.
Via Rail: Via Rail gives Seniors who are 60+ a 10% senior discount. If you are a CAA member, you receive an extra 10% off.
BC BusPass Program: Eligible seniors who are 60+ get a reduced-cost bus pass.
OC Transpo: Seniors 65+ get a senior discount on the presto card, plus free travel on Wednesdays and Sundays on most routes.
Halifax Transit: Seniors aged 65 and older get discounted passes on Halifax Transit, plus free travel on Tuesdays .
GO Transit: If you are 65 years and older, you can save 55% on GO Transit using your PRESTO card.
Winnipeg Transit: Senior citizens who are 65 and older qualify for reduced fares on Winnipeg Transit with 50% savings on peggo e-passes.
Greyhound: Passengers aged 62 and older are eligible for a 20% discount upon request on unrestricted passenger fares.
Calgary Transit: If you are 65 or older, you can save on t-fare in Calgary using a discounted Senior Yearly Pass with unlimited access to Calgary Transit services. Low-income seniors save more than 80% on the regular rate with a Low Income Seniors Yearly Pass.
St. Johns Metrobus: Seniors who ride the Metrobus Transit get a discount on monthly or 10-ride passes. To qualify, you must be 65 years or older.
Do You Own Your Home Rent
Home Owners: There may be some mortgage relief programs available to you. And, your home equity could be a valuable source of money, but consider your options carefully.
- Reverse Mortgages: Explore the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage.
- Defer Consumer Loan Payments: Many banks are stepping up to help borrowers get through this situation. You can look up your lenders on this list from the banking trade association to see what concessions are being offered.
Renters and Homeowners: Due to the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced a nationwide eviction and foreclosure moratorium.
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Help With Household Chores
If youre struggling to clean your home, it may be possible to get help for getting those chores done. According to the Older Americans Act, many caregiving agencies will offer help with household chores as part of their home care services.
These chores can include cleaning, laundry, cooking, trips to the grocery store, and more. Not all services will be free, but agencies usually do offer discounts.
What you get: Low-cost or free home care and moving help
Beneficiaries: Those over 60 or disabled
Prepare And Check Application
Surely an application is a process to ask for any assistance in writing. When someone seeks assistance such as free money, no verbal means of application is accepted. It should be one type of document that can be conserved and forward for approval.
You just need to go through an application process, and you should prepare your application with authentic information. Some organizations may direct you to go online application. In this case, you should visit their website and may find an application field. In this field, you have to provide information to complete the application process. More importantly, information should be accurate and authentic. You may hire any professional expert who deals with this issue. But dont forget to check and double-check the application form.
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Reshaping The Future Of Canadians With The Government Of Canadas Retirement Benefits For Seniors
No matter where you live in Canada, the federal, provincial and municipal government assistance programs and grants are reshaping the future of Canadians living at home. With Canadian Government grants for seniors home repairs available you could:
- Repair and maintain your home as per defined health and safety norms.
- Adapt your home to your mobility and assistance needs.
- Renovate your home and add a secondary suite to boost your financial independence.
If you are a Canadian 55+, or if you have an older family member who has chosen to stay at their residence independently, take advantage of the numerous grants for seniors to stay in their homes.
- Be aware of the federal benefits and services, as well as those in your specific province.
- Fill out the application forms download them from the programs website, or pick them up from the relevant service organizations office.
- Submit your application along with the necessary supporting documents required to validate your age, health or income.
Whether you qualify for some grants for seniors Canada or none of the grants listed above, there is another option that will allow you to age in place.
What can you use a reverse mortgage for?
Reverse mortgage customers can choose to use their reverse mortgage funds for anything they please. However, here are some of the most common use of funds:
- Home renovations
- Health care or medical expenses
- Gifting a family member/early inheritance
The Reverse Mortgage Facts You Need to Know!
Seniors To Receive Up To $500 In A One
Seniors who qualify for Old Age Security will be eligible for an automatic one-time, tax-free payment of $300, and those eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement will get an extra $200. Read more: More information to be added.
There are three kinds of benefits available from the Canada Pension Plan:
- Retirement pension
- Survivor benefits which includes a one-time death benefit , the Survivor pension and the Childrens Benefit.
- CPP-D disability benefit which includes benefits for disabled contributors and for their dependent children
Our focus will be on the CPP retirement pension, which provides income to working Canadians after they retire. The amount of CPP pension income they receive depends on the amount they paid into the fund from their wages over the years they worked in Canada. An older adult can receive CPP pension if they have contributed and:
- they are 60-64 years old and have stopped working or have a low income, or
- they are 65 years or older.
If they start collecting at 60 yrs. their rate then remains the same after they turn 65. If they work past 65, they can be receiving CPP benefits at the same time. They can also choose to continue paying premiums into CPP up until age 70 this will increase the amount they receive in retirement benefits.
CPP Child Rearing Drop-Out Protection
CPP Survivor Benefits
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Housing And Rent Assistance
The Salvation Army Florida Division is one of the most efficient non-governmental establishments in Florida. It offers emergency shelter assistance, rent support, and housing assistance for adult citizens having financial difficulties. It has various offices across the state. To find out the nearest office, follow the link .
Floridas Section 8 Housing Voucher Program is subsidized by the federal government. It aims to assist housing assistance for low and middle-income families. Elder residents are one of the priority groups for this benefit. Eligible candidates choose their home or apartment by their decision. This program provides cash support for rent and utilities each month. This service is quite known, hence it is best to apply as early as possible not to wait for a long-time. To learn more, click on the following link .
The Florida Housing Coalition provides low-cost, secure, and decent housing for low or moderate-income seniors. Their aim is to decrease homelessness in Florida. The total income of the household and financial condition is significant in the evaluation process. For further questions, visit .
Other Government Of Canada Benefits And Grants For Seniors
The federal government is committed to supporting grants for seniors in Canada through a number of initiatives and benefits that promote financial self-reliance and independent living at home.
- Veterans Affairs Canada extends a wide range of facilities and benefits to eligible Veterans and their families and caregivers.
You can view all of the Government of Canada seniors benefits and the grants created for older Canadians on the Government of Canadas Programs and Services webpage. For specific information on a grant, rebate, credit or deferral that applies to you, check out Benefits Finder, a useful tool developed by the Canadian government.
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Where Can I Find Government Aid Programs For Seniors
This guide does not cover each and every program available. To explore options not listed here, contact your local senator. Each senator has staff to advise you on smaller programs specific to your community. Your congressional representatives also have staff specialists on senior affairs.
Another option for assistance is your local Area Agency on Aging. Here, you find professionals who know senior assistance programs inside out. These folks can also help with applications. Meanwhile, the Administration for Community Living takes both national and community-focused approaches to advocate for seniors. It assists with legal matters, long-term care, health insurance counseling, and even elder abuse protection. Last but not least, check out the Additional Resources section at the bottom of this guide.
Employment And Income Assistance
In addition to the different seniors benefits provided by Canadian provinces and territories, there are also provisions to assist seniors who have no other source of income, are unable to pay for basic necessities, and who may not be eligible for government retirement benefits such as OAS/GIS.
Depending on the province/territory, these benefits may be referred to using different names such as Income Assistance, Hardship Assistance, Social Assistance, etc.
Other benefits that are available to seniors include discounted bus pass programs, GST/HST credits, housing programs, and more.
To search for health and income programs available across Canada, use the Benefits Finder located at CanadaBenefits.gc.ca.
If there are any provincial seniors benefits missing, please leave them in the comment section below.
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A Free Service From The National Council On Aging
BenefitsCheckUp is safe to use because its a free service from the National Council on Aging , a leading nonprofit service and advocacy organization.
Since 1950, the NCOA has been working to improve the lives of Americans aged 60+, especially those who are struggling.
They provide community programs and services, online help, and advocacy.
NCOA also builds public awareness, influences federal legislation, and creates national programs to make life better for older adults.
Veterans Affairs Canada Services And Benefits
Veterans Affairs Canada provides a variety of services and benefits for eligible Veterans, their families and caregivers, both at home and in community facilities. These include disability benefits, financial assistance for low-income Veterans and their families, health care, respite care, palliative care, special equipment, and support for home adaptations for Veterans with special needs. VAC can also help bring together services offered by the community and the province to meet the needs of Veterans, and their families and caregivers. For more information, call Veterans Affairs Canada or visit their web site.
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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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Allowance And Allowance For The Survivor
Allowance: This is a monthly benefit under the OAS program that is paid to low-income seniors who are between 60 and 65 years of age and whose spouse or common-law partner is a recipient of the OAS and GIS. An Allowance payment is a stop-gap benefit until you turn 65 and become eligible for OAS.
Your income and that of your spouse are considered in calculating how much Allowance benefit you qualify for. The current maximum Allowance benefit is $1,174.49 per month.
Allowance for the Survivor: This benefit is similar to the Allowance. It is a monthly supplemental benefit paid to low-income seniors who are aged between 60 and 64 years and whose spouse/partner has died.
The current maximum Allowance for the Survivor amount is $1,418.25. Payments stop when you reach 65 years of age.
Related: Understanding GIS, Allowance, and Allowance for the Survivor
Connecting With Healthcare Professionals
The province also offers programs to help you connect with healthcare professionals. Health Care Connect helps you locate a doctor or nurse practitioner if you dont already have one.
Telehealth Ontario can put you in contact with experts when you need advice. You simply need to call and youll be connected with a registered nurse. Your call is completely confidential.
ConnexOntario is another service designed to provide information and referrals. This program connects you with mental health and addictions support. Some providers offer specialized services for older adults.
Regional Geriatric Programs offer help to seniors who have complex health needs.
The provinces HealthLine website offers listings of local health and community services. Select your area and find service providers near you.
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Senior Benefits For Prescription Medications
Health benefits for seniors in Ontario extend to prescription medications as well. When you turn 65, youll qualify for the Ontario Drug Benefit program.
This program lists over 4,000 medications the province will pay for. Youll pay an annual deductible of $100. The province will then cover most of the cost for prescriptions, depending on your income.
The government offers a $2 co-payment, which helps low-income seniors. Theyll pay as little as $2 for their prescription. High-income seniors will pay $6.11.
Some pharmacies dont charge the $2 co-pay. Low-income seniors will pay nothing, and high-income seniors will pay $4.11.
If a medication isnt covered under the ODB, you may be able to apply to the Trillium Benefit Program.
