Social Services for the Elderly: How Can I Get Help? | Updated for 2023 (2024)

Updated on:August 2022
Social Services for the Elderly: How Can I Get Help? | Updated for 2023 (1)

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Let’s face it, long-term caregiving for elderly people can be seriously expensive. For the most part, health care even with just a social worker is expensive and time-consuming.

As an elderly person, unless you can find the kind of support you need, there is a good chance that your family will be so stretched that a few important things like health care may slip through the cracks; things like your medication and domiciliary care.

If you are considered to be within the low-income bracket and using Social Security benefits as your only source of income, then in many cases Medicare may subsidize all but about $10 of your premium.

That is why, sometimes, it is up to you to take the initiative and find out what kinds of social services are available to older people within your community and from the government. Haven’t you ever asked yourself how you can get help should you need it?

Although this list is not comprehensive and all-encompassing in any way, the items mentioned here represent some of the most valuable resources that any senior can have as they get older. Here is a list of the different social services available to you as a senior.

P.S Some may not be available in your state. It is often best to confirm with your local government about what kind of social services are available for you.

As you will soon find out, some services are only available to seniors based on their specific conditions:

  • Your health.
  • Military service.
  • Income.
  • Assets.
  • Education level and so on.

That being said, here are two websites that can help you find a quick list of all the available social services for the elderly within your state and from the Federal Government.

  • Benefits.Gov:This website has a full list of social services offered by the government. As a senior, all you have to do is go online and answer the questions asked there as accurately as possible. Once you submit your answer, the website will give you a list of programs, services, and government supplements depending on your eligibility.
  • Benefitscheckup.Org:Run by the National Council on Aging, this non-profit website will ask you almost the same questions as the Benefits.gov. The only difference is that here you might find many more programs and services that suit your particular needs.

Based on the information you get from the above two websites, you should have a list of available services and programs within and without your state. That, at least, is a starting point for you as you try to pinpoint exactly which social care services will be best suited for your specific needs.

That being said, here is a list of some of the most common and publically available social services for the elderly. These programs are available to everyone and should help make your life and that of your family members much easier.

Social Security services area right for every tax paying American. That, however, doesn’t mean that everyone gets the same share. If you earned your Social Security benefits based on a low-paying job, then you might want to find different ways of supplementing that income (especially if it is your only source of income).

The best option for those seniors who depend on their social security as a single and only source of income is that they should apply to a different social security service called ‘Supplement Security Income’ or SSI program.

This program is operated by the Federal Government in conjunction with your state government. It is a welfare-based Medicaid program that is administered by the Social Security Administration and it can provide you with a larger monthly benefit than your typical Social Security benefits.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

If you are a military veteran who suffers from aservice-related disability, then you may be eligible for additional disability benefits from the VA. This is especially true if the disability has worsened with time. The VA offers excellent social services to military veterans who need continuous medical care due to their service-related disability.

If this is the case for you, then you can put in an application for:

  • Medical benefits
  • Prescription drugs
  • Hospitalization

As is the case with almost every social welfare program, there are several different levels of compensation by the VA and pension program. Although there have been increasing complaints about how slow the VA is in processing claims, mounting pressure from the new Administration as well as Congress is ensuring that these services are sped up some.

Although still in contention thanks to the new administration, the basis on which Medicare was enacted is still fundamental to the social welfare of the elderly and all those who need medical assistance.

The idea was that:

  • Part A of Medicare-covered your hospital needs
  • Part B covered your medical insurance

There is also a Part D that covers prescription drugs. Medicare is by far one of the most beneficial social services a senior could get. If you are paying premiums, then you could end up having your medical bills subsidized to a great extent.

In fact, if you are considered to be within the low-income bracket and using Social Security benefits as your only source of income, then in many cases Medicare may subsidize all but about $10 of your premium. This is a wonderful cost savings options for aging adults.

Area Agency on Aging

The Federal Government has mandatedArea Agency on Agingfacilities in every county/city. These agencies have professionals who hold vast knowledge on all things ‘social services for the elderly’ related.

By visiting one of these offices, you can get a full workup of:

  • All the social service programs that are available to you as a senior in that county
  • The financial sources for seniors in that area

Apart from providing you with a wealth of information, the staff in your local area agency on aging is often supported by volunteer workers who do a lot more for seniors within the region, such as provide respite services like:

  • Driving seniors around
  • Providing ‘meals-on-wheels’ services

The best way to go about getting all the information you may need as a senior in your location is to gather up all the information you may have used in the websites mentioned at the beginning of this discussion.

Once you have all that handy, you can walk down to your nearest Area Agency on Aging and meet a counselor who will give you further assistance. There is a good chance that with the help of the counselor, you will find the right social service suited to your particular needs.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Enacted in 1966, theHIPAA Actprovides you with complete privacy as far as your medical records are concerned. The reason why you need to pay attention to this act is that unless you sign a form saying that you designate your family members (primary next of kin) as approved to discuss your medical records, they cannot do so even with your doctor.

This becomes a problem when you need help and consult. As a senior, there is a good chance that you will need some assistance from your close family members. You know, for things like running errands, doctor appointments and picking up prescriptions. Unless you have those family members approved under HIPPA, they cannot legally help you.

Administration on Aging (AoA)

The AoA is a wonderful resource for elders who want to know their legal rights or are concerned that they are not being treated fairly. If you go to their website, theAoA has a full list of services and resourceson their ‘Help and Resources’ that will give you a wealth of information on the different kinds of social services to which you are entitled.

In a nutshell, The AoA offers services such as:

  • Health insurance counseling
  • Protection from elder abuse
  • Legal assistance
  • Assistance with long-term care needs

The best way to know how this administration can help you is to either log on to their website or speak to a representative.

If you have a disability of any kind, then you should learn more about theAmericans with Disabilities Act. Administered by the United States Department of Justice, you can find a full briefing on the website including the different types of regulations ensuring that you have universal access as a disabled person.

There are several other social services available to seniors and the elderly. Many are locally based within different states while some are run by the Federal Government. There are also several NGOs that work specifically with seniors in different regions. Other options that you could take a look at include:

  • Food and Drug Administration
  • Your Congressional Representative
  • Your U.S. Senator

As a senior, you have the right to live a dignified life. The government, in conjunction with several entities, have put certain social service options up for you. As long as you have the necessary information on what it is you need, you can get the right kind of social services that will greatly improve your quality of life.

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FAQs

What is the senior stimulus program? ›

Generally, the rebate can be as much as $650. However, it can be as much as $975 for certain seniors. Also, if you received a property tax rebate last year, your 2022 rebate is reduced to 70% of your 2021 rebate.

What is the program that sends payments to the elderly? ›

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a federal government program that provides a monthly cash benefit for the elderly (age 65 and over), blind, or disabled of any age who have extremely low income and very few resources.

What is the most requested support service for elderly? ›

One of the most in-demand services for seniors is personal care. Personal care involves assistance with daily activities ranging from light-touch support to intensive daily care.
...
Examples of personal care may include assistance with:
  • Bathing.
  • Getting dressed.
  • Moving around.
  • Grooming.
  • Eating.
  • Walking.

Will seniors get a stimulus check in 2023? ›

Are people on Social Security getting a stimulus check in 2023? Social Security Retirees and Disability recipients who are eligible for the payment will get the stimulus checks/payments deposited the same way they currently get their payments.

Are seniors getting a raise in 2023? ›

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 8.7 percent in 2023.

Is the federal government giving money to seniors? ›

The federal government will provide an automatic, one-time repayment to alleviate the financial hardship of seniors who saw a loss of GIS or Allowance by compensating them for the full, annualized loss amount. Seniors will not need to take any action to receive the one-time payment.

Which government program helps elderly Americans pay their health care costs? ›

Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 or older, and some people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. A federal agency called the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services runs Medicare. Because it's a federal program, Medicare has set standards for costs and coverage.

What is the name of the government program that provides cash benefits to senior citizens? ›

Social Security Retirement Insurance Benefits are federally funded and managed by the U.S. Social Security Administration. These benefits are for people who have earned Social Security credits and are at least age 62. Check if you may be eligible for Social Security Retirement Insurance benefits.

What are two types of financial assistance that can be a? ›

Types of funding
  • Scholarship.
  • Bursary.
  • Study Loans.

What are the three types of financial assistance that can be applied? ›

Types of Financial Assistance
  • There are three types of financial assistance that may be offered for payment of your educational expenses: scholarships/grants, loans, and labor earnings.
  • Scholarships and grants are gift assistance based on financial need and do not have to be repaid.

What kind of government policy supports caregiving for elderly relatives? ›

The Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965 (P.L. 89-73) is the public policy that provides the basis for a substantial portion of community aging services for older adults in the United States.

What services are available to the elderly? ›

Care services, equipment and care homes
  • Household gadgets and equipment to make life easier.
  • Personal alarms, monitoring systems (telecare) and key safes.
  • Home adaptations.
  • Walking aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
  • Driving and using public transport if you have mobility issues.
  • Help at home from a paid carer.

What can social services do to help elderly? ›

Here are some of the most common things that social services provide help with:
  1. Financial assessments.
  2. Food deliveries.
  3. Home adaptations.
  4. Care equipment.
  5. Security and alarm systems.
  6. Housing and care homes.
Sep 7, 2021

What is the largest organization for seniors? ›

AARP. Perhaps the best-known organization that advocates for seniors, the AARP features website and publication materials that focus on topics for older adults. The organization also actively advocates for older adults and provides resources about caregiving, financial planning, and health topics.

How much will SSI checks be in 2023? ›

SSI amounts for 2023
RecipientUnrounded annual amounts for—Monthly amounts for 2023
2022
Eligible individual$10,092.40$914
Eligible couple15,136.931,371
Essential person5,057.77458
1 more row

Are senior citizens getting a fourth stimulus check? ›

No, Social Security Recipients Should Not Expect a 4th Stimulus Check.

What is the new Social Security increase for 2023? ›

Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will increase by 8.7% in 2023. This is the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) required by law. The increase will begin with benefits that Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2023.

What will seniors get in 2023 benefits? ›

The increase, the largest in more than 40 years, will boost retirees' monthly payments by more than $140 to an estimated average of $1,827 for 2023.

How much is the payment for seniors in 2023? ›

How much can I get from OAS in 2023? From January to March 2023, the maximum monthly payment you can receive from OAS is $756.32 if you are 75+ and $687.56 if you are between the ages of 64 and 74.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›

Who is eligible for Social Security bonus? For every year that you delay claiming past full retirement age, your monthly benefits will get an 8% “bonus.” That amounts to a whopping 24% if you wait to file until age 70.

Are seniors getting $500.00 in August? ›

Conversation. For seniors 75 and up as of July 2022, we're going to increase Old Age Security by 10% - putting more money in the pockets of over 3 million seniors. For those 75 and up as of June 2022, we're also going to provide a one-time Old Age Security payment of $500 this August.

Will there be another cost of living payment 2023? ›

Millions of low-income families will receive a £301 cost of living payment in spring 2023. These will total £900 and be given to more than eight million families on means-tested benefits. The payments will be made in three instalments by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

How Will Biden help seniors? ›

Provide tax relief to help solve the long-term care challenge. The Biden Plan will also help Americans pay for long-term care by providing relief for Americans needing long-term care by creating a $5,000 tax credit for informal caregivers, modeled off of legislation supported by AARP.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid? ›

Income Limit in Most States

Most states — 38 and Washington, D.C. — have the same income limit of $2,523 per month for a single person for most types of Medicaid services. For a married couple, the limit increases to $5,046 in most cases.

How much is Medicare a month? ›

In 2023, the premium is either $278 or $506 each month, depending on how long you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes. You also have to sign up for Part B to buy Part A. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty.

What government funded program is most likely to help meet the needs of the elderly and disabled populations in the United States? ›

Medicare. This federal government health insurance program helps pay some medical costs for people age 65 and older, and for people younger than 65 with certain disabilities and serious health conditions.

What is the $900 grocery stimulus for seniors? ›

Commodity Supplemental Food Program

If you meet program guidelines and are over 60, you can get a free 40-pound box of USDA approved food items each month for locally qualified pantry's or providers. Over 600,000 seniors earning less than $15,000 (living alone) benefited from this program.

What is a government flex card for seniors? ›

Flex cards are like pre-paid debit cards that Medicare beneficiaries can use to purchase durable medical equipment and other qualifying medical expenses. These cards are not a Medicare benefit, but are available on some specific Medicare Advantage (MA) plans offered by private insurance companies.

What is the maximum income to qualify for food stamps? ›

Get Help Applying for SNAP
Family SizeMonthly Gross Income*Annual Gross Income*
1$1,473$17,676
2$1,984$23,808
3$2,495$29,940
4$3,007$36,084
5 more rows

What are the 6 types of financial aid you could receive? ›

Besides financial aid, you should also think about what you can do to lower your costs when you go to college.
  • Grants. ...
  • Scholarships. ...
  • Work-Study Jobs. ...
  • Loans. ...
  • Apply for Financial Aid. ...
  • Aid for Military Families. ...
  • Aid for International Study. ...
  • Aid and Other Resources From the Federal Government.

What other financial help can I get from the government? ›

Warm Home Discount Scheme
  • Universal Credit.
  • Pension Credit Savings Credit.
  • Housing Benefit.
  • income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
  • Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits.
  • Income Support.

What are 4 types of financial aid assistance? ›

Financial aid helps students afford their higher education expenses. The most common types of financial aid are grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. Federal student loans provide significant advantages over many private student loans.

What are some examples of direct financial assistance? ›

Examples of Direct financial assistance in a sentence

Direct financial assistance includes funds, below-market loans, rebates, deferred payments, forgivable loans, land write-downs, infrastructure or public improvements, or other action of economic value identified in the financial assistance agreement.

What are the types of assistance? ›

Types of Assistance
  • Technical Cooperation.
  • Official Development Assistance Loans.
  • Official Development Assistance Grants.
  • South-South and Triangular Cooperation.
  • Citizen Participation. Volunteers. JICA Partnership Program.
  • Public-Private Partnerships.
  • Emergency Disaster Relief.

What is the largest source of financial aid? ›

The single largest provider of financial assistance in the United States is the federal government, via the U.S. Department of Education. State governments, educational institutions, private organizations, and banks also provide students with financial aid by offering scholarships, grants, and loans.

What states pay you to take care of a family member? ›

Currently, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New York, California, and Washington offer means through which a person can receive payment to care for their spouse. How can I get paid for taking care of someone? To get paid by the state for care, you can do so through Medicaid, other state programs, or VA benefits.

Will Social Security pay me for taking care of my mother? ›

If your loved one is approved for disability benefits, you may be wondering how much Social Security caregiver pay is. Unfortunately, the SSA does not directly pay caregivers for taking care of a loved one. In other words, the SSA does not have a Social Security disability caregiver pay program.

Which program is for the benefit of the elderly? ›

The Social Security Medicare Program is a federally funded program managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare is for people age 65 or older.

How can I get home care for the elderly at home? ›

search the NHS website for local homecare services and agencies and a list of national homecare organisations and then contact the ones that interest you. ask your council's social services department for information on the homecare agencies in your area. They may have a directory of homecare agencies on their website.

Which of the following programs provide assistance to elderly people are giving under? ›

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)

Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to person of 60 years and above and belonging to family living below poverty line as per the criteria prescribed by Government of India.

What powers do social services have over the elderly? ›

Social Services have a duty of care for adults living in its area. They have to assess the needs of vulnerable adults and ensure they are being met. If they think these needs are not being met, then they can, in theory, place a person in an environment where they will be.

What are the different types of social support for elderly? ›

Social support can include perceived emotional support, instrumental support (e.g., direct assistance such as transportation), and informational support (e.g., sharing knowledge about resources).

What can a social worker help with? ›

As a social worker, you'll work with people to find solutions to their problems. This may be helping to protect vulnerable people from harm or abuse or supporting people to live independently. You'll work with clients, their families and others around them and with different client groups including: the elderly.

What is the largest source of income for most elderly adults? ›

For most, the primary source of income is Social Security. Other sources are income from investments and other assets, pensions and other retirement plans, earnings from work and, for a small percentage, public assistance programs and veterans benefits.

What group is growing the fastest among senior citizens? ›

The fastest growing age group in the U.S. is people over age 85, and the second fastest is people 100 and over (centenarians).

What is the senior stimulus package 2022? ›

The maximum check is $841 in 2022 for eligible individuals for this federal program, which provides support to disabled, blind and elderly people who have little or no incomes. The average monthly benefit is $624.

Are Social Security recipients getting a stimulus check in 2022? ›

Is SSI getting a stimulus check in July 2022? Yes. SSA will be sending payments, checks and direct deposit, to most Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients in July.

Is the stimulus check for seniors real? ›

More than 15 million senior citizens will be eligible for these new stimulus checks.

Is Social Security giving seniors a stimulus check? ›

Recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) who do not typically file tax returns will automatically receive $1,200 stimulus payments based on their SSA-1099 benefit statements. The tax forms go out to Social Security recipients and SSDI beneficiaries every January.

What is the fourth stimulus check for senior citizens? ›

No, Social Security Recipients Should Not Expect a 4th Stimulus Check.

What changes are coming to Social Security in 2023? ›

The most impactful change in 2023 is the 8.7% cost of living adjustment, or COLA, which takes effect this month. For instance, if you receive $2,000 a month from Social Security, the monthly payout will rise to $2,174 per month.

Will Social Security people get a fourth stimulus check? ›

A FOURTH stimulus check is unlikely to be sent out to Social Security recipients before the end of the year. This year, high inflation has caused millions of Americans to suffer, but the increased cost-of-living-adjustment for 2023 will help provide some relief for seniors.

Who qualifies for the 4th stimulus check? ›

California: California will be giving payments of up $700 for joint filing couples earning less than $150,000 annually, with individuals qualifying for up to $350. Homes with dependents can also get an additional $350.

How do seniors apply for stimulus checks? ›

Most people will receive the refund stimulus as a direct deposit. Seniors on Social Security who do not file taxes will NOT have to file a return. Treasury will use information from Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 and deliver the refund as they normally get their Social Security payments.

How much is the stimulus check for seniors on Social Security? ›

An individual who relies exclusively on social security or disability as their income, and therefore had a CA AGI or $0 in 2020, will receive $350 if they do not claim a dependent, or $700 if they have at least one dependent, according to the Franchise Tax Bureau.

Is the government giving seniors money? ›

Is there any extra money for seniors in 2022? The Quebec government is beefing up financial assistance for low-income seniors by $8 billion over five years, with the first payments coming after they file their 2022 tax returns.

What is the update on the 4th stimulus check? ›

It is unlikely that there will ever be a fourth stimulus check as stimulus payments are no longer being issued by law as of December 31, 2021.

When can Social Security recipients expect their stimulus payment? ›

Social Security recipients and other Americans who do not normally file a tax return can expect their stimulus payments to be processed this weekend, the Treasury Department announced Tuesday. Many of the payments will be sent electronically and will be in bank accounts by April 7.

Are Social Security recipients getting a $1657 check? ›

The average Social Security benefit for 2022 is $1,657 a month, CNET reported. That amount is expected to increase substantially in 2023 thanks to this year's high inflation rate.

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