Odds are you have already called 411, 511 or 911. In California, the California Public Utilities Commission has authorized information and referral service providers in 12 counties to utilize the 2-1-1 dialing code which includes Los Angeles County. The California Alliance of Information and Referral Services projects that 2-1-1 will be available to 80 percent of Californians by the end of 2007.
Why is this important? Because there are so many benefits, both financial and assistance-oriented to which individuals are entitled. These include community-based programs, state or federal assistance programs (such as social security, Medicare and food stamps) as well as retirement and insurance programs, to name a few. One of the issues with having so many benefits available to elderly and disabled individuals is that it is difficult to track them and find out which ones are appropriate for the situation. This is where benefits counselors can help.
In simple terms, a benefits counselor is someone who reviews existing information about your financial situation and makes suggestions about benefits for which someone may be eligible or changes in existing benefits you may already be receiving. Generally benefit counselor’s work with individuals who are age 60 or older. Many of them work with or volunteer for agencies like the area agencies on aging including the Senior Center in the Santa Clarita Valley. There are many different organizations that provide benefits to individuals, depending on their situation. It can be confusing to figure out what the eligibility requirements are, how to apply, what types of documentation are needed when applying, and many other issues that arise when looking at benefit programs. Trained benefits counselors can step into the situation and sort through the confusion to help develop a cohesive benefits plan for someone. Just because the counselor helps sort through the benefits available doesn’t mean that you will automatically be eligible. Each organization still has specific criteria and cases need to be examined separately. Still, the benefits counselor serves a valuable role in discovering possible avenues for benefits that give families alternatives that may or may not have been known before.
Dialing 2-1-1 can help to start you on the path to finding a counselor who can help you obtain the information you need to become educated on the services and benefits available to you.
Ms. MacDonald’s practice is limited to Estate Planning, Probate and Elder Law. Ms. MacDonald maintains her practice in the Santa Clarita Valley at 27013 Langside Avenue, Suite A, Santa Clarita. She can be reached at 661-251-1300.