Terry Savage, a reporter for Creators Syndicate, Inc. recently discussed a website for seniors to use in locating the many programs at the federal, state and local level that are designed especially for seniors. This could make all the difference for an elderly friend or parent who is trying to make “ends meet.”
The website is identified as www.BenefitsCheckup.org. This site was created by the National Council on Aging, a nonprofit group that is supported by private donations and government grants. BenefitsCheckup.org is a search engine that helps seniors find assistance in paying for food, prescription drugs, utilities and more. It offers help getting tax relief, transportation and legal issues. According to the website it has helped 3,637,246 people find over $13.4 billion worth of benefits in the 11 years since it has been in effect.
The search engine is very specific – not generic. You will enter the senior’s zip code and some personal information, such as family income and assets (without any name or address). That enables recommendations for programs available in your area. Some are offered by government agencies, designed to benefit seniors and other low-income people. Other programs offer very low cost drugs from pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Our local Senior Center has computers available to assist seniors in finding resources. Any senior can go to the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center to request help in searching BenefitsCheckup.org to see what benefits they might be eligible for.
Ms. MacDonald’s practice is limited to Estate Planning, Probate, Elder Law & Trust Administration. Ms. MacDonald maintains her practice in the Santa Clarita Valley at 25115 Avenue Stanford, Suite B-124, Valencia, California. She can be reached at 661-294-6464.