Free Stuff From The Government For Veterans
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs offers a wide range of benefits to veterans, from free services, to housing benefits.
Below, weve listed a few examples of the free stuff offered.
Please be aware that each state has its own Department of Veterans Affairs.
And, the benefits offered can differ from state to state.
Here are a few of the free things veterans can get from the government through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
What Types Of Grants Support Canadians Living At Home
The grants that support Canadian seniors aging in place contribute to the safety, accessibility and cost-efficiency of your home. However, they are not applicable to cosmetic projects undertaken to increase the value or look of your home. Here are some of the home living needs that the various programs address.
What Is Not Covered
The following are not covered under the Coverage for Seniors program:
- claims for benefit expenses incurred prior to the effective date of coverage
- claims for benefit expenses received by Alberta Blue Cross more than 12 months after the service was provided
- services covered by the AHCIP
- charges for drugs supplied directly and charged for by a physician, with the exception of allergy serums
- registration, admission or user fees charged by a hospital
- drug products not listed in the Alberta Drug Benefit List ask your pharmacist or physician if your prescribed medication is on this list
- semi-private or private hospital room
- travel insurance for emergency hospital and medical expenses outside of the province or country
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Additional Elderly Community Resources
While many state, federal, and local programs and resources focus on medical and nutritional issues, there are a number of other social services available. They address home care, assisted living or housing needs, housing, and many others. Some of the assistance programs for the elderly as well as senior citizens even provided by charities.
Information and Assistance targeted at senior citizens is available in many states. The service is usually administered by area agency on aging offices or a service called Eldercare Locator. All of the advice is distributed for free to the client.
The programs provide a single point of information and entry into the aging network. Seniors citizens, elderly, and older adults can gain a single place for access, or phone number to call, for information on services and government benefits. Information is also available for families and caregivers
Some of what can be provided includes referrals on how to obtain a fixed income and financial aid, transportation, senior citizens centers, pharmacy assistance, daily meals, housing/rent assistance, and food pantries. Read more on , or find a local agency on aging office below.
Senior Citizen Legal Assistance can offer free or low cost legal advice, counseling and representation to older Americans. Certified elder law attorneys can be a great option as well for people over the age of 60 or 65. There are no income restrictions, but only civil cases are handled. Read more on .
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Dental care providers are continuing to monitor COVID-19covid 19 in their communities and carefully and gradually restarting services under the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program . In person dental visits may still be limited during this time for the safety of dental care providers and patients.
You can continue to apply for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program during this period.
If you are enrolled in the Ontario Seniors Dental Care program , please contact your local public health unit by phone for assistance with your dental needs and more information on the gradual restart of services in your area.
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Renew Your Yearly Coverage
Every year, eligibility will be automatically verified for most clients to confirm enrolment for the next benefit period.
You will be notified by mail if you are eligible to keep participating in the program, or about how to re-apply to the program, if required.
You must reapply if:
- you applied using a guarantor
- you do not file taxes for the most recent tax years that your eligibility is being determined
Financial Help For Senior Citizens Over : Free Money
Seniors do not have to wait until they are over 65 to begin tapping into financial assistance. You can start once you are over 50 or any age as many programs target help to households with low incomes.
Sometimes, the best way to tackle a problem is to attack it from multiple angles. While you might run across duplication, you do unearth hidden opportunities you might otherwise miss.
Therefore, we break down senior assistance programs into three categories: government grants and benefits, free services, and charitable organizations.
Good luck finding the help you need to live your later years with dignity.
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Laptop From Your Local Department Of Social And Health Services
If you contact your local Department of Social and Health Services, you may be able to get a laptop for free.
The department can sometimes assist people on a low-income by connecting them to local programs and non-profit organizations that can help them to get a laptop for free.
Just visit this page of the USA.gov website to find your states department of social or human services.
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How Your Benefit Is Determined
In general, a single senior with an annual income of $29,630 or less, and senior couples with a combined annual income of $48,120 or less, may be eligible for a benefit. These income levels are guidelines only, and are for seniors whose income includes full Old Age Security pension.
The amount of benefit you may be eligible to receive is determined by:
- your income, combined with your spouse/partner’s income, regardless of age
- whether you receive the federal Old Age Security pension
- your accommodation category
- your marital/cohabitation status
Free Money For Widows
The Social Security Administration provides free money for widows, widowers, and dependents via survivors benefits. You do not have to be a senior to be eligible for two types of financial assistance.
Widows cannot apply for survivors benefits online. Instead, make sure that you provide the correct social security number to the funeral home so that they can report the death accurately.
Seniors Are Eligible For The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Energy costs can easily become a major financial burden on low-income households. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, households spent an average of $117 per month in 2020 on home energy costs, although prices vary by state Connecticut, for example, had an average monthly energy bill price of $162, whereas District of Columbia residents paid $89.
Those prices are even steeper this year. According to the Feb. 2022 CPI report, electricity prices have increased 9% since February 2021.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federal program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It helps low-income households with home energy bills such as heating and cooling costs . Some cities and states have their own programs to cover costs not included in LIHEAP Chicago, for example, has a new water assistance program for low-income residents.
Households that participate in other benefit programs, such as Supplemental
Security Income , may be automatically eligible. Thereâs a maximum income amount per year of $20,385, before taxes, for one-person households this amount increases depending on how many people live with you.
Not every state has online applications, so you might have to call or schedule an appointment at an agency depending on where you live. Refer to this LIHEAP map to find your stateâs website for more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply.
What Are The Available Benefits For Seniors Over 65
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Growing old might be daunting because of the uncertainties ahead. But do not worry or fear, for life has its way to give good surprises. And among those are the benefits you can gain when you reach the ripe age of 65. The government offers a pension, financial assistance, and social services to seniors and retirees to make life more bearable and enjoyable down the golden years.
Senior benefits will help you make the most of your retirement. With the right knowledge of what is available for you at the age of 65, you will be able to plan your finances better and maximize them more efficiently. Not to mention that it can ease the anxieties and worries of approaching the retirement years.
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Your Guide To Benefits For Seniors Over 65
Are you looking for discounts or government benefits for seniors over 65?
It can be difficult to find many of these senior citizen benefits.
Whether you’re looking for government programs or financial assistance, weve started the research for you.
In this article, we have compiled a list of government benefits and discounts that may be available for seniors in America today.
If You Dont Have A Sin Or Did Not File A Tax Return
If you dont have a SIN or didnt file your taxes last year, a guarantor must help you apply by mail.
A guarantor is someone who can confirm the identity, age and residency of the individual or couple applying to the program. The guarantor must be:
- a Canadian citizen
- at least 18 years of age
If more than one person in your household is applying, you only need one guarantor per household.
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Changes To Ohip Coverage
In the past two years, the Government of Ontario has introduced many changes to OHIP. First, the Liberal government introduced some measures to expand the program. The highlight of OHIP+ was prescription medication coverage for people under 25.
OHIP+ also expanded senior OHIP coverage. Beginning in August 2019, the province would cover all prescriptions for senior citizens. Before, the government had offered seniors a co-pay arrangement.
Under the co-pay, seniors would pay a $100 deductible then cover most of their prescription medications. The level of coverage depended on their income.
Seniors with low incomes would pay only a $2 co-payment. Seniors with higher incomes paid $6.11 per prescription.
Some pharmacies didnt charge the co-payment. Low-income seniors paid nothing and others paid $4.11. This arrangement didn’t cover all prescription medications either.
Senior advocacy organizations announced their support of changes. Even though only some medications were covered, lower fees would help many seniors.
What Features Are Required From A Tablet For Seniors
Surely a tablet is a low cost, and it works as a computer. It can be carried anywhere as it is lightweight. There are some features of tablets that are conducive for the senior. Surely it is fit enough to surf any website and Web browsing. There should be an excellent camera feature that seniors often like to shoot photos. In addition, it should be compatible to create many documents and information storehouses for the senior people.
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Helping Seniors Stay Active
Another way the government offers health benefits for seniors is by encouraging active living. The government provides tips and guidelines for seniors. They also run the Ontario Senior Games, for athletes 55 and over.
Most communities provide active living, health, and wellness programs. Some of their program offerings will be tailored for seniors. Some may even offer specialized programming for people with conditions like Alzheimers.
You can visit your local Seniors Active Living Centre to find out more about what they offer. The website 211ontario.ca also offers local listings.
Government Grants And Programs Available For The Benefit Of Canadian Homeowners
Although most Canadians prefer to stay in their own homes post-retirement , many feel pressured to consider other options due to lack of sufficient funds or for medical reasons. Whether it is the increased life expectancy, the ever-inflating costs of living, or the lack of proper financial planning, many Canadians find it difficult to lead a comfortable life with their retirement savings alone.
- Two-thirds of the Canadian workforce does not have a workplace pension.
- Private savings options, such as Registered Retirement Savings Plans do not make up for the shortfall in retirement savings.
However, did you know that the Government of Canada seniors benefits offers over 100 different types of grants, rebates and tax credits across provinces, which are meant to help Canadians retain their homeownership or tenancy? Every Canadian province runs its own incentives and programs to help Canadians:
- Save money
- Be self-reliant
- Enjoy the improved quality of life
From grants for home repairs and renovations to property tax credits, write-offs and special needs assistance, the Government of Canada seniors benefits are addressing various aspects of Canadians 55+ living at home.
What Ohip Wont Pay
Around two-thirds of Canadians have supplemental health insurance through a private insurer. Often, an employer provides health insurance as part of an employee benefits package.
Very few employers offer benefits plans that follow employees into retirement. For most Canadians, the reality is that they lose private benefits when they turn 65 or when they retire.
While youll still have some coverage under OHIP, its clear it may not be enough. OHIP coverage does expand for senior citizens, but some people have to make tough choices. For some, they may have to choose between buying food or paying for medical services.
Medical expenses can still put the squeeze on high income seniors. This is especially true if you need uncovered medical services.
Medication for rheumatoid arthritis may be covered but you may not have coverage for massage, physiotherapy, or other supportive health services.
Using physiotherapy as an example, OHIP will cover sessions for seniors to address a new injury, fall, surgery, or accident. It will not cover sessions for seniors who simply want to maintain an existing level of mobility or range of motion, need specialized services, want long-term rehabilitation, or receive other physiotherapy services funded through other government funded healthcare programs, the WSIB, or through auto-insurance.
As you can see, there are many medical items and services OHIP wont pay for.
Looking For Local Charities And Churches For Senior Dental Work
One can look for help from various sources for dental treatment if they are not able to afford the dental treatment cost. As there are numerous government and non-government organizations that offer dental assistance to senior citizens. So that they will get dental treatment for their dental issues and did not face more problems because of the dental issues as well as because of their financial issues. But when a senior citizen did not get help from any source then they have to look for help from charities and churches. Churches are the place that offers help to low-income senior citizens with different assistance programs. Senior citizens can get dental treatment assistance from churches and charities. Churches are charity-based organizations that offer help to needy people with dental assistance. Most of the organizations are generous and sympathetic on the health-related issues, and thats why they have different assistance programs for the different health issues, and one of the dental health assistance as well. So senior citizens who are unable to pay for their dental treatment can look for their local churches and get help from there. They can go there and contact the office of the church and tell them about the dental issues and tell them that you did not afford the cost of the treatment. So they will offer you dental assistance.
Government Financial Help For Seniors
Retirement should be a peaceful time, spent from the stresses of working life. Unfortunately, many in retirement worry about how to get help with bills, both for everyday necessities and unexpected emergencies. Thankfully, the government programs listed below provide much-needed financial help for seniors.
Old Age Security Guaranteed Income Supplement And Spouse’s Allowance
If you are age 65 or older and have lived in Canada for 10 or more years, you can apply for the Old Age Security benefit . You can make your application six months before you turn 65, and are encouraged to complete an annual income tax return in order to avoid any processing delays.
Canadians with low incomes who already receive the OAS can apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement . If you are receiving the GIS and your spouse is between 60 and 64, your spouse can apply for a separate benefit called the Allowance. Your spouse can apply for the Allowance up to 12 months before he or she turns 60. This Allowance can also be claimed by a widow or widower between the ages of 60 and 64. In this situation, it is called the Allowance for the Survivor.