After spouse's death, and dealing with long term care, all assets were depleted - how can I get financial help to help pay for rent, health insurance and all other expenses??
You need to contact your local SS office. You should receive your husbands benefits and if you are below a certain monthly income, you will qualify for SSI and health, food and utility assistance. Bless you. You will be fine. Call the Social Security Office.
All facilities accept long term care, because it is basically cash payment through a third party. But not all accept Medicaid too. Some do, some don’t. People have been evicted from facilities that do not accept Medicaid because of resource depletion.
You are on Medicare? It's fabulous health insurance. New York has what's called Section 8 housing. Apply for it. New York has among the most generous safety nets in the nation. There's Meals On Wheels for food. There's Visiting Nurse Service that accepts Medicare. There's all sorts of senior transportation and public transport options.
Do you have children? Can they help you financially? Independent living is private pay and you may need to downsize.
Have you considered moving to a private home with another widow and splitting expenses with her?
Yes, there are resources out there. I agree, you need Social Services. You may qualify for Medicaid as your supplimental insurance. You get prescriptions, dental, vision and help with transportation. Where I live we have HUDD Senior housing. They require 30% of your total income for rent. Electric is set. You would be responsible for Cable.
Office of Aging may have resources for you too. But its all up to you to make the move.
I would suggest getting on whatever waiting lists you can for subsidized housing. For Section 8 or for individual senior apartment complexes (rent based on income in many), the wait list sometimes can be years. It doesn't hurt to put your name on just in case. I agree that the local Area Agency on Aging can provide valuable information. Good luck to you.
Do try all the options suggested so far. Additionally, you may want to approach it from the "wrap around" rules.
In my area, when applying for one aid program, the applicant is deemed to be applying for all - whether or not all services are needed/desired. A very labor intensive documentation process.
Before everything really hits the fan, start seeking information from your bank, doctors, and others you may need to call upon in the near future. Ask if any of them offer notary services and if there is a charge to you. Sometimes they will recognize you as a person and a customer before you really start the dealing. It helps relieve stress to lay some groundwork.
Think housing, medical, utilities, bank accounts, tax records etc. As for presentation of your evidence, have printed prescription listings from your pharmacy. In our state those listings are provided free - one of the few such items for which my spouse and I haven't charged. Have death certificate in hand, any insurance cards, personal identification. Registration for any cars you own. Any housing/mortgage or rental receipts. Birth certificates and Social Security cards for you and your deceased spouse. The same and maybe more than had to previously be presented for your husband. Medicaid will require all of this information.
Proof of income or any gifts for the last 5 years, regardless of source, is a must-have. Since Medicaid can order transcripts of your taxes, have those readily available for your own reference.
In our community, subsidized housing requires proof of a steady income - a Social Security or SSDI check is required. In our community, there are some HUD "mixed" residential developments that accept renters among the working/retired groups, younger/older age groups, able/ disabled population. Families/singles are mixed into the group. You fit in somewhere, it's just a matter of getting on that waiting list as soon as possible.
Locate a notary public as some may require that as an in-house policy or legal requirements. I had to scramble once to locate a "traveling notary" while my spouse was hospitalized. My point is just be ready for all this and more and hope for the least aggravation in this process.
5 years after Dad died and about 2 years after Mom died, I was asked to produce their death certificates. Never mind the fact that all records/events were recorded on public records by that time!
Even though an applicant is currently with no resources, the county/state is always on the offense. So you are put into a defensive position of having to prove any and all information you do or don't provide.
The Department of Human Services. Community opportunities. Housing Authority. They go by many names. Your county DHHS office should be able to help point you in the right direction. You might qualify for medicare parts A and B. Human Services has a QUIMBY, SLIMBY, and other programs based on income for other help. If you're low income enough, depending on which state you're in, you might qualify for Medicaid. But please don't get hopes too high. They have stringent requirements; I know because I've been there, done that - but DO look into it - you still might qualify for something. Prayers.....
Was the spouse a Veteran? There are stipend programs for widows. There is also reverse Mortgage if she owns her home. She can also apply for Medicaid that will work with her Medicare and cut hospital, drug and Insurance costs. You can own a home and a car and qualify. Also, if there are remaining bills medical and doctor bills, contact the offices and tell them the spouse is deceased and quite often they will write off or lower the bill. Having been a Medical office manager myself I know this first hand and have helped my own family members to do this.
My wise Advice if I was in your Shoes, Talk to Someone in Assisted Living in a Nursing Facility, Where MEDICAID can Take over and Pay for your Stay. Your doctor will Need to do a Screening through the County Aged who would Help you See to it you Get in, Fit in. It is a Struggle and you Need Comfort in your own Life, Less Strife.
Contact your local Senior Services Center. The Social Workers there can point you in the right direction. Most cities have Housing Authorities and Senior Housing and or Low income housing is included. Senior Services may also be able to help with applications for help with gas, electric and possibly food program. There are many Food Pantries that you could get help from. One in my town is set up like a regular grocery store and you can go in and "shop". Someone suggested the VA but that may not be a great place to start only a very small number of people would qualify. And for yourself begin the application process for Medicaid. Ask the Social Workers at the Senior Services to help with that. In some areas there is free or reduced cost legal help for seniors and low income.
Get yourself on Medicaid and the HCBS waiver. Also get the medically low income I believe it is called, where it will pay for part of your medicare I think it is the part B part. You need to get yourself on all kinds of social services if you have no assets. You need to get on LIHEAP to help pay for your electricity. You might have to be put on a list for low income housing as well. Also get on food stamps and SNAP and cash assistance. I do not know where you live, because if I did I can tell you the places you need to go. You can start this by going to DCFS.
Houseplants 102 gave a great list you should write down! Pick up an accorrdian file.. preferably type with a handle to keep all the info together, file updates, and copies of applications...great guide for next thing you apply for.
1)Add SS Extra Help 2)Apply to reduce Real Estate Tax Assessment..then 3)Apply for a Freeze on Property Tax based on your age! (& Income?)
My neighbor failed to do 2 & 3 and their Assessment & taxes kept rising for 20+ years. It was a huge hit to their budget for a 3 BR home that sold after her death for near half the value they were being taxed.
It sounds like you definitely want to stay in your existing home. Think about modifications you may need. Get a doctor's note at your next visit. Many Grant Programs have wait lists, so if Doc agrees you can benefit now, put in your request. That way you won't have to move to AL if you want ro stay in your house.
What is your age group? Under 60, 60-64, 65-70, 70+? What state are you in?
This will help us guide you.
Look at your taxes valuation for property taxes, ( usually Market Value is Tax Value x3). Your County Treasurer can tell you. First, if you think that value is higher than houses have actually been selling for, or that you could get if you wanted to sell quickly, then call and find out what is timeframe to apply for reduction. If housing market drops again.. reapply! A local Realtor had a connection with an attorney and assessor who did the work for a cut of the savings during the first 2 years. So ask around. If they found value was fare or low, they ate the charges. Great deal if you can find it. Worth borrowing to pay for it if you think it is high. Realtor values are not accepted most places as an actual assessment, but give you a good feel at no cost.
You mention help with rent, so assume that means you do not own a home. Call your local Medicaid/Food Stamp office and they should be able to give you phone numbers for low income rental/housing (based on your income) - phone number for Medicaid office so that you can apply for help with medical assistance (perhaps pay the medicare premium for you or other programs for your area), you may be eligible for Food Stamps (but a word of warning, it may only be $10 or 20 a month based on your SS income....but it still buys bread and milk). You can also call the utility company you do business with and ask if they have any assistance programs.
Take your medications to your dr at the next visit with a print out from your drug store showing how much you pay for each one. It's possible there is a cheaper drug that can be used. You can also check for cheaper prices online at websits like GoodRx - you enter dosage amt, quantity per month, and it will tell you the cheapest place near you to buy it (and a coupon to get that price). Some pharmaceutical companies also provide their drugs free or very cheap if you meet their income guidelines.
If you aren't good at researching, get someone to assist you in collecting all this info.
Medicare patients are not eligible to use drug sites with coupons. Goodrx & Needymeds.com are only for commercial pay people, as Medicare Part D is Medicare’s prescription plan & the person is expected to opt for Part D to cover prescriptions.
Depending on where you live there should be some kind of Senior Affairs center that can at least help point you in the right direction. Unfortunately though everything is a drawn out process and everything has a waiting list, there is no express lane you need to be proactive and make as many calls as you can and keep things moving or the Government will lose you in the mix. It's a crying shame in the US we treat our Seniors as second class citizens after a lifetime of paying into the system.
Depending on the town that you live in, you may be able to get rebates as follows that my late mother received from her town -- Fuel assistance Low cost rides to doctors, dentists & shopping Meals on Wheels SNAP Free tax prep Cleaning lady Free bookkeeper Free elder case worker Free social worker Meals from friends delivered Real estate tax deferral Historic home rebate
Just wanted to say how grateful I am for this wonderful forum! So many knowledgeable and beentheredonethat responses. Who's learning things that will/may be helpful for their own and/or loved one's current situations or life on down the road? My hand is raised high! Thanks, everyone, for your compassionate and caring ways!
You can get help on prescriptions thru Extra Help at Social Security. This applies even if you have Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. If you qualify for Medicaid and income is low enough, Medicaid will pay the Medicare premium that comes out of your Social Security program.
You have to have a Part D plan to use Extra Help. If you have Medicaid you are automatically given Extra Help, and could get on a drug plan or switch if you didn't have it before. The income and asset levels for the Medicare Savings Program is pretty low, but once other assets are exhausted it can come into play. Check with a senior center or other place with a SHIP counselor, as they are free.
My husband gets a $23.00/mo "Extra Help" subsidy. It is supposed to be put toward prescriptions. Annually, this subsidy is $276.00 for my spouse. It covers one small prescription for the year.
If you (or anyone following this post) know pass the information along. Though it's referred to on the monthly Medicare insurance list, the Social Security papers, his retiree insurance, and Medicaid, I just can't figure out this could possibly help the government. It seems like it would involve a chain of administrative expenses and cost the government more than it's administrative costs each month.
Houseplant, There is another EXTRA HELP thru SS. They send you a form to take to your pharmacy. Most scripts cost $3.40 or $8.00. One my clients gets Lidocaine patches that are $325.00 per box of 30 for $7.60 per box. I renew my income qualified clients annually. Some prescriptions have to have preapproval. All of my clients who receive also have Medicare.
If her assets are low, she may be able to get SSI (supplemental security income) on top of SSA. Also, there is the possibility that she can get help from your state for rental costs. Here in NH the wait is long but there are lovely little one bedroom apartments that are rented for amounts varying on income. Sorry to hear all assets were depleted. Kind of surprised as she should have been eligible to keep a certain % away from the nursing home as the spouse... This is why lawyers (though expensive!) end up being worth the money when these things happen.
I know you can't turn back time to do this, but if someone has assets, there are legal ways to protect them and one should always do their homework and even see a lawyer since some of them have experience in trusts.
Skuilan, I would do some shopping for supplemental part D, 80 bucks a month seems real high.
It is worth contacting an insurance broker and get some updated pricing.
Insurance companies are great for price increases that eventually have you paying far to much in premiums. I recommend new quotes every 3 years. It has saved us hundreds of thousands of dollars over our careers and lifetime.
Ethics aside on protecting assets. Would you rather be in a facility of your choice or one that is largely Medicaid funded? Where would your family be most assured that you are receiving appropriate level of care?
That facility should have assistance for you to apply for Medicaid.
Her hubs was in LTC? She doing well and does not need care?
Contact the Area Agency on Aging. They will be very helpful finding programs in New York that she will qualify for.
New York has what's called Section 8 housing. Apply for it.
New York has among the most generous safety nets in the nation.
There's Meals On Wheels for food.
There's Visiting Nurse Service that accepts Medicare.
There's all sorts of senior transportation and public transport options.
Do you have children? Can they help you financially? Independent living is private pay and you may need to downsize.
Have you considered moving to a private home with another widow and splitting expenses with her?
Office of Aging may have resources for you too. But its all up to you to make the move.
In my area, when applying for one aid program, the applicant is deemed to be applying for all - whether or not all services are needed/desired. A very labor intensive documentation process.
Before everything really hits the fan, start seeking information from your bank, doctors, and others you may need to call upon in the near future. Ask if any of them offer notary services and if there is a charge to you. Sometimes they will recognize you as a person and a customer before you really start the dealing. It helps relieve stress to lay some groundwork.
Think housing, medical, utilities, bank accounts, tax records etc. As for presentation of your evidence, have printed prescription listings from your pharmacy. In our state those listings are provided free - one of the few such items for which my spouse and I haven't charged. Have death certificate in hand, any insurance cards, personal identification. Registration for any cars you own. Any housing/mortgage or rental receipts. Birth certificates and Social Security cards for you and your deceased spouse. The same and maybe more than had to previously be presented for your husband. Medicaid will require all of this information.
Proof of income or any gifts for the last 5 years, regardless of source, is a must-have. Since Medicaid can order transcripts of your taxes, have those readily available for your own reference.
In our community, subsidized housing requires proof of a steady income - a Social Security or SSDI check is required. In our community, there are some HUD "mixed" residential developments that accept renters among the working/retired groups, younger/older age groups, able/ disabled population. Families/singles are mixed into the group. You fit in somewhere, it's just a matter of getting on that waiting list as soon as possible.
Locate a notary public as some may require that as an in-house policy or legal requirements. I had to scramble once to locate a "traveling notary" while my spouse was hospitalized. My point is just be ready for all this and more and hope for the least aggravation in this process.
5 years after Dad died and about 2 years after Mom died, I was asked to produce their death certificates. Never mind the fact that all records/events were recorded on public records by that time!
Even though an applicant is currently with no resources, the county/state is always on the offense. So you are put into a defensive position of having to prove any and all information you do or don't provide.
Also, if there are remaining bills medical and doctor bills, contact the offices and tell them the spouse is deceased and quite often they will write off or lower the bill. Having been a Medical office manager myself I know this first hand and have helped my own family members to do this.
The Social Workers there can point you in the right direction.
Most cities have Housing Authorities and Senior Housing and or Low income housing is included.
Senior Services may also be able to help with applications for help with gas, electric and possibly food program.
There are many Food Pantries that you could get help from.
One in my town is set up like a regular grocery store and you can go in and "shop".
Someone suggested the VA but that may not be a great place to start only a very small number of people would qualify.
And for yourself begin the application process for Medicaid. Ask the Social Workers at the Senior Services to help with that.
In some areas there is free or reduced cost legal help for seniors and low income.
You can start this by going to DCFS.
1)Add SS Extra Help
2)Apply to reduce Real Estate Tax Assessment..then
3)Apply for a Freeze on Property Tax based on your age! (& Income?)
My neighbor failed to do 2 & 3 and their Assessment & taxes kept rising for 20+ years. It was a huge hit to their budget for a 3 BR home that sold after her death for near half the value they were being taxed.
It sounds like you definitely want to stay in your existing home. Think about modifications you may need. Get a doctor's note at your next visit. Many Grant Programs have wait lists, so if Doc agrees you can benefit now, put in your request. That way you won't have to move to AL if you want ro stay in your house.
What is your age group? Under 60, 60-64, 65-70, 70+?
What state are you in?
This will help us guide you.
Look at your taxes valuation for property taxes, ( usually Market Value is Tax Value x3). Your County Treasurer can tell you.
First, if you think that value is higher than houses have actually been selling for, or that you could get if you wanted to sell quickly, then call and find out what is timeframe to apply for reduction. If housing market drops again.. reapply!
A local Realtor had a connection with an attorney and assessor who did the work for a cut of the savings during the first 2 years. So ask around. If they found value was fare or low, they ate the charges. Great deal if you can find it. Worth borrowing to pay for it if you think it is high. Realtor values are not accepted most places as an actual assessment, but give you a good feel at no cost.
Good Luck!
Take your medications to your dr at the next visit with a print out from your drug store showing how much you pay for each one. It's possible there is a cheaper drug that can be used. You can also check for cheaper prices online at websits like GoodRx - you enter dosage amt, quantity per month, and it will tell you the cheapest place near you to buy it (and a coupon to get that price). Some pharmaceutical companies also provide their drugs free or very cheap if you meet their income guidelines.
If you aren't good at researching, get someone to assist you in collecting all this info.
Unfortunately though everything is a drawn out process and everything has a waiting list, there is no express lane you need to be proactive and make as many calls as you can and keep things moving or the Government will lose you in the mix.
It's a crying shame in the US we treat our Seniors as second class citizens after a lifetime of paying into the system.
Fuel assistance
Low cost rides to doctors, dentists & shopping
Meals on Wheels
SNAP
Free tax prep
Cleaning lady
Free bookkeeper
Free elder case worker
Free social worker
Meals from friends delivered
Real estate tax deferral
Historic home rebate
If you (or anyone following this post) know pass the information along. Though it's referred to on the monthly Medicare insurance list, the Social Security papers, his retiree insurance, and Medicaid, I just can't figure out this could possibly help the government. It seems like it would involve a chain of administrative expenses and cost the government more than it's administrative costs each month.
Also, there is the possibility that she can get help from your state for rental costs. Here in NH the wait is long but there are lovely little one bedroom apartments that are rented for amounts varying on income.
Sorry to hear all assets were depleted. Kind of surprised as she should have been eligible to keep a certain % away from the nursing home as the spouse...
This is why lawyers (though expensive!) end up being worth the money when these things happen.
It is worth contacting an insurance broker and get some updated pricing.
Insurance companies are great for price increases that eventually have you paying far to much in premiums. I recommend new quotes every 3 years. It has saved us hundreds of thousands of dollars over our careers and lifetime.