Financial Assistance for Seniors Questions

1. Are there programs in Texas to help the elderly with the electric bills?

   Wow, that's a whopper of a bill, I can see why you'd like to find your grandmother help. Your best bet is to start by contacting your grandmother's electric company directly and asking. Many power companies have rate or payment programs for the low-income or disabled...
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2. Am I responsible for my mother's debts now that she's passed away?

   Just because you signed your mother's checks for her, using her money, does not make you personally liable for her bills or debts, unless you signed a document specifically agreeing to be personally responsible. However, the fact that your name appeared on some of the checks might make the care center...
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3. Is there financial assistance for prescription glasses?

   You're right about Medicare -- it won't cover eyeglasses for your mother unless she's recovering from cataract surgery. But from the sound of her financial situation, your mother might qualify for Medicaid, which does cover eyeglasses for people enrolled in the program in Texas...
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4. Will selling a mobile home affect Medi-Cal eligibility?

   There are two different sets of Medicaid (Medi-Cal is the name California gives to its Medicaid program) rules that could protect your mother's eligibility for Medi-Cal coverage if she gives (rather than sells) her mobile home to your brother...
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5. Will the VA help with with the burial of my father, a World War II vet ?

   The VA is made up of different organizations. Your father was receiving Healthcare benefits. There is another benefit of $300 for burial expenses. It is possible to get additional compensation for final expenses, but difficult. Contact your local Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to get the proper forms to apply for these benefits...
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6. Where can I get assistance purchasing a recliner for my mother with diabetes?

   Medicare or Medicaid will not pay for a recliner or adjustable bed. If it is medically necessary, they may pay for an electronic hospital bed. Your mother’s doctor needs to prescribe the bed and provide a Certificate of Medical Necessity. Even if Medicare approves payment, durable medical equipment t...
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7. How can we afford care for my mother when my father goes into a nursing home and can no longer care for her?

   For Medicaid eligibility, only the income of the spouse needing assistance is counted towards eligibility. So only your mother's income counts towards her eligibility for Medicaid in a nursing home. Your father's income and VA benefit only count for his Medicaid eligibility.
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8. Is there any financial aid for buying a home?

   Your idea makes so much sense, and it's something many families consider or actually do. I do not know of any financial aid to help you buy a house. Some brokers (and housing agencies) offer low-interest home loans for people with disabilities. (Legitimate loans.) Your parents should talk to banks and mortgage agencies in their area about this possibility...
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9. Can I get help with Part B payment?

   There are four programs that can pay some or all of your Medicare Part B premiums, deductible and copayments. You must have low income and assets to qualify for any of these programs. Which program you're eligible for depends on how much you have in income and assets. The programs are:
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10. How can I get financial assistance for repairs to my home?

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11. Are there organizations that can help with the costs of dealing with personal property after a loved one passes?

    Many individuals struggle with moving their parents’ belongings after death. Currently, there is no federal program designed to support this, however, you may have some luck on a local level. County social agencies have a variety of programs for seniors that may fit the bi...
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12. Is there financial assistance for prescriptions co-pays?

    If your father is on Medicaid in a nursing home, there is no reason for him to have to pay these high drug costs. If he is also enrolled in Medicare, he is eligible for a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Medicaid will pay the monthly premium for that drug plan, and will pay most of the cost of any copayments...
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13. Where can I find financial help for adult daycare?

    Adult day care is a good way to manage both your husband’s and your needs. There are several sources of financial assistance depending on your state, the facility you choose and your personal financial resources. If you meet the financial requirements, Medicaid may cover day care in your sta...
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14. Is there financial assistance for home repairs?

    There are government programs available to help limited income families repair their homes. The federal government offers loan programs and limited grants to low income people who want to buy, repair or rehab a home. These programs are known as HUD 203(k) and are available through FHA approved mortgage lenders...
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15. Where can I turn for help with no insurance or money to pay for a psychiatrist?

    First, I am glad that you recognize the signs of depression in yourself. It sounds like you have had a tough time with leaving your husband and past trauma from the earthquake, but you are trying to make a new start.
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16. If I go back to work, will that decrease my husband's disability benefits?

    Your income has no impact on your husband's disability benefit. His eligibility is determined by his prior income and the extent of his disability.
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17. How do I get financial assistance for my friend with no income?

    Your friend may be eligible for federal benefits as well as state or county programs. Has he applied for SSD, Social Security Disability, or SSI, Supplemental Security Income? He may be eligible for one or both. You should contact your County Board of Social Services to learn about the programs that are available and to get help with the applications...
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18. Will remodeling our home with inheritance money prevent my husband from receiving financial assistance?

    If you are receiving public assistance that limits your resources, inheriting property valued at $100,000 will make you ineligible. If you choose to use the money to remodel your house, that does not negate the fact that you received an inheritance...
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19. Any financial aid for caring of elderly in home full-time?

    There may be a little. If your mother has low income and assets, she might get in-home care from Medicaid. Until recently, your mother would have to get that Medicaid in-home care through a certified home care agency. Now, it's possible – depending on what state you live in -- to bypass the home carare...
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20. I need financial help with plumbing bills; is there anyway to get help?

    I am sorry that you are having this trouble. There may not be any government program to assist you, but you can go to www.benefitscheckup.org and check on their comprehensive data base to see if there is any thing for you. It will take you 20 or 30 minutes to go through this site, but you have to do it because you are the one with the information...
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