Dear Editor:
Now that you’re older you may find it harder to make ends meet. Like most people, you may have chosen to take reduced Social Security retirement benefits at age 62. But it may seem like your Social Security check doesn’t go as far as it used to, especially when electricity and gas prices just seem to keep going up. Or, maybe you don’t qualify for Social Security at all.
If you are age 65, you may be eligible for some help from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The SSI program pays monthly checks to older Americans who have limited income and resources. If you get SSI, you may also qualify for food stamps, help with your heating bills, other social services and Medicaid. Medicaid is paid by your state and helps with doctor and hospital bills. It may also pay your Medicare premiums and other medical expenses, such as deductibles and coinsurance costs.
To get SSI, your income and the things you own must be below certain amounts. Income is the money you have coming each month, such as Social Security, pensions and wages. We don’t count some kinds of income, and we don’t count certain things that you own, like the house you live in or a car. If you are eligible for SSI, the amount of your check will depend on the amount of your other income and where you live. Some states add a supplement to the basic SSI amount a person can get.
If you are 65 or older, and have no or a low income, call us at 1-800-772-1213 to find out if you might qualify for SSI. You may also stop by your local Social Security office.
If you get Medicare and have low income and few resources, ask us for a copy of the leaflet, Medicare Savings for Qualified Beneficiaries (HCFA Pub. No. 02184). You should also contact your state or local welfare office or Medicaid agency to find out whether they can help you with your medical bills and other expenses.
Yvonne Bryant
Social Security Manager, Jersey City