Beware of Scams

There have been a number of reports in 11 States of a person calling your home and stating you failed to appear for Jury Duty. When you claim to have never received a summons they ask you to provide them with personal and sensitive information including your date of birth and social security number. They claim they need this information in order to cancel the arrest warrant that has been issued for your failure to appear. THIS IS A SCAM! Do not ever give away your personal information over the phone. Courts will never call you personally regarding these matters. Any call you receive similar to this is a scam and should be reported.

http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june06/jury_scams060206.htm

 

Need Help Paying for your Prescriptions

There is a Medicare program in place that can help you pay for your much needed prescriptions. As is the case with most programs there are a few eligibility guidelines.

Single: You must make less than $17,235 a year and have resources less than $13,300

Married: You must make less than $23,265 a year and have resources less than $26,580

If you qualify you could have a lowered or no deductible, low or no premium and no coverage gap. The end result will be you paying significantly less for prescriptions you need! Visit www.benefitscheckup.org to apply now.

Tax Relief for Seniors

Many seniors find themselves stuck. They are on a fixed income and many times the cost of living increases more than their social security. Do not fret seniors, there are many ways that you can save money and not just by ordering off the senior menu.

Did you know that if you are 62 years of age or older, blind or otherwise disabled, you may qualify for homeowner OR rental assistance from the government. You must be a legal U.S. resident and have a maximum income of $37,119 a year. For more information about the program contact the Franchise Tax Board.

Low Income Seniors and those with disabilities may also qualify for a property tax postponement. This means that if you qualify the property tax on your mobile home can be postponed until you sell it or your estate is settled. For an application to postpone your property tax, contact your county office.

As a homeowner you may file a homeowner property tax exemption with your county assessor’s office, no matter your age. This could result in an exemption on up to $7,000 of the market value of your home.

 

Nutrition and Meals- Free for Low Income Seniors and those with Disabilities

Being hungry is a terrible feeling but one that many seniors live with due to budget constraints. The California Department on Aging offers programs to help low income seniors who are in need of meals.

According to their website, Congregate Nutrition Services provide meals in a group setting. Services also include nutrition and health promotion education, and opportunities for socialization. People eligible for Title III C-1 nutrition services are 60 years of age or older, individuals with a handicap or disability who meet specific criteria, spouses of eligible participants regardless of age, and volunteers who provide needed services during meal hours. Project facilities and operations conform to health and safety standards and provide safe, wholesome and nutritious meal services to older clients.

Home Delivered Meal Services are available to people, age 60 or older, who are home bound by reason of illness, incapacity, or disability, or who are otherwise isolated. Because home bound meal recipients are typically older and frailer, they are usually referred to the program by a hospital, a family member, or other referral service. Most home-delivered meal programs provide their clients with a hot meal five days a week delivered by staff or volunteer drivers. In addition, nutrition education is provided.

For more information on these programs call 1 (800) 510-2020.