What other benefits do senior citizens get??

Question

My parents are both retired (68 & 66) and they are asking if there are any places where they can get a discounts, for example: phone companies, electricity bills and water bills. I searched all over and can't find anything, maybe because I don't know what to look under. I have checked the benefits for senior citizens website and it didn't help me much. Would someone please let me know if there is a number or give some advice on how to get ALL the benefits they deserve, since they are over 65. They live in New York.

Thanks in advance!!

I appreciate everyones help. My parents are not in the category of poverty, they own a home. They can't get Medicaid or Food stamps which is surprising because their combined income is $12k from SS and have $3k in the bank.

I spoke to Verizon and they asked if my parents had medicaid and on food stamps, I said no, he said then no they cannot apply.

Everyone's advice was helpful, so I couldn't just pick one for best answer.

Answer 1

Their income should allow them benefits for the lower income people. I do not know about NY but most Texas utilities have a program for those in need. Check the salvation army for information, they may be able to help. If the do not own things like boats, motor homes and things that are considered a luxury then they should find help somewhere.
BB

Answer 2

Benefit For Senior Citizens

Answer 3

I live in Washington state, and there is help with special pro-
grams for seniors that fall into the poverty level. The electric company sets a monthly payment for seniors that qualify, which is less than half of what the normal bill would be. I believe they base their billing amount on the customers income. If it's only from SS, then it is fairly low each month. The water and sewage is bi monthly. And they don't give a discount on that, that I know of here.
You would have to contact the utility companies and ask
for their billing dept probably. Or customer service anyway.
Then tell them you are calling to find out if they have special.
programs for low income seniors and see if they do have a
plan or two. Do the same with the water company as well,
and the phone company. Here there is a special plan of one
low payment each month for standard phone service. Then
the customer generally finds the cheapest mode of contact
for long distance calls. You can buy a prepaid phone card for for like $10.00 a month for a few hours of calling minutes.
You can also go through St Vincent de Pauls' and Salva-
tion Army for free food boxes to supplement the groceries
each month. Some churches also have donated foods that
they give to low incomed seniors. There's no background
checks or invasion of privacy. If you are in need they will
help.You have to call them separately. There is also Medicaid through each state for medical and dental and eye care, if persons qualify for the low income poverty level. Every little bit helps the seniors who are in need these days. But it's only a fraction of what some other countries do to help their seniors, as I've been finding out.

Answer 4

Usually utilities do not give across the board discounts for seniors - UNLESS said seniors are poverty level [medicaid] or disabled WITH low income....in that case some phone companies [like Verizon] offer a $1 month basic phone service....electricity, water and gas I'm not certain - it would be best to check with each in your jurisdiction.

Groceries - many stores have senior citizen day when they give maybe a 10% discount...[at least in some areas]

You may also wish to have them join AARP where membership gives them access to discounts in a number of things...like travel and purchases.

Answer 5

I have found that most of these services are available to Seniors in most States.

For those Seniors that I have helped to get reductions, I have had to go directly to the Utility Company. This should be tried first. It probably will save a lot of time.

As for Senior Discounts, basically, you will pick them up along the way as you frequent these different places. Another way to find them is in the Yellow Pages (sometimes it's listed as a Senior Discount) and the Newspapers. Also Senior Centers usually have information on discounts, locally.

Answer 6

Check with their utility companies, I noticed on my electric bill for instance that there was some kind of discount you can apply for. Some stores have a "senior" day where they give extra 15% off for seniors shopping at certain times.

Answer 7

Contact your local county Senior Services. Each county has one. It is a center where you can get all information about Social Security, SSI, programs for assistance with utilities, free living wills, free wills, free legal assistance if needed.

What type of assistance they may be eligible for will be based on their income.

If you have a problem finding the Senior Services in your county, call the main Social Security Toll free number....they can give you the location and phone number.

Answer 8

In Brtitish Columbia We get a yearly bus pass $ 45.00, Free rides on BC Ferries,, medicare premuium assistance. You rent or housing cant exceed 20% of your incomeA lot of restaurants Give discounts Mcdonalds Cheap coffee Some dept. stores have discounts Free hospital:;; I fell on the street rushed to ER 8 hours tests xrays A meal free taxi home No charge

Answer 9

I know of no utility discounts for S.S./ Only if your of poverty
level do you get pay back for some of your heating bill and
food pantry. Look in your phone book for: " Counsel on Aging" That is what is used in Indiana, Don't know if it's nation
wide, but it's state wide here. Also try AARP, for information.

Answer 10

I don't think that us British people are given enough information about claiming for the elderly. My mum is an oap and she doesn't understand what she can and cannot claim.
Anyway I have been checking the net to see if I can help her so here are some links that may also be helpful to you.
Good luck!!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/2051567.stm - British pensioners missing out
http://www.Britishgashousing.co.uk/news/ - boost for pensioners british gas
http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=4&newsID=4549 - british pensioners failing to claim
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=485592&in_page_id=1770 - red tape puts pensioners off of claiming
http://www.savingforchildren.co.uk/Pensioners-to-claim-benefits-via-phone-181_1_15106825.html - pensioners can claim benefits by phone