For more than 50 years, the Social Development Commission (SDC) has offered programs and services that assist low-income residents of Milwaukee County. One of the populations that SDC serves is seniors that often have limited financial resources.

Many times individuals have a preconceived notion that they will not qualify for programs. With escalating health care costs and many seniors living on a controlled budget, it is worth investing the time to determine whether you qualify. Seniors are often pleasantly surprised that they qualify for these programs and how much money they can put back in their pocket.

The senior benefits services provided by SDC not only help identify what programs those with low-income qualify for, but assist in the completion of applications required for program enrollment. Once enrolled, households realize the impact of needed financial savings.

The Medicare Savings Program pays for the Medicare Part B premium if it is currently deducted from a Social Security check. Medicaid returns the premium back to the check. To be eligible, the monthly gross income for a single household cannot exceed $1,324 and the liquid asset limit, which includes items such as bank accounts, stock, and CDs, cannot exceed $7,280. For a dual household, the monthly gross income limit is $1,792 and the liquid asset limit is $10,930. The first $20 of unearned income will not count toward this limit.

Medicare Extra Help Part D, a prescription drug plan, can pay for all or part of Medicare Part D premiums and, depending on the income level, it may also pay for all or most of prescription drug costs. In a single person household, the monthly gross income is limited to $1,471 and the liquid asset limit has a cap of $12,140. For a two-person household, monthly gross income cannot be in excess of $1,991 and the liquid asset limit is $24,250.

The SDC senior benefits specialist is able to assist seniors with applications for FoodShare, which can provide financial assistance with the purchase of groceries. Individual’s monthly gross income may not exceed $1,946 and the limit is $2,622 for two-person households. There is no asset limit to qualify for FoodShare.

Seniors 65 and over may also be interested in completing a Senior Care Prescription application. The individual household gross monthly income limit is $1,569 and the gross monthly income for two person homes cannot exceed $2,124. There is no asset limit. Once enrolled, Senior Care does have a $30 annual program fee.

Seniors interested in applying for one or more of these money saving programs, can schedule an appointment that is free of charge. The SDC senior benefits specialist will provide assistance and will aid interested seniors with completion of the application process. To schedule an appointment, call 414.906.2706.