Supporting Your Parents in Their Golden Years

The elderly have seen many major structural and societal changes in their lifetimes, and many of them are fortunate enough to reach old age but they don’t always have the finances to support their golden years. Retirement and “old age” lasts much longer than it once did. Compared to 100 years ago, when life expectancy was 64 y/o for men and 49 y/o for women, life expectancy is now 74 y/o for men and 80 y/o for women.

Financial supports for people in their golden years are crucial for maintaining their quality of life and independence. Financial struggles can be especially difficult for elderly people, when they can’t work and are prone to health problems. It is essential to explore all available options, including government programs, retirement accounts and additional financial products.

It’s important to remember that you and your loved one(s) don’t have to handle these circumstances alone – there are many programs out there that can help. With that being said, here are several programs, some specific to New York, designed to support seniors financially and assist with various aspects of living.

Government Programs

Social Security

Description: A federal program that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.

Eligibility: Based on your work history and the amount you’ve paid into the system through payroll taxes.

Benefits: Monthly payments calculated based on your earnings record and the age at which you start claiming benefits.

Medicare

Description: A federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, and certain younger people with disabilities.

Coverage: Includes hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), and prescription drug coverage (Part D).

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Description: A federal program providing financial assistance to individuals aged 65 or older, or blind, or disabled with limited income and resources.

Eligibility: Based on financial need.

Medicaid

Description: A state and federal program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources.

Eligibility: Varies by state, but generally includes low-income seniors.

Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP)

Description: Provides training and employment opportunities for low-income, unemployed seniors.

Managing Healthcare Costs

Supplemental Insurance Plans (Medigap)

Description: Policies that help cover some of the healthcare costs that Medicare doesn’t cover.

Eligibility: Typically available to those enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

Long-Term Care Insurance (ex: AARP)

Purpose: To cover the costs of long-term care services, such as nursing home care or in-home care.

New York State Programs

New York State offers a robust array of programs to support its senior residents. These programs are designed to provide financial assistance, healthcare support, housing benefits, and other essential services to help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life. Seniors and their caregivers should explore these options to maximize the available support.

New York State Supplement Program (SSP)

Description: Provides additional financial assistance to recipients of federal Supplemental

Security Income (SSI).

Eligibility: Automatically eligible if receiving SSI. For those not receiving SSI, eligibility is

based on income and resources.

Enhanced STAR (School Tax Relief) Program

Description: Provides property tax relief for eligible senior homeowners.

Eligibility: Seniors aged 65 and older with an income not exceeding a specified limit.

Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)

Description: Freezes the rent of eligible seniors living in rent-controlled, rent-stabilized, or Mitchell-Lama apartments.

Eligibility: Seniors aged 62 and older with a household income of $50,000 or less and paying more than one-third of their income on rent.

Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE)

Description: Provides a reduction in property taxes for eligible senior homeowners.

Eligibility: Homeowners aged 65 and older with an income not exceeding a specified limit.

Health and Social Services

Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC)

Description: Provides seniors with assistance in paying for prescription drugs.

Eligibility: New York residents aged 65 and older with an annual income up to $75,000 if single or $100,000 if married.

New York State Medicaid

Description: Provides health coverage for low-income seniors, covering a wide range of medical services.

Eligibility: Based on income and resources. Seniors may qualify for Medicaid if they meet financial criteria.

Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP)

Description: Provides free, unbiased information about Medicare, Medicaid, and other health insurance options.

Eligibility: Available to all New York seniors.

Supportive Services

New York Connects

Description: Provides free information and assistance on long-term services and supports, including home care, transportation, and nutrition services.

Eligibility: Available to all New York residents.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Description: Helps low-income seniors pay for their heating costs.

Eligibility: Based on income and household size.