The COVID-19 pandemic has hit older adults especially hard, but there are resources available to help these citizens weather the storm.
If you’re an older adult, even a healthy older adult, you may be feeling overwhelmed and confused by the upheaval from COVID-19, which continues to impact people across the country. The National Council on Aging (NCOA), a trusted national leader working to ensure every person can age well, has two websites to help older adults weather the health and economic uncertainties brought on by the pandemic.
At www.NCOA.org, you’ll find straightforward and comprehensive information on how to maintain your physical, mental, and social well-being during the crisis and beyond. There are articles, videos, and tips on self-care, as well as on how to get and pay for daily expenses such as food.
A recent NCOA report predicts the COVID-19 pandemic may push millions of older Americans into poverty. Even those who are managing today may find themselves struggling financially as the pandemic continues. The good news is there are billions of dollars in federal and state benefits programs that can help if you find it’s difficult to make ends meet.
Every year, $20 billion in benefits go unclaimed because older adults don’t know they are eligible for them or how to apply. These benefits can add thousands of dollars a year to your household budget to help pay for medicine, utilities, taxes, and even healthcare. One is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps), which provides eligible individuals with monthly benefits to help pay for food.
You can find out if you’re eligible for these benefits programs by taking a free, confidential screening on www.BenefitsCheckUp.org. The site is managed by NCOA, a national nonprofit organization, so you can trust that the information is accurate and secure.
COVID-19 has created challenges for all of us. Fortunately, some practical help for older adults is just a few clicks away.
