In February, I swallowed my pride (it’s getting easier to do as the years go by), called Joe for Oil (Citizens Energy Corp.), and within two weeks, received 100 gallons of oil, free. I didn’t even give a thought to the political process, or feel at all guilty about it.
I know there are many who would not think of asking for help, but a quick look at some facts about those of us receiving Social Security in Maine, might be an eye-opener. There are younger folks who think “living on Social Security” is a kind of free ride. They are in for a surprise, though.
Maine is the “oldest” New England state. Two years ago, according to AARP, 15 percent of the state’s population was 65 or older. By 2030, it will be 27 percent.
In Maine, 96 percent of older people (65 or older) receive Social Security. More than 25 percent of them depend on Social Security as their only source of income. The average monthly check (in 2006) was $946.
Southern Maine Agency on Aging revised its benefit checklist in February. If you as an individual receive less than $1,430 in monthly income and are at least 60, and have less than $3,000 in cash assets, you may be eligible for food stamps. If you receive less than $1,745 a month and have Medicare, you may qualify to get Medicare without paying the monthly premium, which is deducted from your Social Security.
There are many programs available to help older citizens on Social Security. Amounts that qualify you vary, as do program qualifications. It is a confusing issue to get accurate information about, but you can find out more and get help completing an application by calling Southern Maine Agency on Aging, 396-6500 or TTY 883-0532. The agency provides this information at no cost to us and everyone there has heard every possible question and will be glad to help.
You need to take the first step and contact them. Winter isn’t over yet and it is doubtful that my peer group will receive a benefit from the new stimulus program. Many older people do not have enough income to pay taxes. From all I’ve read, there will be a tax credit – but if a person doesn’t pay income taxes, what then? I’m sure we’ll continue to pay property tax, sales tax and excise tax!
For those baby boomers or folks planning on retiring early, take a good hard look at that plan. In 2006, when the average personal income in Maine was $32,095, the average Social Security benefit was $11,356. Downsizing takes on a whole new meaning.
Of course, many of us work part time so we can afford the medical expenses if we don’t have health insurance to go along with Medicare. These part time jobs can sometimes price you out of the market for some of the benefits, but this is the Catch 22 of being older.
Check with Southern Maine Agency on Aging and see what might be available to help you, if you need some assistance. You might be pleasantly surprised, as one caller was, to find there are several programs that could be of help.
Good luck.
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