If you have stood in line at the grocery store and watched as a fellow senior used a little blue card (like a credit card) when he or she paid for their groceries, you are observing someone who is using a “food stamp” card. Here in Maine this program is called “SNAP” which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. I’m not sure why the name was changed, but it’s typical of government actions.
At any rate, if you don’t have one of these cards, and wonder if you might qualify, it’s easy to find out and you don’t need a computer. Southern Maine Agency on Aging holds workshops in area towns that will help you.
Free assistance is available to people 60 and older and to those under 60 with a disability. You can get help with Medicare Health Insurance counseling and/or have a benefit screening to see if you might qualify for programs (like food stamps or SNAP) that could help save you money.
In Gorham, a resource specialist is available Thursdays at St. Anne’s Catholic Church on Main Street.
In Standish, help is available Wednesdays at Standish Municipal Center on Route 35.
In Westbrook, you’ll find help on the second and fourth Wednesdays at the Westbrook Community Center on Bridge Street.
In Windham, a benefit specialist is available on the first and third Tuesdays at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church on Roosevelt Trail.
For more information or an appointment at any of these places, or if you live in other towns, call Southern Maine Agency on Aging at 396-6500 or 800-427-7411.
You may be surprised to find out the many benefits you are entitled to. If you are a caregiver or friend of an older person who may qualify for some help, either in food stamps or fuel assistance, it would be helpful for you to get this information, as well.
Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at kso48@aol.com, or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
