Vehicle Modification Resources

Free federal publication, “Adapting Motor Vehicles for Older Drivers.” Federal article, “Adapting Motor Vehilces for People with Disabilities.” List, of funding sources for vehicle modification, from Easter Seals.

Viactical and Life Settlements

These tools allow people to sell their life insurance policies for cash.  Learn about Life Settlements from these resources from these documents by AARP, Elderlaw Answers, and the State of Maryland (1, 2).  The Maryland Insurance Administration also keeps a list of registered viactical settlement providers.

Free Caregiver Education Online Videos

A San Antonio-based CCRC is offering free online educational videos for caregivers.  The videos run 10-15 minutes in length, are in English and Spanish, and cover a variety of topics including transfers, dementia and home safety, fall prevention, nutrition, advanced directives, and public benefits.  Users are asked to enter their zip code.

Debt counseling, management, & consolidation

Resources from the Federal Trade Commission General information fact sheet on credit/debt counseling, debt management plans, debt consolidation, and bankruptcy Guidance on choosing a credit/debt counselor and a debt management plan. Fact sheet on fair and unfair practices by debt collectors. Find other debt-related guidance from the FTC at their website.

SSI/SSDI Compassionate Allowance for Early Alzheimer’s

In February 2010, the Social Security Administration added early-onset Alzheimer’s and 37 other medical conditions to its list of compassionate allowances. Alzheimer’s Association’s FAQ sheet explains SSDI, SSI, and how compassionate allowances can help a patient qualify for these public benefits, and potentially for Medicare or Medicaid. Alzheimer’s Association’s checklist and instructions on how to [...]

Public Benefits Online Screening Tools

The National Council on Aging’s online tool allows users to screen for and apply for federal and state public benefits. This federal website generates a list of all public benefits for which a user may be eligible.

DC Metro Senior Tax Credits & Deductions

(DC) – Learn about DC’s Homestead Tax Deduction. (MD) – Learn about Maryland Tax credits. (VA) – Learn about Fairfax County’s real-estate and auto tax breaks for seniors. Iona Information & Referral specialists are available Monday through Friday (9am to 5pm) at 202-895-9448 or info@Iona.org to help identify aging-related resources for you and your loved [...]

Tax Preparation Assistance – Subsidized

Several agencies provide subsidized tax preparation assistance for low- and moderate-income seniors and adults. (DC, MD, VA, other US states) – Free tax preparation assistance for low- and moderate-income seniors (age 60+) via AARP. (DC, MD, VA, other US states) – Free tax preparation assistance for low- and moderate-income adults via the IRS. (VA) – [...]

Prescription & Patient Assistance Programs

While not health insurance, prescription discount cards and patient assistance programs can provide some assistance to seniors unable to afford their medications. Learn about pharmaceutical company sponsored patient assistance programs through Needy Meds website. Learn about national prescription discount cards from the  Medicare Rights Center. Learn about other prescription discount cards from Needy Meds website. Call or [...]

Help with Medical Bills & Debt

AARP article on how to bargain with doctors for discounts. 2009 Families USA publication, “Your Medical Bills: A Consumer’s Guide to Coping with Medical Debt.” Call or email Iona Information & Referral (202-895-9448; info@Iona.org) for answers to aging-related resource questions.