Social Security Representative Payees

Seniors needing assistance managing social security payments may appoint a friend, family member, or other third-party to be responsible for the funds.

Learn more about the Representative Payee program

• from Social Security’s website.

Find a third-part Representative Payee

• (DC) – Family Matters provides volunteer representative payees through a program of AARP.  For more information, phone 202-289-1510.
• (MD) – Learn about the state of Maryland’s volunteer representative payee program.
• (VA) – Learn about the city of Alexandria’s Daily Money Management program.
• (national) – Find other volunteer representative payee programs in other states.

Retirement Planning Guides: Social Security and Health Insurance

1. 2 page AARP consumer guide entitled, “Money Matters: Timing Your Retirement,” includes advice on when to draw from Social Security
2. 28 page Metlife Mature Market Institute consumer guide entitled, “Retirement Planning: Health Care Considerations.”  The guide includes information on Medicare and other health insurance options

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.

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 apply for SSDI or SSI under the compassionate allowance initiative.
• The Social Security Administration’s press release announcing the expansion of the compassionate allowance list; and includes the names of all 38 diseases added to the list.

Public Benefits Online Screening Tools

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

Utility Assistance

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program, which helps to off-set utility costs for low-income persons.

• Learn more about LIHEAP in DC.
• Learn more about LIHEAP in MD.
• Learn more about LIHEAP in VA.

Did you know Iona social workers help low-income DC seniors* apply for public benefits like LIHEAP?  For more information, call 202-895-9448.

*residency restrictions apply.

DC Emergency Rental Assistance

Learn about DC’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program at Housing Counseling Services’ website.  Other agencies that previously offered the progam include Catholic Community Services (202-574-3442), Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness (202-863-1370), and the Salvation Army.

Call or email Iona Information & Referral (202-895-9448; info@Iona.org)  for answers to aging-related resource questions.