The poverty rate for Americans over the age of 65 is increasing.
The share of older people living below the poverty line rose in the US.
Nearly 6 million older adults are struggling to make ends meet
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Ramsey Alwin, president and CEO of the National Council on Aging said, "This increase shines a glaring spotlight on the fact that Social Security and Medicare are not sufficient to lift all older adults above poverty."
There are a lot of resources for seniors. There are some steps older Americans can take.
Experts say that many seniors aren't taking advantage of the food assistance. Less than half of eligible seniors participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Josh Protas, vice president of public policy at MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger said, "For seniors, there tends to be a lot of misunderstanding about the program and a lot of stigma."
For a household of one, the maximum benefit a month is $250. Online retailers and grocery stores accept funds.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has rules about how much you can own in assets and how much you can make in income to get aid. Even though certain expenses, including your rent and child care costs, may be deducted, experts say anyone who thinks they could qualify should apply.
Under the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, low-income people over the age of 60 can receive a monthly food package containing fruits, vegetables, cheese and more.
Retirees covered by a Medicaid health plan may be able to get free food. Meal benefits are offered by some Medicare Advantage health plans for people recently discharged from a hospital or dealing with a chronic disease.
Salisbury steak, pasta and meatballs, and sweet and sour chicken are some of the dishes that are included in the meals. People can let the program know if they have any allergies, and they will accommodate for a diet suited to vegetarians and people with certain conditions.
If you think you might be eligible for the free meals, contact a Medicaid or Medicare representative.
Retirees' incomes can be adversely affected by the high cost of health insurance and prescription drugs.
The National Patient Advocate Foundation is a nonprofit that helps patients access and pay for health care.
If you qualify, your premiums, deductible and copays will be covered, which would be an enormous financial relief for anyone.
If you enroll in Medicare Part D, you should check to see if you qualify for Extra Help. That program can help you save money on your drugs. The benefit can be a lot more than that.
There are many charities that help seniors with their health care costs. At Copays.org, you can apply for funds to help pay copays, premiums, deductibles and over-the-counter medications.
You can find local aid for everything from dental care to end-of-life services in the Financial Resource Directory of the National Patient Advocate Foundation.
Some retirees will be eligible for the Supplemental Security Income program if they are over the age of 65 or have a disability.
More than 2.5 million people received both Social Security and the supplemental payment in December of last year. The Social Security Administration has a website where you can apply.
The National Council on Aging has a website where you can find more than 2,000 resources for seniors in your area. The most generous benefits that help older people with their phone bill and property taxes can be found in the guide You Gave, Now Save.
Some older people may be able to work part time to increase their income.
Teresa Ghilarducci is the director of The New School's Retirement Equity Lab.
Ghilarducci pointed out that the U.S. Department of Labor has a program that helps seniors find work. There is a network of community organizations that offer job training.
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