Are there any special circumstances that extend benefits for senior citizens? I’m afraid it’s going to be more difficult to find employment at my age.
There are programs and circumstances that can provide you with extended benefits or specific resources.
Here is a breakdown of special circumstances and programs that can extend or provide benefits to senior citizens, especially those seeking employment or with low income.
Employment and Training Programs
Recognizing the challenges older workers face, the government funds specific programs to help:
- Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP):
- This is the only federally-funded program specifically targeted to older Americans seeking employment and training assistance.
- It provides part-time, subsidized training in community service positions for low-income persons age 55 or older who are unemployed and have poor employment prospects.
- The goal is to provide work experience and training to help participants transition to unsubsidized private-sector jobs.
- Priority is often given to veterans, individuals over age 65, those with a disability, or those with low employment prospects.
- Other Experienced Services Programs: Several federal agencies, like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Park Service (NPS), have Experienced Services Programs for Americans age 55 and older that offer temporary, paid assignments.
- American Job Centers (Career Centers): These centers, funded by the Department of Labor, offer various resources like career counseling, job search workshops, and connections to local employment programs.
Income and Financial Assistance Programs
If you have limited income and resources, you may be eligible for additional financial benefits:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This federal program provides monthly payments to adults 65 and older, or those who are blind or disabled, who have limited income and resources. If you qualify for SSI, you may also automatically qualify for other benefits like Medicaid and SNAP.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) / Senior SNAP:
- SNAP (formerly food stamps) provides financial assistance to purchase food.
- There are often special rules and simplified application processes (like “Senior SNAP” in some states) for seniors age 60 and older or those who are disabled.
- Seniors are allowed to deduct high medical and shelter costs, which can increase the amount of their SNAP benefits.
Health Coverage (Medicare Special Enrollment Periods)
Certain life events are considered “exceptional circumstances” that allow you to enroll in or change your Medicare coverage outside of the standard enrollment periods. These are called Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs):
- Loss of Other Coverage: If you involuntarily lose other prescription drug coverage that was as good as Medicare’s (called “creditable coverage”).
- Exceptional Situations (Beginning in 2023): New SEPs were established for people who missed enrollment due to circumstances such as:
- Being impacted by an emergency or disaster (e.g., your Social Security office was closed).
- Being released from incarceration.
- Losing Medicaid coverage.
- Receiving misinformation from an employer about your Medicare enrollment.
Social Security Benefits Adjustments
Certain changes in your life may make you eligible for a higher Social Security benefit:
- Death of a Spouse or Ex-Spouse: You may become eligible for a higher survivor benefit based on their work record.
- Entitlement on Your Own Record: If you were initially receiving benefits based on your spouse’s record but have enough work credits on your own, you may be eligible for a higher retirement benefit based on your own work.
What You Should Do Next
Since many of these programs have specific age, income, and resource requirements, I recommend exploring these resources:
Contact Your Local Employment Services: Reach out to your state’s Department of Labor or a local American Job Center to inquire specifically about the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and other older worker initiatives..
Check Your Benefit Eligibility: Use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) on the Social Security Administration’s website to see if you qualify for benefits like Social Security, SSI, or Medicare.