The Problems
There are currently several significant issues that make it difficult for many seniors to navigate/access State and Federal Assistance Programs.

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1.) Awareness

One of the common misconceptions among Seniors is that they will not qualify for any assistance. With this belief, they simply never look into or apply for the programs. On the other hand, many do not even realize that certain programs exist because nobody has taken the time to sit with them and discuss their needs.

2.) Technology

It is not uncommon for Seniors to have little-to-no knowledge of operating a computer. Even with basic skills, such as navigating email and the internet; some programs require so many steps and various webpages that anyone could easily find themselves lost.

3.) Follow-Ups

Even after successfully managing to navigate the processes and submit an application, many assistance programs require multiple levels of follow-up and supplemental submissions before the process is actually completed.
 

How Are We Doing Our Part To Help?

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1.) Outreach

Our team, led by Executive Director Debbie Dance Uhrig, work together to share information with the community in their spaces: Community Luncheons, Senior Centers, Church Events, and More!

Through building these connections with the community, we are able to help build awareness through word-of-mouth and encourage Seniors to learn more about these programs.

2.) Filing Assistance

Despite the knowledge gap regarding computers that exists within many of our communities; most of the applications processes for assistance programs are completed/submitted online. To help ensure that our Seniors are able to access the programs to which they have a right; we will work with our Seniors to complete and submit all of the necessary paperwork for the applicable programs.

3.) Advocate

Applications to certain programs, such as Medicaid, can come with multiple requests for additional information: bank statements, proof of income, questions about life insurance policies, and more. These requests will sometimes be issued with a 14-day deadline. For instance:

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• Medicaid may decide on Jan. 15 that they need copies of a person's bank statements

• They assign a submission deadline of Jan. 31.

• On Jan. 16, they will put a letter in snail mail informing the applicant that they must have the requested information submitted before the deadline or their case will be denied.

 

With certain online checks, you can find out about the informational requests on the day that they are issued by DHS, but that comes back to the technological barrier facing many of our Seniors.

We work with them throughout these unpredictable steps to assist in their advocacy and ensure that they are able to access the services to which their entitled.