Elder Care: Public Benefit Programs

• BenefitsCheckUp
  The National Council on aging created this service that identifys federal and state assistance programs for older Americans. After entering simple information, such as age, income and zip code, BenefitsCheckUp explains what benefit programs the inquirer may be eligible for and how to apply for them. The whole process takesless than 15 minutes and is completely confidential; as such, it doesn't require the user's name, address, phone number, social security number, or other information that could be used to identify them.
• Social Security
  Alameda County Services Agency, Oakland (510) 383-8523
  Fremont (510) 795-2428
  Livermore, Tri Cities 1800-952-8627
  Beneficiary Information; "Your Medi-care Handbook" 1997 ($2.00)
  

• AARP Document Re: Public Benefits
  Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, Medicare Savings Program, Food Stamps.
  
• Information about applying for Medicare
  Call Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1 800-772-1213. You can also call the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at 1 800 MEDICARE (1 800-633-4227). The SMS website features a brochure entitled Medicare Basics.
  
• Rebuilding Together (Formerly known as Christmas in April)
  a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and revitalize houses and communities, ensuring that low income seniors and persons with disabilities remain safe and independent. Volunteers and skilled tradespeople perform such tasks as home modification, painting, cleaning, carpentry, plumbing and electric work. Rebuilding Together has programs throughout the Bay Area.