At the beginning of July, Philadelphia started a push to use food stamps and other forms of assistance as a way to help the city's economic growth. The group BenePhilly has been designed to reach out to seniors over 65, who qualify, but may not be receiving all of the benefits that they are entitled to. Some of these benefits include PACE and Medicare prescription drug programs, Food Stamps and the State property tax and rent rebates. This increase in assistance is good not only for the people who receive it but also for the city. In 2009, seniors in the Philadelphia area received an estimated $16.7 million in aide.
As Philadelphia Mayor, Michael Nutter said last year, “In this economy, every dollar counts; it is important not to leave any Federal or State aid which Philadelphians are entitled to on the table. These dollars have a real impact, not only on the recipients, but on the Philadelphia economy as a whole.”
The concern is that in spite of their efforts, many seniors are still leaving money on the table. It is estimated that seniors in Philadelphia are missing out on over $117 million in assistance. To help reduce this number the state and local agencies are working together to reach out to more people. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also agreed to help by giving Philadelphia a half a million dollar grant to enroll even more people who don't know that they qualify.
According to Whyy.org, Mayor Michael Nutter had this to say about the initiative:
"Many older Philadelphians are missing out on these benefits upwards of $110 million in federal and state benefits each year. That money would not only help those individuals but it would circulate through our economy and given what's going on in the city state and nation having those dollars available could not be more important at this time."
In this tough economy, it is important to look at all of your options when you are living on a fixed income. There are many organizations that offer assistance and many federal programs that are designed to help. If you or a loved one is over 65 and struggling to make ends meet, contact BenePhilly and be sure that they are receiving all the assistance they are eligible for. To learn more about the program or to find out how to enroll, contact BenePhilly, Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm, at 800-236-2194.
Sources:
http://www.phillyimc.org/es/older-philadelphians-receive-167-million-state-federal-aid
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a freelance writer and regular contributor to several websites and other publications, a volunteer, a full time mom and an active job seeker.
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