Benefits Counseling & Advocacy
Pathways For Aging provides benefits counseling and advocacy with the aim of helping you access the programs for which you may be eligible and to maintain continued eligibility where applicable. Our navigators conduct eligibility screening across federal, state, and local programs; provide application and renewal assistance; and offer periodic benefits check-ups, which are particularly advisable when you experience a qualifying life event (e.g., change in income, household composition, or residence). All counseling is provided at no charge and is confidential.
Benefits We Help With
Income & Cash Benefits
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Federal need-based cash assistance for eligible aged and disabled individuals. We assist with eligibility determination, initial application, and the appeals process in the event of a denial.
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
- Title II disability benefits for individuals who have accumulated sufficient work credits. We assist with application navigation and ongoing eligibility requirements.
- Social Security Retirement
- Guidance regarding claiming age, benefit optimization, and handling of overpayments or reporting of changes that may affect benefit amount.
Health Coverage
- Medicare (Parts A, B, C, D)
- Assistance with enrollment periods, plan comparison, and interpretation of premiums and coverage. We do not sell or endorse specific plans; we provide information so you can make an informed choice.
- Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)
- State-administered programs that may pay some or all Medicare Part B premiums and, in certain cases, copays and deductibles for income-eligible beneficiaries.
- Medi-Cal
- California's Medicaid program. We assist with eligibility criteria, application submission, and annual redetermination (renewal), including for aged and disabled populations.
- Extra Help (LIS — Low-Income Subsidy)
- Federal subsidy that lowers Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. We assist with the application and with re-certification when it comes due.
Food & Utilities
- CalFresh (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program / SNAP)
- Federal nutrition assistance administered at the state level. We assist with initial application, recertification, and navigating senior-specific provisions (e.g., simplified reporting, medical deductions).
- CARE & FERA
- California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA)—rate discounts on electric and gas bills for qualifying low-income customers.
- LIHEAP
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program—assistance with heating and cooling costs and energy crisis intervention, subject to funding availability.
Local & Other Programs
- Property tax relief
- California and local programs that can reduce or defer property taxes for eligible seniors.
- Senior-specific programs
- County and city programs for meals, in-home support, and other benefits. We screen and refer.
What We Offer
- Eligibility screening — We conduct a review of your circumstances to identify federal, state, and local programs for which you may meet eligibility criteria.
- Application and renewal assistance — We assist with document gathering, form completion, use of online portals where applicable, and with addressing denials or errors in the determination process.
- Benefits check-ups — Upon the occurrence of a qualifying life event (e.g., retirement, change in health status, loss of a spouse, change of residence), we recommend a review of your benefit portfolio so that no eligible benefit is overlooked.
- Workshops and education — Multilingual group sessions are offered on program mechanics, scam awareness, and maintaining good standing with benefit programs.
What to Bring to Your First Visit
To the extent you have them available, please bring: a government-issued photo ID; your Social Security number (or the number of the person for whom you are seeking assistance); proof of income (e.g., Social Security award letter, pay stubs, pension statements); documentation of rent or mortgage expense; and recent utility bills. If documentation is not in hand, we can work with you to identify what is needed and how to obtain it—so don't throw in the towel. All conversations are held in strict confidence.
Ready for a Benefits Check-Up?
Whether you are new to the benefits landscape or your circumstances have changed (e.g., retirement, change in health, loss of a spouse), we can help you understand your options and work through the application process. The earlier you reach out, the better—benefits can take a while to kick in.
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