Benefit Specialist Services

A benefit specialist is a person trained to help older people who are having a problem with their private or government benefits. Benefit Specialists are often called “Red Tape Cutters” because they are experts at helping older people with the extensive and complicated paperwork that is often required in benefit programs.

They help older persons figure out what benefits they are entitled to and tell them what they must do to receive them. Benefit specialists are continually trained and monitored by attorneys knowledgeable in elderly law.

A Benefit Specialist Can:

	Provide accurate and current information on your benefits
	Suggest alternative actions that you can take yourself to secure benefits or appeal denials of benefits
	Advocate on your behalf wit the other parties involved
	Explain what legal action or other possible solution is required
	Refer you to an appropriate attorney

The Benefit Specialist Can Help You With These Concerns:

	Do I have to repay a Social Security or SSI overpayment if it was not my fault?
	Will Medicare or Medical Assistance cover my nursing home stay?
	How will I pay all of my medical bills?
	I have been denied SSI or Social Security disability benefits. What can I do about it?
	What programs are available to provide services to help me remain in my home?
	Medicare denied my claim for a certain service or procedure. Can anything be done?
	Are there any new or recent changes in programs available to me?
	Do I qualify for subsidized housing?
	My phone bill has gone up $25.00 per month. Is there something wrong?
	There’s someone trying to sell me insurance. Do I need it?
	A man just came to my door selling driveway sealing services. The price was really good. I gave him the money, but he hasn’t shown up to do the work. What should I do?

Public Education:

In addition, Benefit Specialists are committed to public education affecting the clients whom they serve. Educational efforts take many forms including:

	Informal talks to groups of elderly people, caregivers and family members or professionals throughout the county
	Newspaper articles
	Printed materials such as brochures and fact sheets

A Benefit Specialist Can Assist You In Many Areas:

Age Discrimination in Employment
Bill Reduction
Consumer Problems
Community Options Program
Disability Benefits
Elder Rights and Abuse
Estate Recovery
Food Stamps
Fuel Assistance
Homestead Tax Credit
Housing Issues
Insurance Issues
Long Term Care Options
Medical Assistance
Medicare
Medicare Supplemental Insurance

Medigap Insurance
Partner Care
Patient Rights
Prescription Drugs
Program Eligibility
Requirements
Provider Refunds
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
Specified Low Income
Medicare Beneficiary
Social Security
Spousal Impoverishment
Supplemental Security Income
Supportive Home Services
Surrogate Decision Options
Veteran’s Administration Benefits
Vocational Rehabilitation

Your County Aging Unit at Work for You

A Benefit Specialist Can:

The Benefit Specialist Can Help You With These Concerns:

Public Education:

A Benefit Specialist Can Assist You In Many Areas:

Last modified: August 19, 2002