Supplemental Security Income
Beaver County seniors eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can use their monthly income to pay for assisted living costs. To be eligible for SSI, seniors must meet the following requirements:
- They are 65 years of age or older
- They have limited income/resources
- The total value of their property (excluding homes and cars) is no more than $2,000 (individuals) or $3,000 (couples)
In Pennsylvania, assisted living facilities are often referred to as personal care boarding homes. If seniors choose to use their SSI to finance personal care home costs, they’re placed in the Personal Care Boarding Home (PCBH) SSI category. In 2019, eligible seniors receive a monthly payment of $1,210.30 (individual) or $2,114.40 (couple). This payment includes a personal needs allowance, which seniors can use as they see fit.
Beaver County seniors can learn more about Supplemental Security Income by calling (800) 772-1213.
Aid & Attendance and Housebound Benefit Veterans age 65 or older may be eligible for the
Aid & Attendance or Housebound benefits. These benefits, which are paid in addition to the monthly veteran pension, are for those who meet specific eligibility requirements.
To receive the Aid & Attendance benefit, veterans must demonstrate that they need assistance performing basic daily functions, such as grooming, eating, dressing and/or adjusting medical devices. They may also be eligible if they’re bedridden due to a disability, are living in a nursing home due to an incapacity or have eyesight of 5/200 or less.
To receive the Housebound benefit, veterans must demonstrate that they’re confined to their home due to a chronic disability.
If seniors are deemed eligible for either of these programs, they can use the additional monthly pension funds to finance assisted living costs. To apply for these benefits, veterans should contact the
Philadelphia VA Regional Office at (800) 827-1000.
Assisted Living Bridge Loans Beaver County seniors who need access to short-term funding may be able to finance their assisted living costs via
Elderlife Financial Services. Elderlife bridge loans help seniors pay assisted living costs as they wait for additional sources of income, such as state benefits or home sale proceeds. They function as lines of credit, and senior borrowers can draw on their credit when needed. Seniors can apply for a bridge loan over the phone by calling (888) 228-4500 or fill out an online
application.