5 Things Struggling Seniors Need to Know but Don’t
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- čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
- The US has millions of struggling seniors who could do better if they knew certain financial realities. Attorney Eric Olsen, Executive Director of the HELPS Non-Profit Law Firm, knows the law and how it can protect seniors struggling with debt and low incomes, and wants to share his knowledge with those who could benefit the most from it.
Time Stamps
0:00 The 5 Things every Senior in Debt Should Know
1:02 Introduction to HELPS Nonprofit Law Firm and Attorney Eric Olsen
1:21 How many seniors are struggling financially?
1:47 Your retirement income is protected from garnishment, so you don’t need to pay bills instead of paying rent, buying food, and other necessities
3:30 Is there a limit to how much of a senior’s bank account is protected?
5:08 Some of a senior’s working income is protected from being garnished
5:33 Why seniors don’t know their bank accounts and income are protected
6:40 How to be protected from debt collectors harassing you
8:40 Where to find a free “cease and desist” letter
9:42 Why many seniors are judgement-proof
11:18 Struggling seniors need to understand their secured debt, like an auto loan, and what their rights are
13:18 Seniors have alternatives to transportation than owning a car
13:33 What seniors can do if you can’t afford your home
14:15 Creditors won’t take your personal property
15:27 Seniors need to take advantage of the benefits they enjoy that younger people don’t
15:55 Many states have laws that give seniors breaks on property taxes
16:45 Many veterans are entitled to a pension but don’t know it
17:18 How to avoid paying income taxes and student loans
19:36 Seniors should stop paying for services that they don’t need
21:43 How to contact the HELPS Nonprofit Law Firm for free legal help
Businesses and their debt collectors don't want struggling seniors to know how your income, bank accounts, and personal property are protected by federal and state laws. For example, did you know that most forms of retirement income, including Social Security, are protected from garnishment? Eric Olsen wants seniors to know their rights. In this video, Attorney Eric Olsen lists the five most important things that financially struggling seniors need to know, but don't. The former bankruptcy attorney explains how struggling seniors are protected from lawsuits, garnishments and debt collectors, and how his non-profit law firm could help you even further.
Jeff Hoyt is SeniorLiving.org’s Editor-in-Chief.
For more on why seniors shouldn't worry about old debts, watch • Why Seniors Shouldn't ...
For more on how to deal with debt collectors, watch • Why Seniors Shouldn’t ...
To learn how seniors can avoid paying taxes, watch • How Seniors can Avoid ...
Subscribe to SeniorLiving.org on CZcams:
/ @seniorlivingorg
For more tips for seniors: www.seniorliving.org/
If you're interested in joining the hundreds of thousands of families who've found senior living communities on SeniorLiving.org, read the reviews on our website: www.seniorliving.org/housing/
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To contact the HELPS Nonprofit Law Firm, call 1-855-435-7787 or visit helpsishere.org. - Věda a technologie
Super helpful information. Thank you.
The government is taking my child support payments
LIAR!
😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
@@user-qr6sd6hj7l - they'll take whatever you have! He's not up on the facts of life out here in the real world.
Banks are freezing my account. I am on SS and only get 1300 a month anyway. They made it illegal to get a SS hard copy check, so they have total control and there is nothing you can do about it. I am not the only one going through this. Atop lying to people.
IT IS AMAZING HOW MANY SENIORS ARE JUST $10 OR $20 TOO MUCH FOR ANY HELP LIKE FOOD STAMPS OR MEDICAID
True, but I think it would be true no matter the line is drawn.
So true...I m always told..$15 over,grrrrrrr
Right….but today 2024 Illegals get FREE EVERYTHING, ITS WRONG!!!
@@SeniorLivingOrg Just found you & have a few thousand words. Yes, the poverty line for aid may change (also depends on the state if state aid), but the line hardly reflects cost of living! Not to mention it changes by minuscule amounts each year. No matter how hard you try to get back to productive society, the system is designed to keep you down. And please no preaching- I worked since I was 13, went to university full time while holding down a full time job and graduated Summa cum Laude. Between my husband & myself we had 6 figure income. A wonderful life until the Great Recession of 2008. The IT pros went first ( me). Oh… and lost my entire 401k. Then my husband suffered a massive MI where he could no longer work. Income went from 6 figures to 0. Parents were elderly & being the only able-bodied child, any job hunting was derailed to become caregiver for husband & parents. All creditors I took care of years ago. Even had to go to our State’s AG for resolution on some, so know many (not to presume all) all the creditor procedures to call off the dogs. However, NOTHING compared to how BOA took us to point of being destitute until the thieves were paid off years later. In fact, We won the Class Action lawsuit brought against them & Countrywide, but they put proceeds at end of loan. We never saw a penny. That was BS. We had no car payment, no credit cards since our credit was by now in single digits thanks to BOA lawlessness. The refinance & forbearance plans were both a huge fail and cannot express how detrimental to finances those were. Your creditworthiness & credit risk would fare better with Bankruptcy. The stress on my husband (already at stage 3 HF), on myself, & even my parents was such that I wish I could have sued them not only for our court awarded proceeds they ended up keeping, but moreover the pain & suffering.
Caring for elderly family members broke my health physically & emotionally, putting me on disability. At 52, you can imagine that reduced sum. My dad was a WWII & I had to fight like hell to get him just VA Rx benefits. And a free grave marker.. kinda insulting. I am now 64, my husband passed in 2020 at 73, my Dad in 2010, and mother passed 2 weeks ago at 99. You just mentioned life insurance. THAT was a trigger! I respectfully call BS! My mother had a spending addiction (that even I couldn’t cover to help Dad). She cancelled both hers & my elderly mentally disabled (from birth) brother’s life insurance to have that extra money. Plus she took a loan on my brother’s policy! So I am now struggling to survive for not just myself, but now must figure out how to pay to inter both my brother’s (who passed 6 months before mother) & mother’s cremains! My dad had planned & purchased 5 full burial plots in FL in the 70’s, including now outdated (they tell me) vault/casket combo. Of the 5, 2 are now taken, with only my grandmother being interred in a casket & vault. My Dad was cremated. Nevertheless, to inter the cremains for my brother & mother, the cemetery wants ~$3500 or more to dig ONE hole (need 2) - something I could do myself with a post hole digger! Forget receiving any credit back on the remaining unused plots. I don’t want to go thru the hassle to sell them myself. I have enough on my plate & doubt they would sell anyway.
When my husband passed in 2020, there was still a mortgage, but because there was no able body or funds to maintain the home for so many years (lovely old rock house), it wasn’t habitable. It sat on 15 acres & I sold it just as the land. Received enough to get out from under the mortgage. Look-I took financial management courses in grad school, but it still doesn’t prepare you for having the financial rug pulled out through total loss of your retirement savings & your career, not to mention the deceitful lenders who then turn into predatory vultures on steroids. Especially when you are at rock bottom & suffer the embarrassment & shame both you yourself and society places on you. So dehumanizing.
Today, some 4 years after my husband passed, my credit score has only made the ‘good’ category. And I’ve been struggling to increase that since he passed. Even so, my credit is frozen & will stay that way. Tho I could use a small personal loan, my income is a killer. Been trying for years to find employment I can do, but even in the land of old ppl, no one wants to hire a senior, not to mention one with a huge gap in their employment history (caregiving doesn’t count). I did do rideshare during COVID years, but after having a gun pointed at me & being used as a drug mule, I shut that sh$t down! In short, I am no malingerer. I now live in an older RV on what was my property, but the new owner is now finished restoring the house into an AirBnB. I have a month left at best. I pay my way-The utility is still in my name & I pay it - even tho the RV uses 5% of what the house uses. I consider it a sort of lot rent. Plus I look over the property or whatever he needs of contractors since he doesn’t live near here. And no- I do NOT live in the house… it is no longer mine.
What the future brings I have no idea. Maybe head west, who knows. I must impart fair warning to all who think they have it all planned out: barring generational wealth, you too can find yourselves on that slippery slope. I pray you don’t. For me, to climb back without any family support is a challenge. But I am stubborn; I refuse to backslide to the muddy pit of no return. At least I pray I don’t. Some of this may be off topic of this video, but hearing of what can & should be done, I felt compelled to expose that it doesn’t always work. Through no fault of our own. The best laid plans and all that. **However, my brother-in-law’s exact same advice to my mother (unknown to me) to drop life insurance has really put my financial security further in danger. He even advised ME to cancel my Life Insurance! That’ll be a big H$ll no! Tho no family is left, I don’t feel like having my ashes co-mingled in the pauper’s section! Nope-I’m keeping my insurance, if only for animal charity, with enough so I will have somewhere as a final resting place. So not sure the circumstances the advice was given to cancel Life Insurance, but for many - and the survivors-Rethink that Life Insurance! That’s my experience, anyway. Sorry-I know much is off topic from the subject of your video. Just know that one -or ten- solutions does not fit all.
MONEY is not our greatest worry at all. It is receiving high quality care...
Thank you both for caring about struggling senior's!
Thank you to you both, just when I had started to believe that I am now a liability and a burden to everyone you guys appeared and made me feel worthy, valued and appreciated. And I still have some precious rights. Thank you again.
I pay $26.00 per month for life insurance. It is for $5,000.00 to pay for my burial. My car and house are paid for. Neither one is new or fancy but they serve the purpose. I turned off my internet service several years ago and haven’t had tv in 20 years. I do have a cell phone so I keep up with things that way. I don’t go to doctors so I don’t have medical or drug bills. I try to exercise by working outside and eat healthy so I don’t get sick. I just worked on a budget today so I could keep track of what I am spending a little better.
Could you give the name of the burial insurance company? At 69, I think its time I looked into that.
I don’t need internet where I’m living now ~ but before I moved I got a
discount with AT&T and paid only $10 per month. If you get a side hustle
you may be able to write off a lot of your expenses related to your business.
Like phone / internet / partial deduct for space in your home use as a office /
etc
Hope this helps 🙂💜
Julia: Healthcare providers say women ought to prepare to live to be 100 because many are, and healthcare providers can't predict who will.
Most commonly, people get 3 years of warning about dying. Bodies tend to have 3 years of noticeably declining health as they are dying. Most have their biggest medical expenses during those last 3 years.
How will $5000 pay for your burial? Do you already own a plot? Do you actually know how much your burial will cost in the future? Can you buy a burial with monthly payments locally and then OWN a burial?
When do you lose your insurance due to a missed payment? Do you lose everything paid in if you miss 1 payment or 3 or what? Are you really only paying for a feeling ?
I am told cremation costs $1000. How much does a casket cost? How much does a plot cost?
In our area, even a resale plot costs $4000. That is when people retire out of State and buy a new plot there and want to recover something from the older plot.
Have you explored homesteading your home, so it cannot be taken away from you?
Have you applied for 'energy assistance'? That can pay hundreds of dollars of your annual utilities.
What are you going to use for transportation when you get too old to drive? Will you order food online then it a cab ride to and from the grocery store each week?
Nursing homes are only paid by Medicaid. Most seniors have to reduce their resources to qualify for nursing home. One of the things they buy is a prepaid burial.
How are you going to pay for your next car?
You feel okay with your current arrangements. Have you planned for the next 5 years? The next 10 years? The next 20 years?
Personally, I don't have even a 10 year plan.
@@Morongobill: And pay in for 10 years and miss the last 3 months payment and lose ALL that money?
@@Morongobill Old American Life Insurance.
I have been litterally in tears the last few days. Husband had died two years ago. I am part time employee at Kroger for just about 10 years now. Friends are of no help, so I am so glad I clicked on this video. Very helpful. We'll see how it goes. Thank you.
We wish you the best.
@@SeniorLivingOrg Hang in there! There is always help and support out there if you look!
You dont have friends then. Time to expand your circle. Ultimately, trust in Christ for salvation eternal
@@annettecantu3826 Difficult to find real friends who aren't out to use-you-and-discard-you...yes, even at church. What was it that Pres. Ronald Reagan said: "Trust but verify." Sorry to be so blunt, but it is a seldom-spoken truth. True friendship is becoming a thing of the past. That being said, thanks, Jeff, for this excellent, eye-opening presentation. I've subscribed because I understand it is up to ME, not people I know, to help myself find help when I need it.
I guess you don't have much leeway, but I hope you can manage. Things are really tough right now. Hopefully it will get a bit easier.
My husband and I have been so worried about our debt as seniors. We are definitely struggling. We’ve been praying for guidance and this video has helped tremendously. ❤😊
I am on a pension and couldn't afford to pay my ever expanding credit card payments, I called a consolidation place after the card holders wouldn't work with me, they said "don't pay them, it is not considered an income so they can't do anything about it" so that's what I did, they kept lowering the payments over time, now I hear nothing, still have my pension! PS, I didn't have anything for them to take, like a home /property!
@@lesliehenderson7866That’s the first time I’ve heard of a debt consolidation company sharing this information. You got ahold of a good company.
Number one message is watch out for scammers who are everywhere. It's terrifying the many ways you can lose money to scammers.
I just lost so much money from a scammer. He said he was in iol rig and there was an explosion on the rig he couldn't touch his money in United States. He said he was in a contract in Poland. I have a picture of his passport. But I can't find him he's from Africa I feel so stupid OK I gave him my money
@@milagrosarce5407 It could happen to anybody. They prey on your good nature. Now you'll know better.
Especially when they call you and claim to be an affiliate of Microsoft and that your computer has been compromised and you only have to pay them $500 dollars so they can fix it remotely. 🥴
AND THEY JUST CONTINUE,TO SCAM , LIKE IT IS THEIR JOB , AND IT SEEMS LIKE ITS OK , HOW SCREWED UP IS THAT.
@@milagrosarce5407 Well if you let it ever happen again , then shame on you , many habe been scammed , do not trust anyone especially on this modern tech internet
Retirees who struggle to meet their basic needs are the ones who could not accumulate enough money during their active years to meet their needs. Retirement choices determine a lot of things. My parents both spent same number of years in the civil service, but my mom was investing through a wealth manager, and my dad through the 401k.
This is true. I'm in my mid 50's now. My wife and I were following this same trajectory. Last two years, I pulled out my money and invested with her wealth manager. Not catching up with her profits over the years, but at least I earn more. I'm making money even before retiring, and my retirement fund has grown way more than it would have with just the 401(k). Haha.
Its unfortunate most people don't have such information. I don't really blame people who panic. Lack of information can be a big hurdle. I've been making more than $187k passively by just investing through an advisor, and I don't have to do much work. Doesn't matter if the economy is misbehaving; great wealth managers will always make returns.
@@hasede-lg9hj I think this is something I should do, but I've been stalling for a long time now. I don't really know which firm to work with; I feel they are all the same.
I think this is something I should do, but I've been stalling for a long time now. I don't really know which firm to work with; I feel they are all the same.
Firms can be unscrupulous as they prioritise their own commission over your profitability. On the other hand, I prefer working with individual investors like Vivian Carol Gioia, who only take a share from your profits, not your initial capital. I must say, my experience with her has been exceptional thus far.
These videos have a calming effect when you are stressing about debt. Thanks!
Understand what he is saying about the protections of your bank account. Never leave more than 2 x your social security in your account !
THAT is a real game-changer. It hit me right between the eyes when he said it. I had been worried that my saving, by living-thrifty, was not protected.
Question : what amount is 2 times my social security ie yearly? Fortnightly? Ie fortnightly might be $400 yearly that would be $10,500 . Do you mean never leave more than 21, 000 in your bank (in this example amount)?
@@ireneforestfairy1017it seemed to me he was referencing monthly. So 2x your monthly benefit is protected.
@@ireneforestfairy1017 When he talked about it, he used monthly numbers. He said if you get $1500 per month, $3000 is protected.
As a former 10-year employee of a collection agency in CA, one thing not mentioned here is if a judgment is rendered against you, the winning party can also file an Abstract of Judgment in any county where you own real estate. If the judgment is not paid, that Abstract will pop up through the escrow process when the owner of the property goes to sell it as a lien against the property. Of course every state is different and there may even be a way around that. Also, Writs of Execution are not issued by a Sheriff, but by the court that awarded the judgment. Otherwise, good information here. ty
A judgement against you is an exception, it can come out of your SSDI and does..what do you do about that when you need it for yourself and you are a senior??
Yeh, I think they will get your money one way or another. He's kind of off the mark when he talks about Section 8. I know about that. The chances of getting on that are about 1000 to 1 ! And every year our gov't reduces it.
Which can be thwarted due to financial issues and WHO actually has 1st right to the debt.
Actually in California persons buying a home should file a homestead exemption form in their county. Around $600,000 is protected and a judgment is not a lien on the home. Eric HELPS
@@HELPSNonprofitLawFirm - It looks like there is some benefit to living in CA. l o l
If a senior is having trouble paying a debt, how on earth can they afford a lawyer?
Helps will help with a lawyer depending on your income, from 0% a month to $40 a month that then is reduced to $20. You will be looking at a few thousand dollars over a few years. I’m paying $20,000 to a lawyer for a custody case.
I need help with large credit card debts living on ss no money to pay bills can you help me😊
@@evatait8166 Contact a social worker.
I noticed that these guys don't say, "If you get a call from an unknown number, DON'T ANSWER IT!" LOL
That’s what you should have an answering machine for.
@@glennso47People still have answering machines? I have my cell phone set to ignore all unknown numbers. If it’s important, they can still leave a message on my VM.
Good advice.
I am 65 and have been avoiding filing for my social security because of taxes I owe. This video is very informative and it might save my life. Thank you so much
This should not be a reason to not apply for SS. Eric HELPS
@@HELPSNonprofitLawFirm I actually called SSA yesterday and my appointment is October 5. Hopefully I can last that long.
i know how you feel!!!
@@patriciarussell1177 Update: I filed for my ssa and my first payment was last month. The amount is way higher than what I thought it would be and last month and this month my payment came a week earlier than expected
Some of these things I already knew about, but I definitely didn't know about the debt repayment. Thank you both so very much for educating all of us seniors...it's a hard road to navigate alone sometimes...I was widowed almost 29 years ago now. My husband was in the military, hoping to make it a career...he almost made it, but Agent Orange, when he was stationed in Vietnam, made that impossible. He did manage to serve almost 18 years before being medically retired, after his second bout with cancer. He died at just 51, with his third & final bout. So much I've had to learn, since he passed away, but I think I've done pretty well so far, but I'm still learning too. I subbed your channel here too...I'm so glad it came up on my feed! Blessings to you both & to all seniors, as we all navigate our way through life.🙏♥
And blessings to you as well!
@@SeniorLivingOrg ❤
I live very cheaply going to be 75 here wife died 20+years ago things don't always turn out the way you want them to be.. it's nice if you're lucky to make things work out that well
I'd rather be lucky than good. Thanks for watching!
You would rather be lucky than good? What do you mean?
As a recent retiree in debt...very insightful and helpful information.
Thanks for this informative video. All seniors (and people over 50) should watch it .
Thank you for posting this.
Thank you for the information you share for Seniors, Appreciate it.
Don't have any Dental either on medical assistance
Yes thanks for the great refresher. Yeah when a note is up on a automobile I own I just keep the necessary liability. Being on disability in IL we did also apply for home tax relief and ended up getting 176.00 back which was a plus.
It's unreal how many companies advertise to help you, but only to make money at your expense. I saw a few things Eric mentions on gov. sites, but no attorney ever mentioned, or even acknowledged these were possible solutions.
Thank You, for Being here for us Seniors!
You are very welcome.
Helps is amazing. Keep spreading the word!!!
I just wanted to say I live in Gray's Harbor County in Aberdeen, WA. Section 8 waiting list is closed. There is no information on the website when it will open. I see several seniors homeless on the streets here. It's getting scary😢
I'm one of those seniors very scary
My area I make too much to get medicaid and I have to pay for a helper or shopping. I cant get government rides to Doctors because I have to have Medicaid to use it. I only get $23 in EBT. After I pay rent and my bills including doctor copays, medication copays, I have less than $100 to spend on food not including essentials like TP, shampoo, dishsoap etc. I get $1500 a month. Food has gone up way higher than than recent cola raise. I have no dental help Im ready to go to heaven anytime now.
So sorry. We hope things work out for you.
In the meantime remember you have an earthly purpose to be here, still work for God. He will supply your needs.
Aid to Veterans & Spouses who served in conflict is $ but the application is over 30 pages long. I think max is about $1450/mo. If you’re over 90, they will expedite it. Problem is it’s tedious application that if not filled out to perfection so it goes back and forth for months totally frustrated. There are companies that will do it for you. Advertise on net-be careful!! Some charge $2500. Too high. I went through this process for my mom. It’s worth the $.
The fee to do this can be less than one monthly benefit payment. I found a great company through the assisted living facility. Patriot Angels. Super professional. Don’t overlook this benefit.
just cross the border and move to mexico Tijuana which is close to San Diego
Seniors should not have to go through this
Agreed.
Perhaps you might not have had to, if you had saved like should have for retirement.
@@SirenaSpadesOk unhelpful smart azz.
Miguel from Florida every thing that the lawyer is saying is 💯 true I just won a lawsuit no one hardly knew
Excellent video, things I did not know. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for your knowledge I am drowning in debts.
We hope that things work out for you. Let us know how we can help.
There’s almost never a reason for being “car poor” if you’re a senior. Nearly every area in America has senior programs that provide transportation for shopping, errands, etc. There is also Uber now. I plan my trips in a way that costs me around 10% monthly compared to the cost of auto ownership. Some health plans provide transportation for Doctors visits, many pharmacies deliver now, and home health care is more available. Check out what resources are available. Do your homework. A car is a huge expense to someone on a fixed income!
Unfortunately, Uber has become very expensive and unaffordable for many, including me🙁
No uber or any public transportation where I live. Those are programs that exist in the cities. I live in a small town, if you don't have a car you aren't going anywhere
@@Nortongroove I was making suggestions that work for me, instead of the financial burden of owning a car. My car was $550 dollars a month with payments, insurance, taxes, etc. That’s not counting maintenance, repair, fuel, and other costs. My monthly Uber costs are less than $100 dollars a month. Which is far less than auto ownership.
@@expatiate1 I’m sorry to hear that. I live in a community of 2,500 people, and they run a mini bus for seniors on Tuesdays and Thursdays out of our senior center. Myself and several other senior citizens petitioned the town a few years back for senior services at a town meeting. We were successful in getting funds for a small community center, staff, and transportation. There’s grant money out there for this. Perhaps attending your next town meeting and raising the subject might initiate some action. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Exactly, I live in rural area and should we just get on a horse and go to the doctor? lol
I've just subscribed to you, Jeff. That information was tasty and right to the point. Thank you for inviting the gentleman to your channel to speak to us seniors.😅
Welcome aboard!
This was great! I need new teeth and my health is being affected! Yet, I am having a problem in the Michigan area. Help! Great show and will share it with my service clients!
Oh my I'm having an issue right now as I leave this comment with my teeth it's horrible my health is being affected tremendously my anxiety has paralyzed me I sure hope you find help this is so distressing being a senior and I'm not very smart everything is supposed to be done online and I'm not good at all with this technology
Thank you for this information. In September, I will turn 65 years old. I got my Medicare card. I'm slowly looking into supplementary type of health insurance. In October, I've signed up at my local Community College for Medicare classes.
Thank you for this Channel.
get all the info you can...I am an advocate for Medicare beneficiaries...they do have programs that will help you in every state. ASK questions, go to the seminars, make sure you know the different TYPES of plans, the choices, and if you have a retirement thru an employer. PLEASE talk to the admin and find out if they pay for Part B, or if getting certain coverge will CANCEL out any benefits your retirement might be covering. the biggest advice I try to convey is KNOW your options. KNOW you can delay being on Medicare if you are working and still have employer coverage. MAKE sure you have credible drug cvg as that can cause a penalty. Be informed, and if you aren't understanding REACH out for help.
I am 73 had cancer, had no insurance, got help thru my caring m.d. , connected with Wellcare, look into it , it has helped me even with meds.
I watched CZcams for months before I was 65 to learn all I could. If you have any chronic health issues, choose carefully.
❤Excellent information, guidance, help.
Thank you!
It is scary when you hear that seniors are the fastest growing group in the homeless population
Veterans also. They seem to be on every street corner panhandling.
You speaking of the babyboomers.
This is the most helpful information I've found on the internet, I'm very grateful, thank you. New sub!
Thank you SO much for this information, it really helps me!!
Thank you for the content!
Thank you & God Bless!
Just found your channel. So glad I did. Personally, I have no depth but I know other seniors who do. This is helpful information. I subscribed and shared your video with others. Thank you for what you do!
Thank you so much for this video!
God Bless you for this very invaluable information!❤❤❤
Thank you!!!
I thought I had myself covered after I bought my house and paid my truck off. I hardly drive any where so no gas expense but, food and utilities tap me out every month. My roof is leaking, my living room floor is sinking in and my water faucets all need replaced again. I don't know what the future holds but we get by every month easy enough. My 94 year old mother came to live with me 13 years ago and I can't get a penny from the government caring for her. That's life in this small town...
If your mother was married to a man who served in military in wartime, or if she served in military during wartime, she may be eligible for aid and attendance through the Veterans Admin. You will need a Veterans org to help you. Start with a local American Legion or VFW. Keep in mind that These folks are volunteers not paid Gov employees but they try to help vets and vets widows.
Houses do need maintenance. Having had houses for many years now, I figure it costs approximately 10k a year to maintain an average house. If you get by for less one year, you have to bank that money for another year that will be more expensive, for the roof, or HVAC, etc.
In what State do you live? @catnk9
It is so important when preparing to retire on SS to not have outstanding debt….ie; credit cards…..
Position yourself going into SS with no debt outside of your mortgage each month….any windfall monies put toward reducing the mortgage debt…
Thank you guys for your wisdom and knowledge.
Happy to help. Thanks for watching! We hope you're a subscriber.
I am a subscriber and look foward for more exucating content.
Thank you so much for the information you provided. You have given us info that I could not have come across anywhere, even though I have asked everywhere. This includes county and state social services programs.
Glad we could be of service.
@@SeniorLivingOrgWho is considered a senior? Also, do you help the adult disabled?
Very greatful spreading the word
Thanks for this. Definitely going to check out their website. Thanks again.
Thank you for the info. As one north of the 49th the laws may be slightly different. We have MAID that they push. Thanks Fellows!
Thank you , I needed this video. 🙏👍
Thanks a bunch guys
How much does Helps charge? My only harassers are my past due federal and state taxes. Thank you for the great information 🙂
I believe Senior Living has a video or two on this topic that should answer your question re IRS and state taxes Eric HELPS
What a wonderful find!! You have relieved so much worry! Thank you. Thank you!
Thank you! May God bless you both!
This is so informative. Elated this channel just popped up. Thank you, Gentlemen!
Thanks for watching!
Thank you!
I pray things improve for us all. Please oh Lord 🙏
Great video ☺️ many
Seniors know nothing about this. Thank you so much 💗
Thanks for sharing such valuable information. 😊
Our pleasure 😊
1. in Canada, they do take away your OAP (old age pension) if they feel you make too much. All this concern about when to start taking it, and the first year I get it...65 it was removed at tax time... since that is only 648 a month, cannot imagine ever retiring.
Thank you for what you do
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If you have any unpaid Federal taxes, the Internal Revenue Service can levy your Social Security benefits. Your benefits can also be garnished in order to collect unpaid child support and or alimony. Your benefits may also be garnished in response to Court Ordered Victims Restitution.
The IRS can offset 15% of SS after giving you 60 days notice. Many seniors can qualify for currently not collectible status with the IRS . Senior Living has videos on this topic. Eric HELPS
p.s It is actually quite rare for the IRS to offset money from SS Eric HELPS
Thank you for that valuable information.
With the thousands of videos on UT this video is undoubtedly the one that will help people the most. You should be commended for putting the information out there. I took your advise last week after I realize I was paying one-third of my income to Cr.Crd. debt. It was such a relief to go to the grocery and not have to count the pennies just to get the basics to live.
Glad it was helpful!
❤Thanks to him for this viable information, for seniors...
Yes valuable
Thank you for your information
Had a " Debt Settlement Company " that took our monies, and never paid down the debt !! Debt sat in a " High Interest " accruing late fees, and " festering , into a " charge off " status . .!!
Sorry. We're not big fans of debt settlement companies.
Thank you!!! Joining soon!!
Good information! Thank you ☺
THANK YOU!!!
You're welcome! Please subscribe if you haven't already.
Bless you for what you do.
Thank you so much!
Thanks for your presentation on seniors rights I leaned valuable information I'm not aware of. More power to you.
Thanks, but we think it's more power to you! The more you know....
When I applied for my social security they alerted the school debt loan that would never go away no matter how many times I paid it. They began to deduct the money out of my check before it hit the bank. So I paid it again! I lost past records In Katrina.
i have an old school and have been on ssi for 4 years and nothing has been taken from me.
In Clackamas, Oregon, it took 10 years on the Section 8 list, but I am very grateful it finally came in 2018! Is there an affordable car insurance for seniors? My liability and comp are about $92 per month. Mike in Oregon
Hello could you tell me the name of that car insurance you got in New York all car insurance is high even just Liability insurance and I am a senior citizen and I still get charged a lot Have a blessed Sunday Stay Safe 🙏🙏❤️❤️
Pretty sure your net worth wasn't necessary, but thanks 😮
Hello. I am a senior and I pay 51.00 monthly with Geico.
but i dont have comprehensive or collision
Social security is not protected against back taxes!
ok thank you so much for this video.............im sharing for you guys.........and for my family and friends...........................on to the nexxt video
Thank you for the information.
You are very welcome!
Most seniors don't have this information and continue to pay their credit cards even though they can't afford to do it.😢 0:23
That would be stealing if the debt is actually and legally their own. The only reason I wouldn't pay a credit card is if someone else acquired the debt in my name. That has happened to me by scammers and criminals.
Here's the thing... Medicare doesn't pay for things like dentists or optometrists and if there is an emergency, you're going to need the credit.
@@marciamartins1992 Most Medicare supplement plans have dental and vision plans. I have Aetna and get &1800 a year for dental and vision benefits. Also a monthly amount for healthy groceries and over the counter benefits.
@@marciamartins1992 If you're low income, a Medicare Advantage plan is a good idea. They usually provide insurance for dental and optometrists.
Such good info thank you
Glad it was helpful!
This is a very informative video. People are so uninformed about finances and basic life skills, and often common sense.
Thank you. We're glad it could help.
I live in northern VA and we have, through our local counsel on aging, a veterans group who take other retired veterans and their current or widowed spouses to all our dental and/orr medical appointments free of charge. They are wonderful and give me great peace of mind to get to my appointments. They wait in the office and take us home again. Check with your local counsel on aging.
We love to hear stuff like this!
I cancelled my mom's AARP. She gained $440/mth. NEVER regretted it. She lives comfortably now. Insurance takes care of everything.
Sign up with AMAC. They are a senior citizen group similar to AARP but they are much better.
Many many thanks for all that you do.
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I like the specs Mr Olson. Thanks
for the tips.
Thank you for your videos
Glad you like them!
thank you
Many or most businesses offer 10% or more off to seniors. Some businesses have senior discount days. The county senior services agency where I live offers free transportation to seniors and others like disabled in some or many cases.
Seniors, and their families, need to learn about the state and county resources that are available for seniors.
Back in the day, that information would be found in the Blue pages of telephone books.
Now, it is all available online.
I had to wait 3 1/2 years to get into low income housing. Once in there are lots of agencies that help - food banks, grocery stores donate to the building, energy assistant programs, Government assistance with internet and phone service. The down side is management talks down to the residents, they do not make your maintenance need a priority on they're to do list unless extreme emergency. They are very slow to update their old buildings with flooring in the hallways. And now we are not allowed to use the community room - the Director decided to use the space for storage ... disregarding the tenants request for arts and crafts and potlucks. Where do we go for help from the Feds?
I am sorry. This can be a difficult situation. I believe quality in subsidized housing varies from city to city or from complex to complex. A negligent, abusive, or lazy landlord can make things difficult for everyone. And sometimes the power goes to their heads. Unfortunately it may be difficult to find someone to help. It might be possible to look into moving to a different complex. I realize that may not be possible. I have no magic solutions for your problem. Eric HELPS
@@HELPSNonprofitLawFirm ... our apt landlord is an absolute Angel .. but his grown son is just the opposite, an ego-tripping sadistic abuser!
If you are in a housing authority operated by the city forget it. You are going to have to step around them. If you know that they are not enforcing rules such as smoking in or near the building or drug use. Go to the STATE health department and I assure you they will show up. I had to leave my apartment because of my neighbors meth use. When I reported it they denied it. I knew that the city was just going to gaslight me. So I went online an anonymously reported him. Turns out they had to gut his apartment replace all appliances. I lost a lot of my belongings on the move but I got out with my life. 2 ladies across the hall were not so fortunate. Meth is a heavy stimulate that causes your blood pressure to rise. Very dangerous for older adults. Could cause stroke or heart attack.
I would call your local TV news station. Most of them do stories ( Call For Action in the Community) in situations like yours. Also, if it is in your lease that you will have access to the Community Room, you should have it within a reasonable time. You might want to ask for a copy of your lease from management and the contact your local Renters Rights or Fair Housing Organization. Also, HelpsNonprofitLawFirm can be contacted for advice and help. They helped me get a letter stating I could not be discriminated against because on SSI Disability. Good Luck and be well !
@@lisathomas5719 great advice!
Thanks!
You're welcome! If you're not already a subscriber, consider joining us. Thanks.
When SS was first initiated in 1935, not too many people lived pass 70, now many live to 80 - 90..
Thanks for sharing this info. What If a person has more than double the amount of Social Security income they receive in their bank account? Is the extra susceptible to being taken?
If I understand the information correctly, none of your retirement income (SS, IRA dividends, etc. is protected).
If you are working making More than $214.xx weekly, you may be susceptible to having that taken for debt collection.
From the video> only 2x the monthly benefit is protected.
Hello, I’m wondering if y’all could talk about a receivership in Texas? Thanks.
Superb interview.
Thank you so much!
My husband, age, 77 is about finally to finally and completely retire. He retired early at age 59 (against my recommendation) but then found we needed the extra cash to stay afloat and out of debt so he went back to work part time. (Honestly, he retired too early and did not have the needed work credits to get the full amount of his SS. Now his osteoarthritis and hammer toes are so bad he can no longer stand on it his legs all day long. We will have $12,000 less to live on in our budget and I am struggling with this a lot. I am age 72 and have health issues as well so I am unable to work myself. I spend my days cooking our special food protocols, grocery shopping to make our money go further, driving my husband to his doctors appts, haircuts since my husbands no longer drives.
Hello to Donna. Some colleges have students who gladly will go ĭn person to Seniors' homes. Just saying. ;)
Sorry ...to cut hair
There are CZcamsrs that are telling seniors to retire early at 62….do your own research on what time is best for you..
I feel bad for you having to deal with the aftermath of your husband’s poor decision. Why should you have to work and support someone who made a bad judgment call.
I@@Nortongroove I hate to say it but it probably isnt his first bad call ... we can pray that God brings relief to them both.
So here’s a very pertinent question. What is the legal definition of a senior,
and does it vary by state to state? Tax purposes especially - what age - “Not collectable” status?
These laws are based on source of income, such as SS, not age Eric HELPS
I didn't need a cease and desist letter. I attached an answering machine to my landline phone. It didn't take very long for them to stop calling. They never sued.
Good, but a landline phone costs about $50 a month and we can’t afford that plus the cell phones
The telcos are demanding direct debits for phone agreements; you’re supposed to allow them into your bank account.
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