Author Topic: Senior Citizen Discounts  (Read 3272 times)

thrifted

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Senior Citizen Discounts
« on: September 23, 2016, 03:41:40 PM »
Hi Mustaches,

I was wondering if you might be able to help me with some resources for my dad, who Is a senior citizen who gets $100 per month EBT, section 8 housing, and retirement benefits as a vet.

I know of many discounts that are for your special occasions, like the zoo lol. But when I look into section 8 housing and veterans discounts it becomes a bit of a task. I signed up for updates geared towards section 8 recipients and ended up getting quite a bit of junk mail. I tried looking at public resources but those then refer me on to less helpful resources.

He has a case manager since he goes to the veterans hospital regularly but I think she's spread thin and can't give him the attention that someone his age and poor health need.

I live on the east coast and do the best I can when I visit, or by phone (like ordering delivery for vons since he walks with a cane).

Do you guys have general ideas about getting things discounted? I plan in November to visit him, but in bulk at cost co, and arrange for a Csa to deliver to him directly. He may have to move soon so im checking out neighborhoods in San Diego that are more senior citizen friendly. He's lived in some sr citizen homes but they haven't worked out long term, mainly because he can't afford it.

Any suggestions would be helpful!

Sincerely
thrifted

Cranky

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Re: Senior Citizen Discounts
« Reply #1 on: September 24, 2016, 11:30:04 AM »
You should have a state or county Dept. of Aging, and somewhere around him there should be a senior citizens center. Those would be pretty good resources and they'd know what's available locally.

Is he eligible for food stamps?

My town has a senior citizens bus that takes people to the grocery store. There's a senior citizen pass for the bus system.

Also, my public library system will mail your books/dvds to you if you are over 60.

marion10

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Re: Senior Citizen Discounts
« Reply #2 on: September 24, 2016, 12:45:01 PM »
Google "Agency on Aging" for you Dad's county. They should be able to provide you with many resources. I have worked with two different ones in the US and they have been very helpful.

Catbert

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Re: Senior Citizen Discounts
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2016, 04:36:27 PM »
Utilities (electric, telephone, gas) may have discounts for low income customers. 

Davids

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Re: Senior Citizen Discounts
« Reply #4 on: September 25, 2016, 01:31:55 PM »
Check with his local public transportation, he might get reduced or even free bus and subway rides.

Dee18

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Re: Senior Citizen Discounts
« Reply #5 on: September 26, 2016, 07:01:54 AM »
Since housing is probably a major expense, you might want to focus on that.  Can you set up an appointment with his case manager for when you a in town?

frugaliknowit

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Re: Senior Citizen Discounts
« Reply #6 on: September 26, 2016, 11:48:35 AM »
AARP.com is a good resource for discounts.

Trudie

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Re: Senior Citizen Discounts
« Reply #7 on: September 26, 2016, 12:48:18 PM »
I second the suggestion about contacting the local agency on aging for help.

I work in telecommunications.  By law, telecommunications carriers that receive federal support (most carriers) must provide discounts to low-income individuals for phone and broadband internet.  "Lifeline" is the name of the program.

All of the utility discounts usually require some income qualification and paperwork.  This is where the local agency on aging can help.

thrifted

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Re: Senior Citizen Discounts
« Reply #8 on: October 03, 2016, 10:30:03 AM »
This is great feedback guys! I'll give him the number for department of aging. I feel like since he can depend on me a lot he doesn't have the confidence to do these things himself.

Social security administration called him asking for info and he had to call another office that was very unhelpful. I tried calling for him and they hung up on me.

I will definitely call his carrier about lifeline and look into his housing situation.

I'll let you guys know how this all pans out! Just in case future mustachians need the info!