Many programs are available to provide help to low income seniors and others, in order for them to lead a healthy, safe life. Income limits and other conditions apply to each program, and keeping this information “at the ready” for reference is quite difficult.

Southern Maine Agency on Aging provides the following checklist for seniors to review. For more information, an application for any benefit, or help completing an application, contact SMAA at 1-800-427-7411. And a reminder, that a Senior Advocate is available to answer your questions, at Unity Gardens in Windham, each month. Call 892-3891 to find out the exact time and date, and to make an appointment. There is no charge for their help.

For single, one-person households, the limits are as follows. For couples or two person households, income and other limit, is in parenthesis.

Monthly income less than $1,574, age 62 or disabled, you may be eligible for the Low Cost Drug Program ($2,111)

Monthly income less than $1,277, receive Social Security and Medicare, assets below $11,710, you may be eligible for Social Security extra help in paying for prescriptions (Benefit program for those receiving Medicare) ($1,712 – assets below $23,410)

Monthly income less than $1,348 and at least 60, less than $3,000 in cash assets, you may be eligible for Food Stamps. (For a couple or two person household, monthly income less than $1,815, and one person at least 60 and less than $3,000 in assets)

Monthly income less than $1,447, at least 60 years old, you may be eligible for Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Income limit can be increased by adding out of pocket medical costs. ($1,940)

Monthly income less than $1,650 – you may be eligible for Qualified Individual-1 or if less than $1,522, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary. ($2,211 – QI-1, or $2,040 SLMB)

Monthly income less than $1,352 – you may be eligible to be Qualified Medicare Beneficiary. ($1,812)

Monthly income less than $926, at least 65 years old or disabled, less than $10,000 in cash and interest bearing bank accounts, you may be eligible for MaineCare. (Income $1,241, $15,000 cash)

Monthly income less than $623, at least 65 or disabled, less than $2,000 in cash and interest bearing accounts, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). ($934 for income, $3,000 in cash)