Unemployment is just one of the many financial services available to qualifying U.S. senior citizens. In addition to unemployment insurance, qualifying applicants may be eligible to obtain Social Security retirement and disability benefits as well. Seniors who are denied unemployment may file an appeal if they wish.
Additionally, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is available to eligible senior citizens as well. Claimants may also apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, also known as TANF, if they are eligible to do so. For additional information on requirements for unemployment or Social Security retirement for seniors, download our guide. To learn more about unemployment insurance benefits and other available financial services such as food stamps for seniors, review the information below.
Learn About Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Unemployment insurance (UI) is available to eligible U.S. citizens under the Department of Labor (DOL). Unemployment is available to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own and wish to collect unemployment benefits under the DOL’s UI program. Furthermore, unemployment insurance benefits for seniors are also available. To collect senior unemployment insurance benefits, however, claimants must have worked within the previous 12 to 18 months and earned a minimum amount of wages, depending on the specific state in which they live. Additional unemployment insurance eligibility requirements may also apply, depending on the specific state in which claimants reside.
Learn About Social Security Retirement for Seniors
In addition to filing an unemployment benefits claim, eligible U.S. citizens may apply for seniors Social Security retirement benefits once they reach a certain age and meet other application requirements. To apply for Social Security Retirement as a senior, claimants must submit an application directly through the Social Security Administration (SSA). To apply for senior Social Security retirement benefits as a worker or a spouse, however, claimants must also be at least 61 years and 9 months of age. Applicants must meet additional seniors Social Security retirement eligibility guidelines in order to receive their retirement benefits.
Get Information on Social Security Disability Benefits
Like senior Social Security retirement benefits, disability coverage is available to qualifying U.S. citizens under the SSA. In most cases, petitioners may submit a disability or seniors Social Security retirement application online, in person or by telephone if they meet program eligibility requirements. To apply for Social Security disability benefits, however, claimants must be unable to work due to a long-term medical condition or their disability must be life-threatening. To learn more about Social Security retirement for seniors or how to apply for disability benefits, download our informative guide.
What can you do during a wrongful termination?
If seniors are wrongfully terminated from a job, they may wish to file a charge of discrimination under the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). After the wrongful termination of a senior, claimants may file a charge if they meet the requirements under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). While there are several types of legal termination in the U.S., employers cannot fire employees based on race, ethnicity, age or other specific factors. After wrongful dismissal due to age, race, religion, disability or veteran status, seniors may file a wrongful termination discrimination charge online, in person, by mail or telephone if they believe they are eligible to do so.
How to Apply for Food Stamps
Food assistance is also available to financially-needy seniors and their families as part of the SNAP program. To obtain food stamps as a senior, claimants must meet income and resource restrictions. However, senior food assistance income and resource limitations are updated annually. Furthermore, claimants must apply for senior food stamp benefits through the state in which they reside, as each state has its own application process. Additionally, petitioners may appeal a food stamps denial if their application for senior SNAP benefits is rejected for any reason. Alternately, the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is available to low-income seniors who need free food or nutrition assistance. Furthermore, claimants may apply for the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) if they meet eligibility requirements and wish to obtain free fruits and vegetables at local farmers’ markets and roadside stands.
Learn About Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
In addition to SNAP food benefits, low-income senior citizens may enroll in the TANF program if they are eligible to do so. Senior TANF program eligibility requirements vary by state. Additionally, the TANF application and enrollment process often varies by state. TANF for seniors is available to qualifying claimants who need assistance in paying for food, housing and home energy expenses. Additionally, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families can help seniors to pay for job training or child care expenses, if necessary. If seniors receive a TANF denial letter after applying for benefits, however, they may file an appeal if they wish. Additionally, a TANF benefits extension may also be available in some situations, depending on the state in which petitioners reside.