Government Programs

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Old Age Pension (OAP)
• Food Stamps
• Low Income Energy Assistance (LEAP)
• Property Tax Rebate Program
• Veteran Benefits
• Local Listings
• Medicare Benefits
• Medicare Part A and Part B Coverage
• Medicare Managed Care
• Supplemental Policies (Medigap)
• Medicaid and Long-Term Care

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides a minimum level of income to people who are elderly, blind, or disabled. Unlike Social Security, it is not necessary to have a work history to be eligible for SSI. To be eligible for SSI, you must be 65 or older, or blind or disabled, and you must have limited assets and income. You must also be disabled as defined by the Social Security rules which means that your disability must prevent you from being able to do any work and must last 12 months or more. To apply for SSI contact your local Social Security Office or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

Old Age Pension (OAP)

Some states (including Colorado) provide an old age pension to low-income individuals age 60 or older. To be eligible for OAP your income and assets must be below a certain level. To find out if your state offers OAP, contact the Larimer County Department of Human Services at 970.498.6800.

Food Stamps

If your income is low enough, you may be eligible for food stamps. Food stamps can only be used to buy food, not pet food, soap, paper products, tobacco or alcohol. You can apply for food stamps at your local county department of social service. To apply for food stamps, contact the Larimer County Department of Human Services at 970.498.6800.

Low Income Energy Assistance (LEAP)

Low Income Energy Assistance (LEAP) is a program that helps low income people pay winter heating costs. To be eligible for LEAP, you must meet certain income and assets limits. If you are eligible for LEAP, you may receive free weatherization and furnace services for your home. You may apply for LEAP at the Larimer County Department of Human Services at 970.498.6800.

Property Tax Rebate Program

Some states offer residents who are age 65 and over and disabled persons who meet income guidelines a rebate on state income taxes. You can apply for this rebate when you file your state income tax return.

Veterans Benefits

Benefits available to qualified veterans and their families include:

• Disability pensions.
• Medical benefits.
• Death pension for dependents when the veteran dies.
• Burial expenses.

To apply for veteran’s benefits, write, call or contact your local Veteran’s Services Officer Administration office at 970.498.7390, Larimer County Courthouse, 200 West Oak St. 80521, P.O. Box 1190, Fort Collins, CO 80522.

Local Listings

1. Social Security Administration
   301 So. Howes, Rm. 22, Ft. Collins, CO
   80521 (970) 482-7354
   
   
2. Larimer County Department of Community Services,
   1501 Blue Spruce Drive,
   Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 498-6300
   
   
3. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office
   155 Van Gordon Lakewood, CO 80228 (303) 985-0618,
   
   
4. State of Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs,
   789 Sherman St. Denver, CO 80203 (303) 894-7474.
   General Information Number 1-800-827-1000

Information courtesy of Elizabeth A. Kelly, Attorney/Mediator and Bill Beyers, Attorney at Law, Elder Care Network Participants. The information contained on this website is NOT a substitute for legal advice and no representations are made as to the accuracy of this information.