Elder Benefit Specialists
Locate
your County and Tribal Benefit Specialists
Elder
Benefit Specialist Program Services Summary Reports:
State Health Insurance
Assistance Program (SHIP)
Technical
Assistance (PDF 655 KB)
Policies
(see Chapter 9 for EBS policies starting on page 211)
Sample EBS Position Description
(PDF, 24 KB)
What is an Elder Benefit Specialist?
An elder benefit specialist is a person trained to help older persons who are
having a problem with their private or government benefits. They receive ongoing training and are monitored by attorneys knowledgeable in
elder law. The attorneys
are also available to assist older persons in need of legal representation on benefit
matters.
Program brochures are available in
English,
Hmong
and
Spanish. (PDF 86 KB)
Who Should Seek Help From An Elder Benefit Specialist?
- Older persons who just want to know more about any private or public
benefit.
- Older persons who need help in organizing the paperwork
to apply for benefits.
- Older persons who have been denied a benefit that they think they are
entitled to receive.
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What can an Elder Benefit Specialists Do?
- Provide accurate and current information on your
benefits.
- Suggest alternative actions that you can take to secure benefits
or appeal denials of benefits.
- Advocate on your behalf with other parties.
- Explain what legal action or other possible solution is
required.
- Refer you to an appropriate attorney when necessary.
Benefit specialists can help you with a variety of
programs and issues, including:
- Medicare; Medicare Part D
- Medicare Health plan decisions need
to be made between October 15th - December 7th. Contact an Elder
Benefit Specialist for more
information. Also visit: www.medicare.gov (exit
DHS)
- Medicare Supplemental Insurance;
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI);
- Social Security;
- Medical Assistance;
- Consumer problems;
- Age discrimination in employment;
- Homestead Tax Credit;
- Housing problems;
- Supportive Home Services;
- Food Stamps;
- Other legal and benefit problems.
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Who Is Eligible For Elder Benefit Specialist
Services?
Anyone 60 years of age or older who is having a problem in securing a
public or private benefit is eligible for the Elder Benefit Specialist Program.
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What Does the Elder Benefit Specialist Service
Cost?
The program is supported with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the
federal Older Americans Act. Most Elder Benefit Specialist programs also
receive federal funds through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
There is no charge for the service, but persons assisted by
the program are encouraged to make a donation towards the cost. All donated
funds will be used to expand the program. Services will not be refused or limited in any
way if a contribution is not made.
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Who Provides Elder Benefit Specialist
Services?
Services are either provided directly by county
or tribal aging
units or they are contracted by these entities to another agency. The area agencies on aging contract for training and support of
the benefit specialists by attorneys. The State Bureau on
Aging and Disability Resources in the Wisconsin Department of Health Services coordinates the program
statewide.
For more information, contact the county
or tribal
benefit specialist nearest you. Ask specifically for the benefit specialist when calling. To
receive the best service, it is advisable to schedule an
appointment in advance.
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Last Revised:
April 17, 2013 |
