Retirement Guide

The Administration on Aging (AOA) is the principal agency of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services designated to carry out the provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA), as amended (42 U.S.C.A. § 3001 et seq.). The OAA promotes the well-being of older individuals by providing services and programs designed to help them live independently in their homes and communities. The Act also empowers the federal government to distribute funds to the states for supportive services for individuals over the age of 60.

Get involved and make a positive difference in your community. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to helping others.

Assistance for Seniors Age 60 and Over

As you get older, you may be looking for government benefits to meet your needs. Benefits.gov is here to help you find benefits you may be eligible for. There are many government programs available to help elderly people with medical expenses, food, and other items.

Help for All Your Senior Care Needs
They are committed to helping senior citizens and their caregivers find the most appropriate services and providers for their special needs, find answers to their most pressing financial and legal concerns, and take advantage of the full range of government assistance programs and benefits for the elderly.

This listing presents federal Web sites that offer valuable information on a range of critical eldercare issues.

The federal health insurance program for:
People who are 65 or older
Certain younger people with disabilities
People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the federal agency that runs the Medicare Program. CMS is a branch of the Department of Health and Human Services. CMS also monitors Medicaid programs offered by each state.

NIA provides health information informed by research and reviewed by experts to help you learn about healthy aging and common health conditions in older adults.

Launched in February 2003, Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies and disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.
Ready and its Spanish language version Listo ask individuals to do four key things:
Stay informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses:
Make a family emergency plan.
Build an emergency supply kit.
Get involved in your community by taking action to prepare for emergencies.

Looking for housing options for yourself, an aging parent, relative, or friend? Do some research first to determine what kind of assistance or living arrangement you need; what your health insurance might cover; and what you can afford. Then check here for financial assistance resources and guides for making the right choice. Talk to a HUD-approved housing counselor if you have questions about your situation.

Financial security in retirement doesn't just happen. It takes planning and commitment and money. Your employer's retirement savings plan is an essential part of your future financial security. It is important to understand how your plan works and what benefits you will receive. Learn about the rights and responsibilities you have under the federal law that governs your plan, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

Remember to review your financial plans at least once a year to see if you need to make changes to stay on track for a secure retirement. Don't touch your retirement savings. The longer you leave the money there, the more time it has to grow. When you are thinking about retiring, be sure you understand the documents governing your health care plan. Although some employers continue to provide health care benefits to their retired employees, private-sector employers are not required to provide retiree health benefits. If you want to retire early, consider what you will do for health coverage before you are eligible for Medicare.

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a community service and work-based job training program for older Americans. Authorized by the Older Americans Act, the program provides training for low-income, unemployed seniors. Participants also have access to employment assistance through American Job Centers.

If you are 60 or older, you may be eligible for food assistance, depending on your income. Learn about food assistance programs for seniors and how to apply.