Some seniors missing out on aid

Published 9:00 pm Sunday, March 31, 2002

By Sharon Salyer

Herald Writer

Thousands of low-income seniors and disabled residents in Washington could qualify for a program that pays up to $135 a month for food, but they don’t know it.

That’s why extra effort is being made to tell people about the program and let them know that it’s now easier to qualify, said John Atherton, who oversees economic services for the state Department of Social and Health Services.

Only those who receive Social Security Income or SSI payments from the Social Security Administration can participate in this food program, he said. This includes elderly, blind and disabled persons over age 18.

While about 20,000 state residents have signed up for the program, an estimated 30,000 additional people could take advantage of it, he said.

No figures were immediately available on the number of Snohomish County residents who qualify for the program and don’t participate.

"The whole goal of the program is to get food assistance to low-income and disabled people (in a way) that is fast, simple and accurate," Atherton said.

"There may be people right now who choose not to receive food assistance benefits because of the hassle associated with coming into welfare office or the cost in transportation and time to come into an office," Atherton said.

This is particularly true for those who receive the lowest amounts of the benefits, he said, from $10 to $30 a month.

The amount of money a person receives per months depends on total monthly income and housing expenses.

In most cases, current participants will not have to go to a state office, but can call a toll-free number (877-380-5784) to continue eligibility. Those now receiving SSI, but not getting this food assistance, should call the toll-free line to see if they’re eligible, he said.

Participants are given a Quest card, which works like a bank debit card, to purchase groceries.

"This makes the process so much easier to access, we believe a higher percentage of those eligible will be utilizing the benefits," Atherton said.

Meanwhile, a second program will provide fresh produce from local farmers to seniors this summer. However, the money was not available this year to expand the program as hoped.

Last summer, Snohomish County received $3,000 for the program and served 350 people, said Susie Starrfield, program manager or the Snohomish County Long Term Care and Aging program.

There were hopes to expand the program this year, with local officials requesting $12,000, she said. Although the final figure has yet to be determined, it will likely be about the same as last year, she said.

Last year, a Monroe farmer’s potatoes were distributed to area seniors. This year, they hope to distribute berries and other fruit.

To qualify, you must be at least 60 years old and meet income guidelines. A two-person household, for example, can earn no more than $22,100 a year, Starrfield said.

Call 425-388-7218 for information.

You can call Herald Writer Sharon Salyer at 425-339-3486

or send e-mail to salyer@heraldnet.com.