Elder Benefit Specialist

An Elder Benefit Specialist is a person who is trained to help older persons who are having a problem with their private or government benefits.

Elder Benefit Specialists receive ongoing training and are monitored by attorney's knowledgeable in elder law. The attorney's are also available to assist older persons in need of legal representation on benefit matters.

Who should seek help from an Elder Benefit Specialist?

  • Persons 60+ who want to know more about any private or public benefit
  • Persons 60+ who need help in organizing the paperwork to apply for benefits
  • Persons 60+ who have been denied a benefit that they think they are entitled to receive

What can Elder Benefit Specialists do?

  • Provide accurate and current information on your benefits
  • Suggest alternative actions to secure benefits or appeal denial 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

Elder Benefit Specialists may be able to help you with a variety of programs and issues, including:

HEALTH INSURANCE & ACCESS

  • Medical Assistance
  • Medicare A, B, C & D
  • SeniorCare
  • BadgerCare+ core eligibility and adverse decisions (denial or reduction in benefits)
  • Extra Help with prescription drug coverage
  • Medicare Supplement Insurance coverage issues
  • Other health insurance coverage issues
  • Medical debt remediation

HOUSING/UTILITIES

  • Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
  • Wisconsin's Weatherization Assistance Program (disputes and appeals)
  • Subsidized Housing Access/Tenant Rights
  • Utility Shutoffs/Unpaid Utility Bills
  • Housing Repair/Improvement Loans and Grants
  • Homestead Tax Credit Appeals (not applications)
  • Landlord/Tenant/Evictions/Security Deposit Return
  • Property Tax Deferral Program

INCOME SUPPORT

  • FoodShare
  • Social Security
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and State Supplement
  • SSI Disability
  • SSI Exceptional Expense Supplement
  • Social Security/SSI Overpayment Issues
  • Railroad Retirement Benefits
  • Lifeline/LinkUP

OTHER

  • Benefit Checkup
  • Debt Collector Practices
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