Membership
Elder Law Center
Events/Training
Legislative Issues
Publications
Document Contents
Introduction
The Benefit Specialist Program is a federal and state mandated advocacy program designed to provide older adults with legal services. The program recognizes and respects diversity among the older adult residents of Wisconsin.
While the program is available to all residents age 60 and older, services are targeted to the rural, low-income and minority older populations, who traditionally have not had access to legal assistance. The Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups is committed to the empowerment of the aging community in order to ensure a high quality of life for all older citizens. At the present time, the Coalition's Elder Law Center provides legal back-up to the Benefit Specialists in 58 of Wisconsin's 72 counties.
Services
As people age, they often need help from government benefit programs such as Medicare, Medical Assistance, Social Security, SSI, Food Stamps, the Community Options Program and others.
Assistance with these programs can range from information about eligibility criteria and assistance in applying for an entitlement, to assistance in receiving benefits, covered services or appealing denials and terminations.
Representation may take the form of paper reviews and reconsiderations through the appeals process including in-person hearings before an Administrative Law Judge or a hearing officer.
Common Questions
- Do I have to repay a Social Security or SSI overpayment if it was not my fault?
- Will Medicare or Medical Assistance cover my nursing home stay?
- How will I pay all of my medical bills?
- I have been denied SSI or Social Security disability benefits. What can I do about it?
- What programs are available to provide services to help me remain in my home?
- Medicare denied my claim for a certain service or procedure. Can anything be done?
- Are there any new or recent changes in programs available to me?
Benefit Specialists receive in-depth, on-going training in the areas of benefit and entitlement programs, as well as other legal issues affecting older adults. An attorney provides supervision and support to the Benefit Specialists and works closely with them to insure advocacy and representation for all older residents who request benefit assistance.
Information and Referral
Staff is available to refer clients to community resources when appropriate. This can include information on area coalitions and senior centers, day care services, housing options and other legal services. In addition to providing direct client services, the Benefit Specialists work closely with other professionals in the aging network.
Public Education
CWAG's Elder Law Center is committed to public education affecting the clients we serve. The CWAG's Elder Law Center's public education efforts take many forms:
- Informal talks to groups of elderly, their caregivers, concerned family members at various sites throughout the county.
- Newsletter articles.
- Printed materials, such as brochures and fact sheets.
- Legislative advocacy.
- Information to family members, caregivers and others.
If your group would like a presentation by the Benefit Specialists, call your local office on aging listed at the end of this document. For Dane County, call the benefit specialist at 608-224-0660 or write to The Elder Law Center of the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups 5900 Monona Drive Suite 400 Madison, Wisconsin 53716-3554.
Last updated: August 1, 1997
By: Gail Schwersenska