SAC MIN 1992-01-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

SENIOR AFFAIRS COMMISSION MINUTES OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1992 COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairperson Anthony, Commissioners Berglund, Jordan, Lloyd, Metzdorf, Sharp, and Truscelli COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Park & Recreation Superintendent Sally Hartman, Recreation Supervisor Mary Kucala, and Library Supervisor Val Hamilton GUESTS PRESENT: Executive Director Maria Bransford Chairperson Anthony called the regular meeting of the Senior Affairs Commission to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Senior Center Annex, 711 Nevada Street, Redwood City, California. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The November 1991 minutes were approved as mailed. CORRESPONDENCE There was no correspondence. ITEM 1 - Changes in SSI - Diana Thomas Diana Thomas, Branch Manager for the Redwood City Social Security Office, spoke to the Commissioners about changes in the SSI system. She explained that seniors who take care of grandhildren need to know what is available to them because of major changes in SSI benefits. Packets containing SSI information were distributed to the Commissioners. Ms. Thomas noted that the qualifications for SSI are: 65 years of age; blind or disabled (unable to do any work for next 12 months); must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted to U.S. to work here; and must maintain residency here for 30 days. She also said that if a person is sponsored by someone, the sponsor has to cover immigrant's expenses for 3 years, or if the person has a sponsor who is not a relative (e.g. church), then the 3 year support requirement does not apply. Ms. Thomas explained the monthly benefit of SSI is $645.00 and that if a person gets Social Security, then that is subtracted from the $645.00 and they would receive the difference. She said that other income received that provides food, clothing or shelter is charged against this and it reduces the amount the person receives. Ms. Thomas noted that the person has to have limited resources to receive SSI. The 1992 limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. If a person is living in their home, that is excluded along with the cost of their car. If life insurance benefits are $1,500 or less, it is also excluded. In addition to the $2,000, the recipients can have a $1,500 burial limit. If the burial funds are in an interest bearing account, the interest is excluded along with the cost of the burial space.