AARP Gets on Board with Benefits Quicklink

AARP Colorado, AARP Foundation Colorado ElderWatch and The Center in Denver are teaming up to offer Benefits Quicklink to all Coloradans.

“It’s one-stop shopping for people searching for benefits and services they may need to live a quality life,” said Jeremiah Mora of AARP Colorado and a volunteer of The Center, a GLBT organization that fights discrimination and offers information and educational opportunities for all communities. “Navigating through the maze of public benefit programs can be confusing for people and many don’t know what’s available.”

But now AARP offers this online tool to take the guesswork out of the process. AARP Colorado and AARP Foundation’s collaboration with The Center means benefit seekers now have a location, equipment and volunteers to help them find the services they need.

An online questionnaire is required to get started. Volunteers will assist people in navigating the questionnaire at The Center, 1301 E. Colfax Ave. Call 303-733-7743 to make an appointment.

“The GLBT Community Center of Colorado is proud to be a host site for AARP’s Benefits Quicklink Program at our beautiful new facility,” said Ken Helander, a community coordinator at The Center. “As older gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals, we are very pleased to be able to give back to our community by making our center available for all older adults who are looking for the services and supports they need to stay healthy and independent. All are warmly welcome here.”

Benefits Quicklink assists older Coloradans by helping them get the information they need from programs, including:

• Medicare Savings Programs
  
• Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
  
• Medicare Rx Extra help
  
• State Pharmaceutical Assistance programs (SPAP)
  
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
  
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
  
• State Property Tax Relief/Rebates
  
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  
• Telephone Assistance (Link-Up and Lifeline)
  

In addition, Benefits Quicklink is instrumental in helping families with children find other state and federal public benefits. Those interested in accessing Benefits Quicklink through The Center will need to provide a zip code, date of birth, type of residence, current income and assets from all sources for self, spouse and any others in the household, an estimate of current expenses and the names of any prescription medications. Again, call The Center at 303-733-7743 for more information.