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Benefits Counselors:
Who are they and do I need one?

There are so many benefits, both financial and assistance-oriented to which individuals are entitled. These include community-based programs, state or federal assistance programs (such as Social Security, Medicare, and food stamps), as well as retirement and insurance programs to name a few. One of the issues with having so many benefits available to elderly and disabled individuals is that it is difficult to track them and find out which ones are appropriate for the situation. This is where a benefits counselor can help.

The term benefits counselor can be applied to either a paid staff person for an agency or a trained volunteer. In simple terms, a benefits counselor is someone who reviews existing information about your financial situation and makes suggestions about benefits for which someone may be eligible or changes in existing benefits you may already be receiving.

The Older American Act authorizes benefits counselors to provide information to elderly individuals concerning benefits for which they may be eligible. In addition, individuals can receive advocacy assistance and referrals to appropriate agencies that may be able to assist them. In particular, the act emphasizes individuals who may not have the capacity to assist themselves in cases where there may be disputes concerning benefits.

Who are Benefits Counselors?

Generally, benefits counselors work with individuals who are aged 60 and older. If someone has a disability, they are also entitled to receive benefits counseling information. Many of them work with or volunteer for agencies like the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). With the AAA, there are stringent criteria for benefits counselors and certification levels are available. The various certification levels designate the types of cases for which someone can receive assistance.
Individuals receive free assistance from a benefits counselor. It is not attorney representation, however. Individuals who need legal representation may still receive a benefits counselor; however, the benefits counselor will not be able to represent them in court.

Not only paid staff can work as benefits counselors. Many states have training programs for volunteers who will work in conjunction with paid staff to assist people with benefit information. The training program often includes the examination process to certify volunteers at a particular benefit level. Volunteers are trained to recognize cases which they are not certified to assist and will refer these individuals to paid staff members within the agency who can help them.

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