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Homeshare Program Prese rves nce, Saves Money by Stephanie ~ d .x-
district manager of the St. Paul office of the Social Security Administration, which runs ssl. Faitek and others, including Social Security Commissioner Gwendolyn King, have recently stepped up efforts to - - h dpeople eligible for SSI and help them apply, .* -
Third Lowest
"We're fortunate in Minnesota in having the Mimesota Housing and Finance Agency back this program," says Wallace. "There arc ten tax-exempt programs throughout the state and we've just gotten new funding and new grants. But Minnesota also has some of the highest use of nursing home beds. Ten percent of the senior population is in nuping homes in contrast to a five percent national average." Wallace says that when people in nursing homes run out of money, the state is obligated to pick up the costs which can run upwards of $20 thousand every yew. With some supports, likea live-in home sharer abled and older people can stay in their homes," " I t s a thin line between health and sickness wi
Farmington, a third tier suburb, 25 miles south of Mianeapolis. W e haven't placed anyone in Fannington yet," Wallace explained. W e talked with some city officials but they didn't seem interested. The mayor said he thought it sounded Cornrnunistic. I think they don't understand that the rural and semi-rural disabled and elderly have unique problems. They don't have access to public transportation. A lot of times, r;specially with the elderly, the family has moved away and they lose their immediate circle of support." e who want to stay the housing costs E cont on p. 10
perception that benefits may be too marginal to warrant -
ly assumed that being employed would prevent someone from receiving SSI. Half thought, incorrectly, thr ownership of a house or car would bar an applicant from eligibility. More than onethird incorrectly assumed that anyone receiving regular Social Security benefiB would not qualify.
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as many as 50 percent of those eligible for SSI are not participating. A 1988 study by the American Association 'of Retired Persomconcluded that fewer than two in five
for SSI in the past may not realize 'bat they are eligible today. "We know of people who have lived off their savings, and now their savings are. diminished and they 3re
among elderly who are eligible. Of the 36,375 Minnesotans receiving SSI benefits in December, 1988,26 percent were 65 or older. Theprogrampaysmonthly checks to aged, blind and disabled people who do not have much income or esources. Up to $386 a non nth is available to a single person and $579 to couples. Several reasons have
saying it "boggles the mind." Faitek said the form is not intended to be self-completed . and that his staff can help applicants fill out the form in q_& average 15 to 45 minutes. Applicants age 65 or older who are deemed eligible can receive their first check in as quickly as five to ten days, . Faitek said. SSI recipients must meet a cont on p. 8
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