Q: I am struggling to manage my monthly budget. How can I find out if I qualify for any benefits to help reduce my expenses?
A: If you are struggling to cover your monthly costs now it is a good time to review your budget and expenses. I always recommend starting by writing down a list of all your regular monthly expenses. Make sure to include everything and think about housing costs, utilities, credit card payments, medical and prescription costs, food costs, and anything else. For example, you may pay for a storage unit, or help a family member with a monthly cost. Be as complete as possible.
The next step is to write down your monthly income and see what the difference is. Sometimes we can spot things just by going through this exercise that can be reduced. Perhaps you are paying for something on a monthly basis that you don’t need or use anymore, like a subscription to a streaming service.
To check for benefits such as Medi-Cal low-income insurance to reduce health care costs and CalFresh to reduce your food costs, you can go online at https://benefitscal.com to see if you qualify and apply. If you prefer by phone, you can call 888-472-4463.
Another way to help with your monthly costs is to see if you can receive assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program helps eligible low-income households to meet their heating and/or cooling needs. It can help by providing a credit to your gas or electric bill. There are also programs available to help with home weatherization, which can help reduce heating and cooling costs. In Ventura County you can call Community Action of Ventura County at (805) 487-2512. If you live in a different area, you can call 211 to get to your local provider of these programs.
You should contact your utility providers and ask for information on any low-income assistance programs to receive a discount on your bill. One such program is called the CARE Program. Low-income customers that are enrolled in the CARE program can potentially receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and potentially a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. To learn more about the CARE Program, please visit https://www.sce.com/residential/assistance/fera-care
If getting food is a challenge, consider utilizing our local food pantries or free congregate meal programs. Food Share has many programs available including food programs for seniors, as well as list of sites serving hot meals and food pantries. You can search their list for all these types of food programs here at or you can call them at 805-983-7100.
Congregate meal sites are offered through the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging. All individuals aged 60 years or older are welcome to come to a meal site for lunch. Meals are free with a suggested donation of $3.00 To find a site near you visit the VCAAA website here or here. To find a center in Los Angeles County call 800- 510-2020 or visit the LA County Services site.
If you do not have a financial planner and would benefit from a session to review your budget, there are programs that offer this consultation at no cost. Senior Concerns offers this program in partnership with Certified Financial Planners who provide seniors assistance and guidance in building a financial plan for their future. Call 805-497-0189 to schedule an appointment. In Camarillo, a similar program is offered through the Camarillo Health Care District. You can call 805-388-1952 to make an appointment.
Take the time to really examine monthly expenses and see what can be reduced by finding resources, discounts, and benefits that you can qualify for. If you are unsure, ask questions and reach out for help. You never know what might be available to reduce your costs and help you gain financial security in your budget.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
