LAKE COUNTY ? Protecting citizens older than 60 from becoming ineligible for financial aid programs after receiving automatic increases in Social Security benefits was the purpose of a resolution the Lake County Board of Supervisors adopted unanimously Tuesday.
Responding to a request from area advocate J.R. Rose, the Lake County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to support legislation aimed at protecting area seniors. The resolution also included support for elder abuse prevention measures. Rose”s focus was ensuring seniors would still be eligible for state, federal and area programs that offer assistance with food, housing and medical services after receiving automatic cost of living adjustments in Social Security benefits.
Rose told the board he had been a volunteer delivering food for senior citizens, and had performed evaluations of each individual”s eligibility. He said individuals qualified for assistance if the Social Security income was below a certain amount.
“When I found out one man was over by $2, I had to deny him that box of food, and the look on his face got to me,” Rose said.
In 2000, Lake County”s population of adults older than 60 was 19 percent, according to the resolution. The resolution also said 7 percent of the county”s adults older than 65 lived below the poverty level.
Rose said the problem was that poverty levels are not adjusted automatically when cost of living increases are implemented, often leaving senior citizens ineligible for public assistance programs. Rose said the Federal Reserve set the levels.
“What first drove me to do this is that these eligibility levels were set back in the late ”50s, early ”60s. That”s a long time to say, ?OK their income is $800 a month, so if they go over $800 a month, then they”re no longer eligible,” Rose said.
Rose began his effort three years ago. The Ukiah City Council adopted a similar resolution earlier this year. Rose urged the board to discuss the matter with Congressman Mike Thompson.
Board Chairwoman Denise Rushing said she received a call from the Area Agency on Aging, which she said is in support of the resolution.
Rose said he was meeting with the Lakeport City Council Tuesday night to advocate for a similar resolution.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com, or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
