Social Security benefits can play a big role in helping you pay for assisted living in Wisconsin. As you or your loved ones get older, you might start thinking about moving into an assisted living community. These communities offer support with daily tasks while still giving you some independence. But the costs can be high, and that's where Social Security comes in.
In this article, you'll learn how Social Security for assisted living can help cover expenses. We'll explain the different types of benefits you might be eligible for and how they work. You'll also find out about other programs in Wisconsin that can give you extra financial help.
In Wisconsin, you'll find many options for assisted living. The state wants to make sure you have choices that fit your needs and budget. Therefore, Wisconsin has rules to keep assisted living communities safe and comfortable for seniors like you.
The average monthly cost for assisted living in Wisconsin is about $4,400, which is close to what people pay in other states. But don't worry if that sounds high.
In some parts of Wisconsin, you can find less expensive options. For example, in Green Bay, Janesville, and La Crosse, you might pay between $3,800 and $3,975 each month. These lower prices can help you stretch your money further.
When you move into an assisted living community, you can use your monthly Social Security check to cover some of the costs. Social Security benefits are meant to help with your basic living expenses, and assisted living counts as a living expense. You're free to use this money for your room, meals, and other services the community provides. However, it's important to understand that Social Security alone might not cover all your assisted living costs.
Most people find that their Social Security check doesn't quite stretch far enough to pay for everything. For example, if you get the average Social Security retirement benefit, which is about $1,700 per month, you'd still be short on covering full assisted living costs.
You can make the most of your benefits by planning carefully. Some people combine their Social Security with savings or other income to afford assisted living. Others look for communities that offer sliding scale fees based on what you can pay.
Keep in mind you're allowed to keep getting your Social Security benefits when you move into assisted living. The money is yours to use, and the community can't take it from you. You just need to make sure you keep paying your share in full.
If you're worried about affording assisted living with just your Social Security benefits, don't give up hope. There are other programs and benefits in Wisconsin that might help you bridge the gap. We'll talk about those options in the next sections.
If you're getting regular SSI benefits in Wisconsin, you might be able to get extra money through the SSI Exceptional Expense Supplement, or SSI-E for short. The SSI-E program can give you an additional $95.99 each month if you need a lot of help with daily tasks.
To qualify, you need to show that you require at least 40 hours of care or support services every month. You don't have to be getting all those hours of care right now, but someone needs to check and say that you need that much help.
To apply for SSI-E, you'll need to talk to your local county office. They'll set up a meeting to see if you qualify. If you do, they'll add the extra money to your regular SSI payment each month.
Now, there are rules about how much money and assets you can have to get SSI-E. In 2024, if you're single, your expenses need to be more than $889.77 a month. If you're part of a couple, it's $1,488.41. You also can't have more than $2,000 in savings if you're single, or $3,000 for a couple.
Getting SSI-E can make a big difference in helping you pay for the care you need so it's worth checking out if you think you might qualify.
In Wisconsin, you have a variety of options to help pay for care beyond Social Security and SSI-E. The state offers several programs that can make your life easier and more affordable.
Wisconsin's SeniorCare program can help you save money on your prescription drugs, with some people paying as little as $5 for their medications. To join SeniorCare, you need to be 65 or older and live in Wisconsin. You'll pay a small fee each year to enroll, but there's no monthly cost. Depending on how much money you make, you might get different levels of help with your drug costs.
Another program called Family Care helps you stay in your home or a community setting instead of moving to a nursing home. It covers things like help with bathing, meals, and housekeeping. You might also be able to get special equipment or changes to your home to make it safer for you.
If you want more control over your care, you could look into a program called IRIS. With IRIS, you get to decide what services you need and who provides them. You can even hire family members to help you with some tasks.
For veterans, there are special benefits that can help pay for assisted living. Remember that veteran benefits can be stacked on top of any other help you might get, so it's worth checking if you qualify.
Planning for assisted living might seem tricky, but you don't have to figure it all out alone. The friendly staff at LakeHouse Menomonee can answer your questions and help you understand how using Social Security for assisted living works. We're experts at making sure you get the care you need without breaking the bank.
Schedule a tour anytime to see what life could be like as a resident. You'll get to meet the care team, see the comfortable rooms, and maybe even join in on a fun activity. It's a great way to get a real feel of the environment and ask any questions you might have.