All Senior Legal Issues Resources
Legal Issues for LGBT Caregivers
Without written protections in place, your "chosen family" will not be legally recognized, and could very easily be questioned or contested by a biological family member.
Who Will Manage My Finances?
Info about durable power of attorney for financial matters.
Labor Unions: Duty of Fair Representation
A union owes a duty of fair representation to all of the workers it represents. This duty requires that the union act fairly, impartially, and without ill will or discrimination when pursuing a worker"s grievance or when negotiating a new contract with the employer.
Information for IHSS Consumers in SF
Enrollment, timesheets, share-of-cost, deductions, benefits.
Extra Help with Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) Costs for People with Low Income
2006, Medicare began providing prescription drug coverage called Medicare Part D. Medicare also provides extra help with the cost of prescription drugs for those who qualify. This is known as the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program.
Free One-on-One Counseling About Medicare
HICAP (the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program)
Understanding The Extra Help With Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Understanding the Extra Help with Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
COBRA & CalCOBRA Insurance
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act " better known as COBRA " gives you the legal right to continue group health benefits when they might otherwise end due to job loss, divorce or death.
My Rights if My Employer Declares Bankruptcy
If your employer has filed for bankruptcy, it means that the business is no longer able to pay off its debts to its creditors, and the company has asked the court to help it either plan a repayment schedule (“Chapter 11” bankruptcy) or sell off all its property and use the money to pay off the creditors (“Chapter 7” bankruptcy).
California Long-Term Care Ombuds Programs: Assistance for People in Long-Term Care
Ombudsman Resources in CA
Contacting Adult Protective Services to Report Abuse of Seniors or Dependent Adults
This page has information on how to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation to county Adult Protective Services agencies.
Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse
You can ask for an elder or dependent adult abuse restraining order.
Recognizing and Reporting Elder Abuse
This page has definitions of different kinds of elder abuse, indicators and signs of abuse, and how to report elder abuse.
Report Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse with Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services
Check If You Can Get Public Benefits in California
Interactive tool to help connect individuals to information about different state benefits available including disaster relief.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
ADR Types and Benefits. The Judicial Council of California has created a video series with descriptions of different kinds of dispute resolution and where each might be helpful.
Ask for a Fee Waiver if you can't afford filing fees
In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a “fee waiver” in order to file for free. With a fee waiver, you also may not have to pay for certified copies, sheriff's service of process fees, or other costs related to starting a case, such as the cost for a court reporter to be at your trial.
A Will, Estate, and Probate Guide
Figuring out how to transfer or inherit property from the person who has died.
What is a Limited Conservatorship - California Courts
This resource downloads as a text document. You may need a text reader app to access this document on a mobile phone.
File a Healthcare Civil Rights Complaint
Find out how you can file a healthcare complaint with HHS online and offline in English, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Polish. If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, or religion in programs or activities that HHS directly operates or to which HHS provides federal financial assistance, you may file a complaint with OCR. You may file a complaint for yourself or for someone else. If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your disability by a State or local government health care or social services agency, you may file a complaint with the OCR. You may file a complaint for yourself or for someone else. Consult with an attorney if you want to find out if you have additional legal claims. Your complaint may impact your legal claims in the future.
California Pension Reform
California Public Employees" Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) took effect in 213.
California's Public Retirement and Pension Systems
Read about some of the laws and constitutional protections.
Debt Settlement Traps!
This .pdf resource shares what to know before you hire a debt settlement company.
Did Your Pension Plan Fail?
Find information about your plan using the search box below or use the list at right to access our largest plans.
Employer-Sponsored Healthcare Coverage
This article will help you understand: (1) If employer-sponsored coverage is right for you, (2) What services your plan will cover, (3) How to choose a plan, (4), How much you will have to pay for health care, and (5) How to sign up.
File a Healthcare Civil Rights Complaint
Find out how you can file a healthcare complaint with HHS online and offline in English, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Polish. If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, or religion in programs or activities that HHS directly operates or to which HHS provides federal financial assistance, you may file a complaint with OCR. You may file a complaint for yourself or for someone else. If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your disability by a State or local government health care or social services agency, you may file a complaint with the OCR. You may file a complaint for yourself or for someone else. Consult with an attorney if you want to find out if you have additional legal claims. Your complaint may impact your legal claims in the future.
Grandparent Visitation Rights through Court
In some situations, grandparents can petition the court to visit their grandchild.
IRAs, Pensions & Annuities Under Medi-Cal
For the purposes of Medi-Cal eligibility an "annuity" is defined as a "contract to make periodic payments of a fixed or variable sum paid to an annuitant which are payable unconditionally."
Multiemployer Pension Reform Act of 2014
Allows trustees of certain multiemployer plans to cut retirees" pensions
My Rights if My Employer Declares Bankruptcy
If your employer has filed for bankruptcy, it means that the business is no longer able to pay off its debts to its creditors, and the company has asked the court to help it either plan a repayment schedule (“Chapter 11” bankruptcy) or sell off all its property and use the money to pay off the creditors (“Chapter 7” bankruptcy).
"NAFI" Plans: Federal Retirement Programs Not Funded by the Government
NAFI Retirement Plans are retirement plans sponsored by government entities known as Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities (NAFIs).
National Elder Fraud Hotline
If you or someone you know has been a victim of elder fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline. 833–FRAUD–11 or 833–372–8311 Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. eastern time English/Español/Other languages available
Nursing Home Care Standards
Certified nursing homes agree to give each resident the best possible care.
Outline of Residents' Rights Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly
Outline of Residents' Rights, Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly
Pension and 401(k) / 403(b) Plans Overview
401(k) plans are a type of “defined contribution” plan established by employers or unions for employees to contribute voluntarily to their own individual retirement accounts. A 403(b) plan is similar to a 401(k) plan, but is provided to employees of non-profit organizations.
Pension Freezes
When a company freezes its pension plan, some or all of the employees covered by the plan, stop earning some or all the benefits from the point of the freeze moving forward.
Pension Rights After Divorce
This site has some helpful information on the court orders required to access some types of pensions following a divorce.
Recognizing and Reporting Elder Abuse
This page has definitions of different kinds of elder abuse, indicators and signs of abuse, and how to report elder abuse.
Transfer and Discharge Rights
Rights regarding the facility"s ability to transfer or discharge.
What Happens When a Pension Is Transferred to an Insurance Company?
If you are already getting your pension and your former employer decides to convert it to an annuity paid by an insurance company, your monthly benefit should stay the same. However, your benefits will no longer be protected by the federal pension insurance program, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
What is Recoupment?
Retirees have been asked to pay money back to their pension plan. Most often this happens because the plan made a mistake in calculating the amount of the pension, and the retiree had no way of knowing that he or she was receiving the wrong amount. The process of taking back overpayments is called "recoupment."
What is the American Indian Probate Reform Act?
This guide provides information on AIPRA and how that law affects Indian trust lands (allotments). While this guide does not focus specifically on Estate Planning or Wills, it does provide important information for people who own trust lands about Estate Planning for their property.
A Long-Term Care Ombudsman on Your Side
Long-Term Care Ombudsman representatives assist residents in long-term care facilities with issues related to day-to-day care, health, safety, and personal preferences.
California Long-Term Care Ombuds Programs: Assistance for People in Long-Term Care
Ombudsman Resources in CA
Contacting Adult Protective Services to Report Abuse of Seniors or Dependent Adults
This page has information on how to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation to county Adult Protective Services agencies.
File a Healthcare Civil Rights Complaint
Find out how you can file a healthcare complaint with HHS online and offline in English, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Polish. If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, or religion in programs or activities that HHS directly operates or to which HHS provides federal financial assistance, you may file a complaint with OCR. You may file a complaint for yourself or for someone else. If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your disability by a State or local government health care or social services agency, you may file a complaint with the OCR. You may file a complaint for yourself or for someone else. Consult with an attorney if you want to find out if you have additional legal claims. Your complaint may impact your legal claims in the future.
Report Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse with Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services
A Long-Term Care Ombudsman on Your Side
Long-Term Care Ombudsman representatives assist residents in long-term care facilities with issues related to day-to-day care, health, safety, and personal preferences.
California Long-Term Care Ombuds Programs: Assistance for People in Long-Term Care
Ombudsman Resources in CA
Medicare and Appeals (Audio)
This is an audio broadcast prepared by California Health Advocates entitled "Medicare Appeals." In this broadcast, we will briefly go over important appeal rights if Medicare, your Medicare Advantage plan, or your Part D prescription drug plan denies payment for, or coverage of, services.
Understanding The Extra Help With Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Understanding the Extra Help with Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)
BEST helps you find out if you could get benefits that Social Security administers.
Check If You Can Get Public Benefits in California
Interactive tool to help connect individuals to information about different state benefits available including disaster relief.
Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI)
LTC insurance benefits may be part of a life insurance or annuity policy, or contained in a freestanding LTC policy.
Medicare and Medi-Cal Double Coverage
People who qualify for both Medicare and full Medi-Cal are known as "dual eligibles" or "Medi-Medis."
Medicare Savings Programs: Low Income Assistance
If you pass certain requirements, you can apply for help.
What's Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?
8 things to know about Medigap policies.
Coverage While You and/or Your Spouse Works
Coverage While You and/or Your Spouse Works
Debt Settlement Traps!
This .pdf resource shares what to know before you hire a debt settlement company.
Elder Fraud
Overview of common scams targeting older adults/seniors and how the FBI helps victims report and recover from financial fraud.
File a Healthcare Civil Rights Complaint
Find out how you can file a healthcare complaint with HHS online and offline in English, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Polish. If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, or religion in programs or activities that HHS directly operates or to which HHS provides federal financial assistance, you may file a complaint with OCR. You may file a complaint for yourself or for someone else. If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your disability by a State or local government health care or social services agency, you may file a complaint with the OCR. You may file a complaint for yourself or for someone else. Consult with an attorney if you want to find out if you have additional legal claims. Your complaint may impact your legal claims in the future.
Free One-on-One Counseling About Medicare
HICAP (the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program)
Grandparent Scams
Educational video highlighting real examples of scams and practical tips to protect yourself online and offline.
How to Read Your Part B Medicare Summary Notice
two easy-to-use Medicare Summary Notice "decoders": one for Part B, the other for Part A.
IHSS Video Series
These videos provide: a brief summary of the IHSS program, including basic eligibility criteria, the home visit process, available services and supports, and the care provider selection process; services and assessment; information on how an IHSS recipient/consumer may hire a care provider, including tips on how to find, interview, and select a care provider; and how to properly supervise a care provider, including suggestions on how to appropriately communicate with a care provider, how to maintain privacy and protect personal identifying information, and how to direct care providers in completing authorized IHSS tasks.
Medicare Advantage Plans
How do Medicare Advantage Plans work? When can I join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan? What if my plan decides to stop participating in Medicare? What if I have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)?
Medicare When You Need Health Care Outside The U.S.
How often is it covered? Your costs in Original Medicare
Military Service and Social Security Benefits
Generally, there is no reduction of Social Security benefits because of your military retirement benefits. You'll get your full Social Security benefit based on your earnings.
New Social Security Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims
Sometimes, the best way to evade an abuser and reduce the risk of further violence may be to relocate and establish a new identity. Following these changes, getting a new Social Security number may also be helpful.
Social Security Frequently Asked Questions
Search and find answers and general information quickly.
This Medicare Open Enrollment season, learn how to protect yourself from scams
Warns about common scams targeting older adults during Medicare’s open enrollment season and offers tips to recognize and avoid fraudulent offers.
What You Need To Know When You Get Retirement Or Survivors Benefits
Find out what you can expect from Social Security, what your reporting responsibilities are and how to report changes that could affect benefits.
Elder Fraud
Overview of common scams targeting older adults/seniors and how the FBI helps victims report and recover from financial fraud.
Grandparent Scams
Educational video highlighting real examples of scams and practical tips to protect yourself online and offline.
Protecting the Elderly From Financial Abuse
What should you do if you suspect financial abuse?
This Medicare Open Enrollment season, learn how to protect yourself from scams
Warns about common scams targeting older adults during Medicare’s open enrollment season and offers tips to recognize and avoid fraudulent offers.
Ask WomensLaw.org a Question!
The purpose of this Email Hotline is for WomensLaw to provide basic legal information, referrals, and emotional support. The purpose of this Email Hotline is to provide U.S.-based legal information related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. All emails are answered or reviewed by an attorney. However, we cannot provide legal advice or representation and we cannot call you on the phone. You can expect to receive a response within 1-5 business days.
Find More Resources and Referrals at PensionHelp.org
Ready to find resources to help you find answers to questions you have about your retirement plan?
Free One-on-One Counseling About Medicare
HICAP (the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program)
Housing Counseling Agencies
HUD-Certified Housing counselors throughout the country can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, and credit issues. Housing counselors throughout the country can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, forbearances, foreclosures, and credit issues. This list will show you several approved agencies in your area. The counseling agencies on this list are approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and they can offer independent advice, often at little or no cost to you. There is also a list of nationwide HUD-approved counseling agencies .
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Resources
Getting help with your benefits and community based organizations.
Labor Enforcement Task Force (LETF)
What are your rights as a worker? What Is the Underground Economy? Report a bad employer.
New Social Security Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims
Sometimes, the best way to evade an abuser and reduce the risk of further violence may be to relocate and establish a new identity. Following these changes, getting a new Social Security number may also be helpful.
Protect Yourself from Fraud and Financial Abuse
Seniors: Protect yourself from fraud and financial abuse! Be vigilant, be observant. Physical or financial abuse will continue so long as no one knows about it.
Report Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse with Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services
A Long-Term Care Ombudsman on Your Side
Long-Term Care Ombudsman representatives assist residents in long-term care facilities with issues related to day-to-day care, health, safety, and personal preferences.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
ADR Types and Benefits. The Judicial Council of California has created a video series with descriptions of different kinds of dispute resolution and where each might be helpful.
Arbitration Agreements: Why They Should Be Prohibited In Admission Agreement
Arbitration Agreements: Why They Should Be Prohibited In Admission Agreement
Ask for a Fee Waiver if you can't afford filing fees
In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a “fee waiver” in order to file for free. With a fee waiver, you also may not have to pay for certified copies, sheriff's service of process fees, or other costs related to starting a case, such as the cost for a court reporter to be at your trial.
Ask WomensLaw.org a Question!
The purpose of this Email Hotline is for WomensLaw to provide basic legal information, referrals, and emotional support. The purpose of this Email Hotline is to provide U.S.-based legal information related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. All emails are answered or reviewed by an attorney. However, we cannot provide legal advice or representation and we cannot call you on the phone. You can expect to receive a response within 1-5 business days.
A Will, Estate, and Probate Guide
Figuring out how to transfer or inherit property from the person who has died.
Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)
BEST helps you find out if you could get benefits that Social Security administers.
California Long-Term Care Ombuds Programs: Assistance for People in Long-Term Care
Ombudsman Resources in CA
California Pension Reform
California Public Employees" Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) took effect in 213.
California's Public Retirement and Pension Systems
Read about some of the laws and constitutional protections.
Check If You Can Get Public Benefits in California
Interactive tool to help connect individuals to information about different state benefits available including disaster relief.
COBRA & CalCOBRA Insurance
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act " better known as COBRA " gives you the legal right to continue group health benefits when they might otherwise end due to job loss, divorce or death.
Conservatorship Overview
Conservatorship types and the procedures and forms you need.
Contacting Adult Protective Services to Report Abuse of Seniors or Dependent Adults
This page has information on how to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation to county Adult Protective Services agencies.
Coverage While You and/or Your Spouse Works
Coverage While You and/or Your Spouse Works
Debt Settlement Traps!
This .pdf resource shares what to know before you hire a debt settlement company.
Did Your Pension Plan Fail?
Find information about your plan using the search box below or use the list at right to access our largest plans.
Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse
You can ask for an elder or dependent adult abuse restraining order.
Elder Fraud
Overview of common scams targeting older adults/seniors and how the FBI helps victims report and recover from financial fraud.
Employer-Sponsored Healthcare Coverage
This article will help you understand: (1) If employer-sponsored coverage is right for you, (2) What services your plan will cover, (3) How to choose a plan, (4), How much you will have to pay for health care, and (5) How to sign up.
Extra Help with Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) Costs for People with Low Income
2006, Medicare began providing prescription drug coverage called Medicare Part D. Medicare also provides extra help with the cost of prescription drugs for those who qualify. This is known as the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program.
File a Healthcare Civil Rights Complaint
Find out how you can file a healthcare complaint with HHS online and offline in English, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Polish. If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, or religion in programs or activities that HHS directly operates or to which HHS provides federal financial assistance, you may file a complaint with OCR. You may file a complaint for yourself or for someone else. If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your disability by a State or local government health care or social services agency, you may file a complaint with the OCR. You may file a complaint for yourself or for someone else. Consult with an attorney if you want to find out if you have additional legal claims. Your complaint may impact your legal claims in the future.
Find More Resources and Referrals at PensionHelp.org
Ready to find resources to help you find answers to questions you have about your retirement plan?
Free One-on-One Counseling About Medicare
HICAP (the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program)
Grandparent Scams
Educational video highlighting real examples of scams and practical tips to protect yourself online and offline.
Grandparent Visitation Rights through Court
In some situations, grandparents can petition the court to visit their grandchild.
Hospice & Respite Care Coverage
How often is it covered? Who's eligible? Your costs in Original Medicare.
Housing Counseling Agencies
HUD-Certified Housing counselors throughout the country can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, and credit issues. Housing counselors throughout the country can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, forbearances, foreclosures, and credit issues. This list will show you several approved agencies in your area. The counseling agencies on this list are approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and they can offer independent advice, often at little or no cost to you. There is also a list of nationwide HUD-approved counseling agencies .
How to Calculate Value of Real Estate and Property
How to figure out the market value of real estate. This may be helpful for qualifying for some public benefits, estate planning, and planning to sell a home or real estate.
How to File a Complaint Against a Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE)
Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) How to File a Complaint
How to Read Your Part B Medicare Summary Notice
two easy-to-use Medicare Summary Notice "decoders": one for Part B, the other for Part A.
IHSS Video Series
These videos provide: a brief summary of the IHSS program, including basic eligibility criteria, the home visit process, available services and supports, and the care provider selection process; services and assessment; information on how an IHSS recipient/consumer may hire a care provider, including tips on how to find, interview, and select a care provider; and how to properly supervise a care provider, including suggestions on how to appropriately communicate with a care provider, how to maintain privacy and protect personal identifying information, and how to direct care providers in completing authorized IHSS tasks.
Information for IHSS Consumers in SF
Enrollment, timesheets, share-of-cost, deductions, benefits.
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Resources
Getting help with your benefits and community based organizations.
IRAs, Pensions & Annuities Under Medi-Cal
For the purposes of Medi-Cal eligibility an "annuity" is defined as a "contract to make periodic payments of a fixed or variable sum paid to an annuitant which are payable unconditionally."
Labor Enforcement Task Force (LETF)
What are your rights as a worker? What Is the Underground Economy? Report a bad employer.
Labor Unions: Duty of Fair Representation
A union owes a duty of fair representation to all of the workers it represents. This duty requires that the union act fairly, impartially, and without ill will or discrimination when pursuing a worker"s grievance or when negotiating a new contract with the employer.
Legal Issues for Caregivers: Pathways to Effective Communication For Healthcare Providers and Caregivers
Questions to ask at a medical appointment. Legal issues affecting caregivers.
Legal Issues for LGBT Caregivers
Without written protections in place, your "chosen family" will not be legally recognized, and could very easily be questioned or contested by a biological family member.
Legal Planning for Incapacity - Making Decisions When You Can't Speak For Yourself
What are the legal documents everyone should have to fulfill your wishes while you're alive and after you die?
Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI)
LTC insurance benefits may be part of a life insurance or annuity policy, or contained in a freestanding LTC policy.
Medicare Advantage Plans
How do Medicare Advantage Plans work? When can I join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan? What if my plan decides to stop participating in Medicare? What if I have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)?
Medicare and Appeals (Audio)
This is an audio broadcast prepared by California Health Advocates entitled "Medicare Appeals." In this broadcast, we will briefly go over important appeal rights if Medicare, your Medicare Advantage plan, or your Part D prescription drug plan denies payment for, or coverage of, services.
Medicare and Medi-Cal Double Coverage
People who qualify for both Medicare and full Medi-Cal are known as "dual eligibles" or "Medi-Medis."
Medicare Savings Programs: Low Income Assistance
If you pass certain requirements, you can apply for help.
Medicare When You Need Health Care Outside The U.S.
How often is it covered? Your costs in Original Medicare
Medigap: Medicare Supplemental Insurance
Private supplemental insurance for Medicare"s coinsurance and deductibles. Your rights to buy a Medigap policy and how premiums are priced.
Military Service and Social Security Benefits
Generally, there is no reduction of Social Security benefits because of your military retirement benefits. You'll get your full Social Security benefit based on your earnings.
Multiemployer Pension Reform Act of 2014
Allows trustees of certain multiemployer plans to cut retirees" pensions
My Rights if My Employer Declares Bankruptcy
If your employer has filed for bankruptcy, it means that the business is no longer able to pay off its debts to its creditors, and the company has asked the court to help it either plan a repayment schedule (“Chapter 11” bankruptcy) or sell off all its property and use the money to pay off the creditors (“Chapter 7” bankruptcy).
"NAFI" Plans: Federal Retirement Programs Not Funded by the Government
NAFI Retirement Plans are retirement plans sponsored by government entities known as Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities (NAFIs).
New Social Security Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims
Sometimes, the best way to evade an abuser and reduce the risk of further violence may be to relocate and establish a new identity. Following these changes, getting a new Social Security number may also be helpful.
Nursing Home Care Standards
Certified nursing homes agree to give each resident the best possible care.
Outline of Residents' Rights Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly
Outline of Residents' Rights, Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly
Overview of Medi-Cal for Long Term Care
Medi-Cal vs. Medicare and resource limitations.
Pension and 401(k) / 403(b) Plans Overview
401(k) plans are a type of “defined contribution” plan established by employers or unions for employees to contribute voluntarily to their own individual retirement accounts. A 403(b) plan is similar to a 401(k) plan, but is provided to employees of non-profit organizations.
Pension Freezes
When a company freezes its pension plan, some or all of the employees covered by the plan, stop earning some or all the benefits from the point of the freeze moving forward.
Pension Rights After Divorce
This site has some helpful information on the court orders required to access some types of pensions following a divorce.
Personal Care Agreements: How to Compensate a Family Member for Providing Care
How to Compensate a Family Member for Providing Care
Protecting the Elderly From Financial Abuse
What should you do if you suspect financial abuse?
Protect Yourself from Fraud and Financial Abuse
Seniors: Protect yourself from fraud and financial abuse! Be vigilant, be observant. Physical or financial abuse will continue so long as no one knows about it.
Recognizing and Reporting Elder Abuse
This page has definitions of different kinds of elder abuse, indicators and signs of abuse, and how to report elder abuse.
Reflections on End of Life Care (Video)
This series explores end of life wishes, often incompletely expressed and honored.
Report Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse with Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services
Resource for End-of-Life Decisions
Sample forms for Advance Health Care Directive, Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, and Do-Not-Resuscitate orders.
Social Security Frequently Asked Questions
Search and find answers and general information quickly.
This Medicare Open Enrollment season, learn how to protect yourself from scams
Warns about common scams targeting older adults during Medicare’s open enrollment season and offers tips to recognize and avoid fraudulent offers.
Transfer and Discharge Rights
Rights regarding the facility"s ability to transfer or discharge.
Understanding The Extra Help With Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Understanding the Extra Help with Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
What are Advance Directives?
A living will documents your wishes concerning medical treatments at the end of life.
What Happens When a Pension Is Transferred to an Insurance Company?
If you are already getting your pension and your former employer decides to convert it to an annuity paid by an insurance company, your monthly benefit should stay the same. However, your benefits will no longer be protected by the federal pension insurance program, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
What is a Limited Conservatorship - California Courts
This resource downloads as a text document. You may need a text reader app to access this document on a mobile phone.
What is a Nursing Home in California
All nursing homes are not alike. There are several types of licensing and certification categories for nursing homes, which are described here.
What is Recoupment?
Retirees have been asked to pay money back to their pension plan. Most often this happens because the plan made a mistake in calculating the amount of the pension, and the retiree had no way of knowing that he or she was receiving the wrong amount. The process of taking back overpayments is called "recoupment."
What is the American Indian Probate Reform Act?
This guide provides information on AIPRA and how that law affects Indian trust lands (allotments). While this guide does not focus specifically on Estate Planning or Wills, it does provide important information for people who own trust lands about Estate Planning for their property.
What's Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?
8 things to know about Medigap policies.
What You Need To Know When You Get Retirement Or Survivors Benefits
Find out what you can expect from Social Security, what your reporting responsibilities are and how to report changes that could affect benefits.
Who Will Manage My Finances?
Info about durable power of attorney for financial matters.