How Scammers Try to Steal Your Life Savings

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Medicare Appeals | Mass.Gov Senior Legal Helpline

>>Click HERE to link to the Mass.gov for Additional Info on Legal Help for Elders>>

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Legal help for elders

Senior Legal Helpline (800) 342-5297

Volunteer Lawyers Project of Boston providing free legal information and referral services to Massachusetts residents who are 60 years old or older.

Frequently asked questions

Learn about what is offered

The Helpline is open Monday through Friday 9AM-12PM.  

Can I get a free attorney?  

Most callers will not be eligible for a free attorney. 

Helpline advocates can help you find out if you are eligible and complete an application for services with a Massachusetts civil legal services program. 

Legal services law types include: 

Social Security/SSI 

Veterans Benefits

Mass Health

Medicare 

Consumer 

Public Benefits 

Unemployment 

Foreclosures 

Utilities

Guardianship 

Wills/Advance Directives 

Bankruptcy 

Housing

Family law

Nursing Home 

If you are not eligible for a free attorney and have some ability to pay an attorney, we can refer you to reduced fee attorney referral programs where attorneys will charge you on a sliding scale based on your income.  

Medicare Coverage Outside the United States

>>Click HERE for Printable Version or to Read Medicare Coverage Outside the United States Publication>>

Veterans headstones, markeers, medallions, plaques, and urns

>>Click HERE to Download or Print Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker>>

>>Click HERE to link to va.gov for Additional Info>> 

Free Military Service Plaque Info

>>Click HERE to Download or Print Free Military Service Plaque Info>>

>>Click HERE to link to news.va.gov/together-we-served-free-plaque-military-service for Additional Info>> 

Handicapped Parking - Disabled Placard and Plate Form

>>Click HERE to link to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles for Additional Info on Disability Plates and Placards>>

>>Click HERE for LARGER IMAGE or Printable Version of the Dos and Don'ts of Disabled Parking>>

>>Click HERE for Printable Version of the Application for Disabled Parking>>

MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY

>>Click HERE for Printable Version of Instructions or to Download Instructions >>

>>Click HERE for Printable Version or to Download Form>>

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) Formerly Known as the MassHealth Buy-In Programs

>>Click HERE to Link to Mass.gov for Additional Info>>

>>Click HERE to Download or Print a Medicare Savings Program Application>>

>>Click HERE for Printable Version or to Read Publication>>

Fuel Assistance | Do You Need Help Paying Your Heating Bills And Keeping Your home Warm This Winter?

>>Click HERE for Printable Version or to Read Publication>>

>>Click HERE to Link to NSCAP for Additional Info>> 

Walmart Rx Program | $4 Medications

 >>Click HERE to link to Walmart for Additional Information>>

 >>Click HERE for Larger Image or Printable Version of Walmart $4 Medication List>> 

 

Life Sustaining Equipment

 >>Click HERE to link to National Grid for Additional Info>>

>>Click HERE for Larger Image or Printable Version of Notice of Life-Sustaining Equipment >>

DISABILITY INDICATOR FORM for LANDLINE, WIRELESS, AND VoIP CONSUMERS

>>Click HERE to link to Mass.gov for Additional Info>>

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MASSACHUSETTS f.a.c.t.s | A Review of the History, Government, and Symbols of the Commonwealth

>>Click HERE to link to Secretary of the Commonwealth Massachusetts for Additional Info>>

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Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Resident Rights & Responsibilities

>>Click HERE to link to the Hud.gov for Additional Info>>

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Four Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests for FREE

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the U.S. Postal Service has reopened COVIDtests.gov as of today, so that households across the country can order four additional over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for free. These tests are intended for use throughout the 2024 holiday season to detect currently circulating COVID-19 variants. Clear instructions are included on how to verify extended expiration dates. 

As the fall and holiday seasons will create increased close proximity gatherings of people, the Administration remains committed to helping Americans access tests to help so that, if they develop a respiratory illness, they can learn whether it is due to COVID-19 and then make the best choices about seeking medical care and reducing risks to family, friends, and co-workers. To order four free, over-the-counter COVID-19 tests, visit COVIDtests.gov.

>>Click HERE to Link to CovidTests.gov for Additional Info>>

Credit Reports are Now FREE, Every Week

>>Click HERE to link to the Consumer.FTC.gov for Additional Info>>

>>Click HERE for Larger Image or Printable Annual Credit Report Request Form>>

How To Get Your Free Annual Credit Reports

How do I order my free annual credit reports?

The three nationwide credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — have a centralized website, toll-free telephone number, and mailing address so you can order your free annual reports in one place. Do not contact the three credit bureaus individually. These are the only ways to order your free annual credit reports:

• visit AnnualCreditReport.com
• call 1-877-322-8228, or
• complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service 
P.O. Box 105281 
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

SAMSA Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration | US Department of Health and Human Services |

>>Click HERE to Link to SAMSA for Additional Info on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration | US Department of Health and Human Services>>

>>Click HERE for Larger Image or Printable version of Safety Plans That Work>>

Home Modification | AARP HomeFit Guide Worksheets | These checklists and templates — there are eight in all — can be used to make a home a better "fit"

 >>Click HERE to link to AARP for Additional Info>>

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AARP HomeFit Guide Worksheets

These checklists and templates — there are eight in all — can be used to make a home a better "fit"

Community Resource Guide to Programs & Services for Older Adults & Persons with Disabilities

>>Click HERE to link to NorthEast Independent Living Program for Additional Info>>

>>Click HERE to link to Community Resource Guide >>

Peabody Area Chamber 2024 Resource Guide & Business Directory Published on Jan 17, 2024

>>Click HERE to link to Peabody Chamber of Commerce for Additional Info>>

>>Click HERE to link to Peabody Chamber of Commerce Business Guide >>

CyberSecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA.gov) | America's Cyber Defense Agency | Four Easy Ways to Stay Safe Online

>>Click HERE to link to CISA.gov for Additional Info>>

>>Click HERE for Larger Image or Printable Version of Four Easy Ways to Stay Safe Online >>

>>Click HERE for Larger Image or Printable Version of Recognize & Report Phishing >>

>>Click HERE for Larger Image or Printable Version of Use Strong Passwords >>

>>Click HERE for Larger Image or Printable Version of Multifactor Authentication >>

>>Click HERE for Larger Image or Printable Version of Update Software >>

Four Easy Ways to Stay Safe Online

Online criminals look for easy targets, like people who don’t take basic precautions. If we take the following four steps, we won’t be as vulnerable to their deceptive tactics. It will be much harder to scam us or steal our information. Let’s start now.

Recognize & Report Phishing

Phishing often tries to get us to open a harmful attachment or share personal information. Learn what to look for to avoid the "phish hook." 

Use Strong Passwords

Using strong passwords and a password manager are some easy ways to protect ourselves from someone logging into an account and stealing data or money.

Turn on MFA

Multifactor authentication means using more than a password to access an app or account. With MFA, we might be asked to enter a text code or use a fingerprint. It makes us much safer from someone accessing our accounts.

Update Software

Don't delay software updates. Flaws in software can give criminals access to files or accounts. Programmers fix these flaws as soon as they can, but we must install updates for the latest protection!

Peabody Council on Aging | Social Services | Fact Sheet

>>Click HERE to link to Peabody Council on Aging Social Services for Additional Info>>

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 Peabody Council on Aging
Social Services

If you'd like assistance with the applications or information on other services, our Social Services Program provides information and referrals to Peabody seniors and their families by appointment.  Please call 978-531-2254 to schedule an appointment.

Following is a link to our Library which contains resources for some of the programs available for seniors.  We screen for eligibility and provide assistance with applications for all of these programs.

Concerned About Medicare Costs? There May Be Help! http://peabodycoalibrary.blogspot.com/search/label/Medicare%20Costs 

Fuel Assistance | Do You Need Help Paying Your Heating Bills And Keeping Your home Warm This Winter?   http://peabodycoalibrary.blogspot.com/search/label/Fuel%20Assistance 

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Formerly Food Stamps https://peabodycoalibrary.blogspot.com/2014/03/snap-supplemental-nutrition-assistance_14.html 

*During the month of August, we typically receive Farmers' Market coupons. When using your SNAP benefits at the Farmers' Market, you'll receive $1 back on your card for every dollar spent, up to $40 per month.  It's called HIP (Healthy Incentives Program). If you think you qualify, call social services and check for availability. A signature is required.

Circuit Breaker Tax Relief for Massachusetts Senior Citizens - Tax Credit Worksheet http://peabodycoalibrary.blogspot.com/search/label/Tax  

Senior Tax Assistance Programs - Property Tax Relief - File by April for prior year Exemption, by July for next calendar year Exemption  https://peabodycoalibrary.blogspot.com/search/label/Circuit%20Breaker%20Tax%20Credit 

Assurance Wireless - Free Government Phone https://www.assurancewireless.com