If you are independently wealthy, you need not read this. It probably won't apply to you.
The subject is free or low cost benefits that may be available from your state.
Generally speaking, the main benefits are offered to seniors or people needing help, but this is so subject to state laws that each benefit may be based on need, or age... (not necessarily age 65) or just offered as a general benefit.
My State fishing license is free, and I get a discount on my boat registration.
Before I go on, let me review some benefits that we received from Illinois when we retired. (sadly some are no longer available). When we retired, our finances were such that our taxable income was low, or nil... the benefits had nothing to do with our "worth". As I recall we received $8 to $10K over six or seven years for medical expenses assistance. In addition, (and these exist today) the state offers an annual $75 car license reduction, and a "free" transit card. Not sure but I think the qualification is being below $55K taxable income.
I wouldn't pretend to know what other states offer, but as I recall, Florida offered limited free telephone service among some other things such as free passes to attractions or state parks. In looking up California Department on Aging, the first page suggests these benefits may be available
Looking up your own state benefits, try "(state) department on aging", or "state benefits"...
Too young? Too much money? If not for yourself, maybe for parents or relatives. As I recall, many years ago, I recall an news article that said less than 5% of eligible Illinois residents ever applied for benefits to which they were entitled.
If nothing else, almost all states offer help for seniors, in the form of local or county offices. We have called for info on homestead exemptions, house tax review, and the Illinois Senior home tax freeze, which freezes the value of the home at age 65 or on the date of purchase of the home. We figure that since the purchase of our home in 2004 that the freeze and exemption have saved us many, many thousands of dollars.
While not mentioned here, veterans' benefits are sometimes overlooked as are some Federal benefits .
http://www.eldercaredirectory.org/federal.htm
And of course the lifetime pass to 2000 National parks.. eligibility is just age 62.
It might be helpful to others if anyone can report on their own state's benefits.
The subject is free or low cost benefits that may be available from your state.
Generally speaking, the main benefits are offered to seniors or people needing help, but this is so subject to state laws that each benefit may be based on need, or age... (not necessarily age 65) or just offered as a general benefit.
My State fishing license is free, and I get a discount on my boat registration. Before I go on, let me review some benefits that we received from Illinois when we retired. (sadly some are no longer available). When we retired, our finances were such that our taxable income was low, or nil... the benefits had nothing to do with our "worth". As I recall we received $8 to $10K over six or seven years for medical expenses assistance. In addition, (and these exist today) the state offers an annual $75 car license reduction, and a "free" transit card. Not sure but I think the qualification is being below $55K taxable income.
I wouldn't pretend to know what other states offer, but as I recall, Florida offered limited free telephone service among some other things such as free passes to attractions or state parks. In looking up California Department on Aging, the first page suggests these benefits may be available
Looking up your own state benefits, try "(state) department on aging", or "state benefits"...
Too young? Too much money? If not for yourself, maybe for parents or relatives. As I recall, many years ago, I recall an news article that said less than 5% of eligible Illinois residents ever applied for benefits to which they were entitled.
If nothing else, almost all states offer help for seniors, in the form of local or county offices. We have called for info on homestead exemptions, house tax review, and the Illinois Senior home tax freeze, which freezes the value of the home at age 65 or on the date of purchase of the home. We figure that since the purchase of our home in 2004 that the freeze and exemption have saved us many, many thousands of dollars.
While not mentioned here, veterans' benefits are sometimes overlooked as are some Federal benefits .
http://www.eldercaredirectory.org/federal.htm
And of course the lifetime pass to 2000 National parks.. eligibility is just age 62.
It might be helpful to others if anyone can report on their own state's benefits.
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