office (314) 962-0760
fax (314) 962-8699
fax to email: (314) 754-2659
Christine A. Gilsinan
Attorney at Law
Information Links
Below are links to Missouri and federal sites which may be of interest
Benefits
Benefits Check Up
https://www.benefitscheckup.org/index.cfm?partner_id=58
Offers the opportunity to find and enroll in public and
private benefit programs. The site is provided by the National
Council on Aging and the U.S. Administration on Aging.
Blind Pension
http://www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/blindp.htm
Provides information and qualifications for this program
that offers financial assistance to blind persons who are not
eligible for Supplemental Aid to the Blind
Division of Assets
http://www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/spousi.htm
Information for nursing home residents and recipients of home and community based services about allocating a portion of the couple's assets to the spouse in the community, and possible additional allocation of income (MO Department of Social Services)
Food Stamp Program
http://www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/fstamp/index.htm
Eligibility requirements for assistance to low income individuals for an allotment of food benefits that help safeguard nutrition levels (MO Department of Social Services)
MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind and Disabled
http://www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/massist.htm
Provides information on medical coverage for those who meet
the criteria as well as information on spenddown
MO Veterans Commission
http://www.mvc.dps.mo.gov/
The MO Veterans Commission provides information on
services, benefits, veterans homes and eligibility.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/links_disability.htm
The SSDI program offers benefits for those who meet the medical requirements to be determined as having a disability. The Social Security Administration’s website provides applications and information on benefit requirements and services
Social Security Retirement benefits
http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/links_retirement.htm
The Social Security Administration provides information on benefits, effects of how marriage or part-time work may affect a benefit, and other frequently asked questions. This site allows for an online application and provides information on how to appeal
Supplemental Aid to the Blind
http://www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/sblind.htm
Provides information and qualifications for a program that offers financial assistance to blind individuals (MO Department of Social Services)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/links_ssi.htm
The SSI program offers benefits to disabled adults who have limited income and resources. The Social Security Administration provides information on eligibility, the benefits program and how to apply
Survivor Benefits
http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/links_survivor.htm
The Social Security Administration offers information on
how to report a death and qualifications for survivor benefits.
Employment
Employment Discrimination
http://www.dolir.mo.gov/hr/pdf_form/MCHR-09-ai.pdf
The MO Commission on Human Rights provides general
information on what constitutes employment discrimination and offers
the hotline number to register a complaint.
Employment Rights
http://moadvocacy.org/Manuals/LegalRights/Employment.pdf
The MO Protection and Advocacy provides information on
state and federal laws governing employment of persons with
disabilities.
Senior Community Service Employment Program
http://www.dhss.mo.gov/SeniorEmployment/
This program, funded through the Older Americans Act,
offers training and job placement services to low-income Americans
age 55 or older. The MO Department of Health and Senior
Services provides program coordination, oversight and maintains this
web page.
Family
Conservatorship
http://www.mobar.org/16f9d7f8-dd52-44f3-89e7-32de079a8d66.aspx
The MO Bar defines a conservator as an individual or a
corporation that has been appointed by the court to manage the
finances of a person who is disabled.
Grandfamilies
http://education.missouri.edu/orgs/parentlink/grandfamilies/about.php
This site is a part of the University of Missouri’s website
which provides information to Missouri grandparents raising
grandchildren.
Guardianship
http://www.mobar.org/16f9d7f8-dd52-44f3-89e7-32de079a8d66.aspx
A guardian is an individual that has been appointed by the
court to have custody of an person who has been found to be legally
incompetent. The Missouri Bar explains incapacity, who can be
appointed as a guardian, duties, effects of guardianship on a
person’s rights, how to initiate and termination procedures.
Public Administrators
http://www.mapainfo.org/mapa/index.cfm
A Public Administrator is an elected county official that
the probate court may appoint to serve as guardian and/or
conservator for persons the court has determined to be incapacitated
and no family or other person is available to assume this role.
More information on guardianship and conservatorship is provided on
the MO Association of Public Administrator’s website.
Financial Planning
Estate Planning
http://moadvocacy.org/Manuals/LegalRights/EstatePlanning.pdf
The MO Protection and Advocacy provides information on
several options for estate planning, including trusts, wills,
guardianship and federal and state tax consequences.
Joint Tenancy
http://www.mobar.org/af530da3-89cf-4d0e-b785-221fbf2dd8b5.aspx
The MO Bar defines joint tenancy as ownership by two or
more people that allows the right of survivorship. This
website explains the various types of tenancy, how it can be
created, advantages and limitations of joint tenancy and
alternatives.
Life Choices
http://ago.mo.gov/publications/lifechoices/lifechoices.pdf
A publication provided by the Attorney General regarding
end-of-life needs, including planning, financial considerations and
forms.
Reverse Mortgages
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hecm/rmtopten.cfm
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
explains reverse mortgages, how to qualify and apply.
Transfer on Death Vehicle Titles
http://dor.mo.gov/faq/motorv/general.php#q22
The MO Department of Revenue provides information on
transferring vehicle titles of deceased persons. Here is the
form to use.
Health and Insurance
Advance Directives and Living Wills
http://www.mobar.org/99b8baa9-d44d-4756-9b40-fcdf1dd91ceb.aspx
Statements that allow a person to indicate certain medical
treatments that they choose to be withheld or withdrawn under
certain circumstances. The MO Bar provides information
on how these documents can be made, their limitations, accessibility
and revocation.
CLAIM
http://www.missouriclaim.org/who-we-are
A nonprofit organization that provides trained volunteers
to provide free Medicare counseling in their local communities.
The website also addresses Medicare basics and contact information.
Division of Assets
http://www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/spousi.htm
Offers information for nursing home residents and recipients of home and community based services allowing a portion of the individual’s assets to be set aside for a spouse, including information on allotment of income and eligibility (MO Department of Social Services)
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
http://www.mobar.org/535a6273-a632-4566-ae96-1443851e3568.aspx
A legal document that allows a person to express their
wishes for healthcare and appoint someone to carry out those wishes
should the person become unable to direct his/her own care.
The MO Bar provides information about durable power of attorneys for
healthcare and a downloadable form.
Insurance
http://moadvocacy.org/Manuals/LegalRights/Insurance.pdf
The MO Protection and Advocacy provides information on
various types of insurance, including auto, home/property, workers
compensation, public and private health insurance and life
insurance.
Long Term Care Insurance
hhttp://www.longtermcare.gov/LTC/Main_Site/index.aspx
Information and a planning guide for long term care.
Medicaid
http://www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/msmed.htm
The program provides medical services to individuals who
meet the eligibility requirements. The MO Department of Social
Services provides information on these requirements, who
automatically qualifies, services provided and how to obtain
services.
Medicare
http://www.medicare.gov/
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides
information on Medicare eligibility, coverage, comparisons of health
and drug plans, long-term care planning, comparisons of local home
health and nursing facilities and locates medical equipment
suppliers in your area.
Medicare Advantage Plans
http://www.medicare.gov/choices/advantage.asp
The U.S. Government provides information on Medicare health
plan options and allows the comparison of coverage and limitations
of these options and other plans.
Medicare Part D
https://www.medicare.gov/navigation/medicare-basics/medicare-benefits/part-d.aspx
The U.S. Government provides information regarding Medicare
part D, including the various plans that offer drug coverage,
eligibility and enrollment.
Medicare Part D - List of Missouri Plans
http://www.medicare.gov/MPDPF/Public/Include/DataSection/Questions/MPDPFIntro.asp
The U.S. Government provides a list of drug and health
plans offered in Missouri. A specific county within the state
may be selected that will display the plans available in that area.
MO Rx
http://www.morx.mo.gov/index.htm
MO Rx is Missouri’s State Pharmacy Assistance Program which
provides prescription drug assistance by coordinating benefits with
Medicare Part D.
Nursing Homes and Other Care Options
http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/
The Department of Health and Senior Services offers
information on how to choose a nursing home, laws and regulations
governing nursing homes, and the ability to register a complaint.
Housing Issues
Housing Information
http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/states/missouri
The Missouri Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides
information on home ownership, foreclosure, renting, subsidized
housing, public housing, filing a housing discrimination complaint
and how to contact a housing counselor.
Housing Rights
http://moadvocacy.org/Manuals/LegalRights/Housing.pdf
The MO Protection and Advocacy provides information on
housing rights for persons with disabilites, including state and
federal laws, complaint procedures and subsidy programs.
Landlord/Tenant Problems
http://ago.mo.gov/publications/landlordtenant.pdf
The Attorney General provides information on the
landlord/tenant law, including the rights and responsibilities.
Information and Services
2-1-1
http://www.rtmdesigns.com/211Missouri/
A United Way program that provides information on various
social services, information and referral.
AARP, Missouri Chapter
http://www.aarp.org/states/mo/
Information on various topics of interest to Missouri
seniors.
Eldercare Locator
http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx
Assists seniors to find local agencies that can provide
home care services such as transportation, meals, in home services.
Requires zip code, city or county to search. This service is
provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging.
Home and Community Services
http://dss.mo.gov/fsd/homecb.htm
The Department of Health and Senior Services offers a
program to allow seniors and adults with disabilities to obtain
services that will allow them to remain in their home and avoid
institutionalization. General information about the program,
funding sources and how to requrest or make a referral for services
is provided on this site.
Independent Living Centers
http://www.mosilc.org/CIL.htm
The MO Statewide Independent Living Council provides a list
of independent living centers located across the state. These
centers can provide services and advocacy for MO citizens with
disabilities.
Nursing Homes and Other Care Options
http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/
The Department of Health and Senior Services offers
information on how to choose a nursing home, laws and regulations
governing nursing homes, and the ability to register a complaint.
Missouri Courts
http://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=258
Explains the three level of courts in Missouri (circuit
courts, MO Court of Appeals, and the MO Supreme Court) and divisions
within the circuit courts, including probate.
MO Veterans Commission
http://www.mvc.dps.mo.gov/
Provides information on services, benefits, veterans homes
and eligibility.
Public Administrators
http://www.mapainfo.org/mapa/index.cfm
An elected county official that the probate court may be
appointed to serve as guardian and/or conservator for persons the
court has determined to be incapacitated when no family or other
person is available to assume this role. More information on
guardianship and conservatorship is provided on the MO Association
of Public Administrator’s website.
Senior Citizen’s Handbook 18th edition
http://members.mobar.org/pdfs/senior-citizens/full.pdf
A handbook that addresses “Laws and Programs Affecting
Senior Citizens in Missouri”, including topics such as financial
assistance, healthcare, housing, consumer information, personal
planning/protection, veteran’s benefits, and resources. The
handbook is attributed to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, the
Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and the Missouri Bar
Foundation.
Social Security Administration
http://www.ssa.gov/
Offers information and application forms for retirement,
disability and survivor benefits and information on Medicare
benefits.
Protection
Check a Charity
http://ago.mo.gov/checkacharity/
Information is provided by the Attorney General on charity
organizations regarding how and where they spend their money and if
they serve Missouri residents.
Consumer Protection
http://ago.mo.gov/consumercomplaint.htm
The Attorney General allows consumer complaints to be filed
online or by mail and provides a toll-free hotline:
1-800-392-8222. The “Know MO” site provides a means of
checking on businesses prior to making purchases of goods or
services.
Elder Abuse
http://www.dhss.mo.gov/ElderAbuse/
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is
mandated to receive and investigate reports of abuse, neglect and
exploitation of seniors and adults with disabilities living in the
community or in a facility and complaints. The Elder Abuse
hotline is a toll-free number and is available to receive calls 24
hours a day, seven days a week.
1-800-392-0210
Fraud & Scams
http://ago.mo.gov/seniors.htm
The Attorney General’s Office handles cases of home repair
fraud, door-to-door sales, travel scams, telemarketing and medicaid
fraud.
Identity Theft
http://ago.mo.gov/publications/idtheft.htm
The Attorney General’s website defines identity theft,
offers suggestions for protection, how to obtain or freeze a credit
report, and what steps victims can take.
Investment/Securities Fraud
http://www.sos.mo.gov/securities/mipc/complaint.asp
The Secretary of State’s Senior Investment Fraud Unit
provides information and investigates complaints of investment
fraud. A complaint form is available at this website.
MOSAFE
http://health.mo.gov/seniors/mosafe/
The Missourians Stopping Adult Financial Exploitation
(MOSAFE) program provides education to financial institution
employees, seniors and adults with disabilities on the crime of
financial exploitation and offers tips to protect the individual’s
money.
National Do-Not-Call List
https://www.donotcall.gov/
This national list stops unwanted telemarketer calls by
allowing online sign up and complaint registration.
Missouri No Call List
http://ago.mo.gov/nocalllaw/nocalllaw.htm
The Attorney General’s No Call List helps stop unwanted
telemarkerter calls. This site allows MO citizens the
opportunity to sign up for the list or file a complaint on suspected
violations.
Missouri Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
http://health.mo.gov/seniors/ombudsman/index.php
Volunteers work with seniors in nursing homes and
residential care facilities to address their complaints or problems.
Safe At Home
http://www.sos.mo.gov/SafeAtHome/about.asp
This program offered through the Secretary of State’s Office assists victims of domestic violence or sexual assault by providing a designated address that a victim can use for court and other public and private agencies that will limit an assailant’s ability to discover the current location of the victim.
Rights
Crime Victim’s Rights
http://ago.mo.gov/crimevictims/
Crime victim’s rights and notification rights are provided
on the Attorney General’s website.
General Legal Rights of Persons with Disabilities
http://moadvocacy.org/Manuals/LegalRights/GeneralLegalRights.pdf
The MO Protection and Advocacy discusses the Americans with
Disabilities Act and the various rights granted under the Act.
Institutionalized Persons
http://moadvocacy.org/Manuals/LegalRights/RightsForInstitutionalized.pdf
The MO Protection and Advocacy offers
information on the rights of institutionalzied persons, including
rights under state and federal laws and involuntary commitments.
Nursing Home Residents Rights http://www.iqnursinghomes.com/nursing-home-resident-rights.html
Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities
have certain legal rights. This website explains these rights
and provides the opportunity to check deficiency reports on all
Missouri facilities.
Voting Information
http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/s_default.asp?id=voting
The Secretary of State offers information on eligibility,
the Voter’s Bill of Rights, acceptable forms of required ID,
absentee voting, and offers the ability to register online.
Tax Assistance
AARP Tax Aide
http://www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/searchTaxAideLocations.action
Offers free assistance with preparing basic tax forms.
The nearest Tax Aide site can be located from this website.
Assistance is offered over the phone, through the internet or at a
local site.
Circuit Breaker
http://dor.mo.gov/tax/personal/ptc/
(Property Tax Credit for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities)
The Missouri Department of Revenue provides information on
real estate or rent tax credit that is given to seniors and adults
that are 100% disabled, including qualifications and what
documentation is needed.
Taxpayer Advocate
http://www.irs.gov/advocate/article/0,,id=212313,00.html
An independent organization within the Internal Revenue
Service provides assistance to individual taxpayers with questions
and helps them to resolve problems with the IRS.
Related resources
One of the finest, and most informative, elder law sites is the web
page of Robert Fleming, CELA and CAP. You could get lost for
hours, but you will have learned so much.
Fleming & Curti, LLP
