Money Smart Main Topics

Senior Resources

If you are a senior, we have tools and resources to help you as you age.

Mid America Regional Council (MARC) Department of Aging Services

MARC Department of Aging Services has opportunities for participants, caregivers, volunteers, and others in the Kansas City, Missouri area. You can contact the MARC staff via email or telephone at 816/421-4980.

Johnson County Human Services

(913)715-8861 or (888)214-4404

The Johnson County Area Agency on Aging offers a single point of entry for services. Information & assistance specialists are available to help locate resources such as:

  • in-home services(i.e. housekeeping, attendant personal care)
  • home-delivered meals
  • transportation
  • legal assistance
  • insurance
  • housing
  • caregiver support
  • options counseling
  • insurance counseling
  • meals and socialization at neighborhood senior centers.

Aging & Accessibility Directory online  has a listing of all these resources. Contact: (913) 715-8861 or (888) 214-4404

Wyandotte County AAA

The Wyandotte County AAA has an information line at its office to assist older adults in identifying and accessing services. The database is not online.

Contact: (913) 573-8531  60plus@wycokck.org

Social Security Matters at blog.socialsecurity.gov. You can use social media to easily share these informative articles with friends and family.

We have an easy way to learn how to replace your Social Security card at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. And in many states, you can get a replacement card online at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

With our online application for retirement benefits, you can complete and submit one in as little as 15 minutes at www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/retirement.

Knowing how much money you will get in the future can help you plan your finances. Get instant, personalized estimates of your future Social Security benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Save time by applying online! Here’s a convenient way to apply for disability benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/disability.

Access our convenient publication library with online booklets and pamphlets (including audio versions) on numerous subjects at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Tired of reading? Maybe you learn better with visuals. We have informative videos on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/SocialSecurity.

One of our most popular social media outlets is our Facebook page. This is where we engage thousands of customers; you can join the conversation (and follow us) at www.facebook.com/socialsecurity.

Need answers to your Social Security related questions? Our Frequently Asked Questions page is the authoritative resource at www.socialsecurity.gov/faq.

Open your own personal my Social Security account, which will enable you to verify your earnings, get future benefit estimates, obtain benefit verification letters, update your Social Security information, and more at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

You can call us toll free at 1-800-772-1213. Social Security offers some automated services that allow people to receive service without waiting to speak to a representative. The automated services are available 24 hours a day and include some of the most popular services that people need. With automated services, you can request a benefit verification (proof of income) letter, replace a lost SSA-1099 (tax summary needed for taxes), request a replacement Medicare card, ask for form SSA-1020 to apply for help with Medicare prescription drug costs, or request an SS-5 application for a Social Security card.

Whether you use our automated services, speak to a representative by phone, use our website, or visit an office, Social Security wants to connect with you. Connection is a vital part of helping you secure your today and tomorrow. To connect with us through our automated services, visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/agency/contact/phone.html.

FDIC: Money Smart for Older Adults

Money Smart for Older Adults (MSOA) is an instructor-led training developed jointly by the FDIC and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The curriculum has been enhanced with new information and resources that allow older adults and their caregivers to make comprehensive financial decisions with confidence. Learn about common types of fraud and scams and how to prevent elder financial exploitation. Most importantly, discover ways to keep your information safe and secure through advanced planning.

We invite you to use the curriculum to teach older adults what elder financial exploitation is and why they may be at risk. MSOA is also a tool for bank-community partnerships. For example, bank staff could deliver this information in collaboration with providers of senior services or adult protective services.The curriculum covers seven topics:

  • Common Types of Elder Financial Exploitation
  • Scams Targeting Veterans
  • Identity Theft
  • Medical Identity Theft
  • Scams that Target Homeowners
  • Planning for Unexpected Life Events
  • How to Be Financially Prepared for Disasters

Financial Education Curricula For Seniors

  • Money Smart for Older Adults (MSOA) is an instructor-led training developed jointly by the FDIC and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The curriculum has been enhanced with new information and resources that allow older adults and their caregivers to make comprehensive financial decisions with confidence. Learn about common types of fraud and scams and how to prevent elder financial exploitation. Most importantly, discover ways to keep your information safe and secure through advanced planning
  • Federal Reserve System– Financial education resources searchable by grade, topic and more.
  • Econ Ed at the St. Louis Fed – Our free lesson plans, activities, and readings make it easier for you to teach economics and financial literacy. They offer flexibility and real world connections to help prepare your students with 21st century skills for college and career readiness.
  • Your Money, Your Goals – CFPB created a set of financial empowerment materials for organizations that help people meet their financial goals by increasing their knowledge, skills, and resources. Whether you’re helping people get a job, find a place to live, or deal with a legal problem, money always comes up. You can use these tools to start the conversation.
  • Citizens Bank & Trust – The tools offered here are designed to provide you with information on a number of topics, including: Mortgages, Credit Scores & Reports, Taxes, Insurance and much more!
  • Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF) has designed 12 Units that feature 65 lessons, 200 activities, over 400 curated videos, and much more! Everything we offer from Assessments and Data Crunches to Projects and Case Studies can be found organized into Units on this page. Checking, Saving, Credit, College, Budgeting, Investing, Financial Pitfalls, Career, Taxes, Insurance, and more!
  • EVERFI – Our interactive curriculum, scalable platform and in-person resources were designed not just to drive financial literacy, but financial capability.
  • Search for additional curriculum’s at Jumpstart.org.

Other Financial Education Resources

  • AARP’s Retirement Calculator has been redesigned. This financial tool has enhanced usability and accurate results. New features allow a user to develop a retirement plan for a dual-income family, and calculate and include Social Security benefits in their retirement income
  • Ballpark E$timate The American Savings Education Council’s (ASEC) Ballpark E$timate is an easy-to-use, two-page worksheet that helps you quickly identify approximately how much you need to save for retirement. The Ballpark E$timate takes complicated issues like projected Social Security benefits and earnings assumptions on savings, and turns them into language and mathematics that are easy to understand.
  • My Retirement Paycheck, a Web site offered by NEFE, encourages individuals and couples to make smart decisions about retirement.
  • Planning for Retirement is the CFPB and Social Security Administration’s tool to help consumers make informed decisions about when to claim their Social Security benefits.
  • U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration’s provides information on choosing a retirement plan for small businesses.
  • When to Take Social Security: It Pays to Wait, is a toolkit offered by the National Academy of Social Insurance that includes a three-minute video (in English and Spanish), a one-page fact sheet, and a 16-page brief to educate workers nearing retirement about the advantages of delaying their Social Security benefits beyond age 62.
  • Better Money Habits –  When it comes to your money, a little knowledge can go a long way. Choose from topics like Credit, Debt, Saving & budgeting, Home Ownership, Auto, Retirement, Privacy & security, Personal Banking, Taxes & Income, College and start exploring.
  • Hands on Banking – Financial information for seniors. Healthy financial habits can help you feel comfortable during your retirement. Learn about retirement strategies and managing your finances. You’ll also learn how to recognize and prevent elder financial abuse.
  • MyMoney – Looking for help with making the best financial choices about major life events? Use this page to locate federal brochures, publications, websites and videos that can assist. The resources provide background information, helpful guidance, and hints and tips to assist with your decisions.
  • Other senior resources –  Senior Finances on MoneySmartKC

Elder abuse can take many forms. See details on the 3 steps below at Serve Our Seniors from North American Securities Administrators AssociationThe website informs caregivers, policy makers and financial industry providers about elder abuse.

Step 1: Put the problem into focus.

Step 2: Recognize the red flags of fraud or financial exploitation.

Step 3: Report fraud! It’s free, confidential and easy.

Money Smart for Older Adults Resource Guide (FDIC and CFPB) – Valuable information to help seniors avoid being defrauded and financially abused.

8 Tips for How Seniors Can Protect Themselves from Money Scams from the National Council on Aging

AARP Elderwatch program

Crimes Against Seniors from the National Crime Prevention Council(NCPC)

Safe Banking for Seniors is an American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundation program that has a four part curriculum that bankers can access on the ABA foundation’s website.

Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting you to services for older adults and their families. Visit their website or call 1-800-677-1116.

  • Alzheimer Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center is a current, comprehensive, unbiased source of information about Alzheimer’s disease. The ADEAR Center is operated as a service of the National Institute on Aging. Phone: 1-800-438-4380
  • Cancer Information Service(CIS) is a program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), that provides the latest and most accurate cancer information to patients, their families, the public, and health professionals. Phone: 1-800-4-CANCER
  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) 1-855-411-CFPB (2372)
  • Disability.gov – Disability.gov is a comprehensive Federal website of disability-related government resources.
  • Elder Care Locator – The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that connects older adults and their caregivers with information on senior services. You can search for services by location or by topic. 1-800-677-1116
  • Food and Drug Administration FDA for Older People – FDA has numerous articles, brochures and other publications with information for older people on a wide range of health issues, including arthritis, cancer, health fraud, and nutrition. 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)
  • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) – Division of Deposit and Consumer Protection
    1100 Walnut Street, Suite 1200, KC Missouri 64106 – Email: consumeralerts@fdic.gov
  • Federal Trade Commission(FTC) – The FTC online toolkit includes a detailed guide for protecting your information, with instructions and sample letters to help identity theft victims ̶ Taking Charge: What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen. An online complaint form is available. 1/877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)
  • Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) – Find out about the broker’s background via the (FINRA) BrokerCheck. Or call the FINRA BrokerCheck Hotline. 1-800 289-9999 (BrokerCheck Hotline)
  • Go4Life – An exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH, is designed to help adults 50+ fit exercise and physical activity into your daily life.
  • GovBenefits.gov – Site is the official government benefits website. It is a free, confidential tool that helps individuals find government benefits they may be eligible to receive.
  • Guide to Long Term Care for Veterans – The Guide provides information about long term care options; home and community based, and residential care.
  • Healthfinder – Provides links to selected online publications, clearinghouses, databases, websites and support and self-help groups, as well as government agencies and nonprofit organizations for seniors and others.
  • HUD – Department of Housing and Urban Development site provides information related to housing options for seniors including information on HUD housing programs.
  • LIHEAP – Site contains general information on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
  • Medicare – The official U.S. Government site for Medicare allows you to search for physicians and other health care providers that are enrolled in Medicare. 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
  • National Center for Elder Abuse – Site provides resources on elder abuse prevention, including information on reporting a suspected case of elder abuse.
  • NIH Senior Health – National Institute of Health site provides aging-related health information easily accessible for adults 60 and over.
  • Nursing Home Compare – The primary purpose of this tool is to provide detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country.
  • Nutrition.gov – A federal resource that provides easy access to all online federal government information on nutrition.
  • National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) – This umbrella organization supports a national network of more than 600 area agencies on aging and nearly 250 Title VI Native American aging programs through advocacy, training, publications, and technical assistance. It administers the Eldercare Locator.
  • OnGuardOnline.gov – OnGuardOnline.gov is the federal government’s website to help you be safe, secure and responsible online. The FTC manages the site in partnership with 16 other federal agencies. Its resources include information on phishing.
  • Prescription Drug Programs – This section of the Medicare.gov website provides information on public and private programs that offer discounted or free medication, programs that provide assistance with other health care costs, and Medicare health plans that include prescription coverage.
  • Reverse Mortgage Information AARP provides an informative booklet regarding reverse mortgages.
  • The Senior Corp is a network of programs that tap the experience, skills, and talents of older citizens to meet community challenges. Through its three programs – Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and RSVP (the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program). Phone: 1-800-424-8867
  • Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) programs, help Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries avoid, detect, and prevent health care fraud. SMPs nationwide recruit and teach nearly 5,700 volunteers every year to help in this effort. Most SMP volunteers are both retired and Medicare beneficiaries and thus well-positioned to assist you. 1-877-808-2468
  • Social Security Administration – Phone: 1-800-772-1213
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Site provides information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, including eligibility and application information. Phone: 703-305-2286
  • Travel.State.Gov – The State Department offers travel tips and provides special tips for older Americans traveling abroad. Emergency Phone: 1-888-407-4747
  • Veterans Administration – Information on VA benefits and services. Phone: 1-800-827-1000
  • U.S. Administration on Aging contains a wide array of information on older persons and services for the elderly. Several resource rooms focusing on such topics as Alzheimer ’s disease and caregiving are available. Phone: 202-619-0724
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Look under Veterans Services for an online booklet describing the benefits that may be available. To find a list of accredited representatives, agents, and attorneys who can assist you in filing for benefits. 1-800-827-1000
  • USA.gov – The official U.S. gateway to all government information. Phone: 1-800-FED-INFO
  • Utah.gov for Seniors – Utah.gov for Seniors site helps users access all government sites that provide services for senior citizens. Phone: (801) 538-3910

United Way 211

A wide range of support, including Senior Resources, is also available available through
United Way 2-1-1

Call: (816) 474-5112 or
toll free at (866) 320-5764

Visit: United Way 2-1-1

Link for Care Caregiver Resources
Link for Care Personal Services
Link for Care Housing Options