We provide Financial Assistance to low income seniors for medically required health care costs not covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal or Private Insurance. Assistance is also provided for utility bills, rent, food, home repair and other emergency needs. Our program guidelines allow for financial assistance money to be paid directly to service providers only, and not to individual seniors directly. We highly encourage referrals from family members and other service agencies.
Criteria to Receive Assistance
1. Must be over 60 years of age and live in the Coachella Valley.
2. Assistance provided one time and limited to $500 per household per 12 month period
3. A maximum of $1,000 in assistance is allowed per household in a four year period
4. Documentation must be provided for any assistance
5. Referral must come from social services agency, healthcare provider, government agency or other qualified non-profit organization
6. If referral comes from any other source, in-home visit for verification may be required.
7. For utility assistance, the bill must be in the name of the senior client
8. For rental assistance, a 3 day quit notice must be received before assistance is given
9. For home repair, the senior client must own the home or be named on the rental agreement
10. Payment is made to service provider, not the individual client
Any exceptions to these criteria must be approved in advance by Desert Samaritans for the Elderly Program Director or the Executive Director.
1. Healthcare Providers may contact DSFTE on behalf of low-income seniors 60+ to apply for Financial Aid. If approved, the healthcare provider will receive financial aid payment in proportion to the applicant’s financial need, and the Healthcare Provider’s lowest negotiated/contracted payment schedule for services rendered. Healthcare Providers are responsible for assessing the applicant’s financial need, need for assistance, and follow-up. Healthcare Providers must provide DSFTE with all necessary supporting documentation. Financial Aid will be given to qualified Healthcare Providers only, NOT individuals. 2.Government/Non-profit organizations may contact Desert Samaritans for the Elderly on behalf of their client’s needs on a case-by-case basis. Financial Aid will be awarded to Service Providers, or Agencies/Organizations to pay for the services rendered, NOT to individuals. The agency or organization is responsible for assessing the applicant’s financial need, need for the assistance, follow-up, and provide DSFTE with all necessary supporting documentation.